Subject
French -- England -- Fiction Books
Best books
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 20
"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 20" by Stevenson is a collection of literary works likely compiled in the early 20th century. This volume primarily features "St. Ives," which tells the story of a French prisoner during the Napoleonic Wars, detailing his experiences and interactions while imprisoned in Edinburgh. The narrative navigates themes of honor, identity, and affection, particularly involving the protagonist's encounters with the young lady Flora. At the start of "St. Ives," we are introduced to the main character, a French soldier captured and imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle. Despite the difficult circumstances, he finds solace in his ability to connect with the officers and other prisoners, engaging in activities that ease his captivity. He recounts how his proficiency in English aids him in forming relationships, one of them being with a noble and spirited young woman named Flora, who often visits the prison. The protagonist is captivated by her beauty, leading to the development of a romantic plotline intertwined with the challenges faced within the prison's walls. The opening chapters set up a suspenseful atmosphere of longing and rivalry, foreshadowing the complex relationships and conflicts that will unfold.
D. K. (Dorothy Kathleen) Broster
The Vision Splendid
"The Vision Splendid" by D. K. Broster and G. Winifred Taylor is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of early 19th century England, the story revolves around the life of Horatia Grenville, a well-educated yet unmarried woman navigating societal expectations and personal aspirations. The narrative unfolds in her picturesque garden, where she grapples with her desire for intellectual fulfillment while contending with the pressures of marriage and domesticity. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Horatia as she enjoys her summer afternoon, ostensibly reading Plato, yet lost in her thoughts about the roles women play in society. We learn about her unconventional upbringing as a parson's daughter and her aversion to societal norms that expect women to prioritize marriage over personal ambition. Encounters with Tristram Hungerford, a family friend who has proposed to her in the past, set the tone for a deepening relationship fraught with unspoken feelings. The narrative hints at emerging tensions as societal currents of the period shift, blending themes of individual desire with the expectations of family and society.
Robert Louis Stevenson
St. Ives: Being the Adventures of a French Prisoner in England
"St. Ives: Being the Adventures of a French Prisoner in England" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story follows the experiences of the protagonist, Anne de Keroual de St. Yves, a French soldier who becomes a prisoner during the Napoleonic Wars. The narrative revolves around his life in an Edinburgh prison, where he navigates the complexities of captivity, interacts with fellow prisoners, and forms a budding romance with a young Englishwoman named Flora. The opening of "St. Ives" introduces the protagonist as he reflects on his situation after being captured and imprisoned. Through his observations of the other prisoners and life in the castle, he reveals a balance of humor and despair, highlighting the absurdity of his circumstances. His interactions with the English officers, his attempts to maintain a sense of dignity, and the camaraderie developed among the imprisoned soldiers shape his character. In particular, his infatuation with Flora, a young woman who visits the prison, becomes a central theme, illustrating the conflict between his noble birth and the humiliation of his current status. The beginning sets the stage for a tale of resilience, love, and the quest for identity amidst adversity.
Anne Douglas Sedgwick
The Little French Girl
"The Little French Girl" by Anne Douglas Sedgwick is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Alix, a young French girl navigating her new life in England after leaving her beloved home in Montarel, France. As she adapts to her surroundings, connections to her past and the impact of her family's history shape her experiences and emotions. The opening of the novel introduces Alix waiting at a station in a cold, foggy England, reflecting on her previous life filled with warmth and beauty in Montarel. She is anxious and alone, having just traveled from France, and is apprehensive about meeting the family of Captain Owen, a deceased family friend. Through her memories, we learn about her close connection to her mother and grandfather, the feel of her home, and the burdens of loss and change she carries with her. The narrative deftly juxtaposes Alix's nostalgia for her life in France with the unfamiliarity and challenges she faces in England, setting the stage for her journey of self-discovery and adaptation.
Booth Tarkington
Monsieur Beaucaire
"Monsieur Beaucaire" by Booth Tarkington is a short novel first published in 1900. Set in 18th-century Bath, it follows a French barber who blackmails the Duke of Winterset into introducing him to high society as a nobleman. Winning the affections of Lady Mary Carlisle, the beautiful "Beauty of Bath," he navigates duels and deception until a violent encounter exposes his true identity. But Beaucaire harbors secrets that could transform everything about his disgrace and redemption.
J. Storer (Joseph Storer) Clouston
The Adventures of M. D'Haricot
"The Adventures of M. D'Haricot" by J. Storer Clouston is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the escapades of the protagonist, the Frenchman M. D'Haricot, who finds himself in England as a fugitive after failing in a royalist conspiracy in France. As he navigates his new environment, M. D'Haricot's experiences are interwoven with humor and social commentary on the English way of life. At the start of the narrative, M. D'Haricot reflects on his emotions while traveling away from France and entering England. He describes his sad demeanor despite the beauty of the English countryside, revealing that he is a political refugee and a member of a failed conspiracy group. The opening scene unfolds in a train carriage as he observes his surroundings and engages in a tentative conversation with a British traveler, which captures his culture shock and initial distrust of his environment. M. D'Haricot's journey introduces us to his complex character, and sets the stage for the comedic and often poignant adventures that follow in this foreign land.
George Gibbs
The Love of Monsieur
"The Love of Monsieur" by George Gibbs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a historical context, revolving around themes of nobility, rivalry, and love against the backdrop of 17th-century England and France. The novel follows the character Monsieur Mornay, a French chevalier entangled in a web of political intrigue and romantic complications, particularly involving Mistress Barbara Clerke. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Monsieur Mornay's controversial reputation as a charming yet reckless figure who often finds himself at the center of conflict and competition between various English gentlemen. As he engages in dialogue with Captain Cornbury and others at the Fleece Tavern, we see Mornay's conflicting persona as both a daring adventurer and a man burdened by his past. The narrative captures the tension between characters and hints at Mornay’s complicated relationship with Mistress Barbara Clerke, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of love and jealousy intertwined with themes of class and honor.
Booth Tarkington
Parturi ja prinssi
"Parturi ja prinssi" by Booth Tarkington is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a clever Frenchman, Monsieur Beaucaire, who navigates through the high society of Bath, England, disguising himself as an aristocrat while taking cunning steps against a nobleman, the Duke. The book explores themes of identity, deception, and social status, particularly focusing on the interactions between Beaucaire and the English elite. The opening of the book introduces us to a tense scene where Beaucaire confronts the Duke after catching him cheating at cards. The dialogue is sharp and witty, showcasing Beaucaire's grace under pressure as he leverages his intellect to gain the upper hand, all while maintaining a facade of respectability. As the narrative unfolds, we see his plans to infiltrate the elite society and win the heart of lady Mary Carlisle, which is established as one of his motivations. The setting of Bath serves as a backdrop where societal ideals clash, and Beaucaire's dual identity becomes a central conflict, laying the groundwork for a story rich with humor and intrigue.
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