Subject
Generals -- Fiction Books
Best books
Gaston Leroux
The Secret of the Night
"The Secret of the Night" by Gaston Leroux is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story appears to unveil a tale of mystery and intrigue that revolves around General Trebassof, a figure embroiled in the tensions of revolutionary Russia, and the imminent threats against his life. The narrative introduces key characters such as Matrena Petrovna, the general's protective wife, and Joseph Rouletabille, a young reporter sent to investigate the dark circumstances surrounding the general’s fate. At the start of the novel, we meet Matrena Petrovna, who is deeply concerned for her husband’s safety following previous assassination attempts. The atmosphere is charged with tension as she prepares to receive a young stranger, Rouletabille, who has come to aid in the investigation. The opening reveals a family struggling with secrets, danger, and the burdens of loyalty, while the ominous presence of the police highlights the perilous environment in which they exist. As Matrena explains the series of attacks on her husband, the reader is immediately pulled into a web of suspense that tests the bonds of family and the desperation of survival amid political chaos.
Thomas Dixon
The Man in Gray: A Romance of North and South
"The Man in Gray: A Romance of North and South" by Thomas Dixon is a historical novel likely written during the late 19th century. The narrative centers around significant historical figures and events surrounding the American Civil War, exploring themes of Southern identity, family, and the institution of slavery through the lives of the characters, including Colonel Robert E. Lee and his family, as well as the enslaved individuals on the plantation. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene at Arlington as preparations are underway for a festive ball in honor of the departing cadets, including Custis Lee, son of Robert E. Lee. As the celebration unfolds, the atmosphere is filled with youthful exuberance and Southern charm, juxtaposed with deeper discussions about the contentious issue of slavery and the looming tensions between North and South. Key characters such as Custis and his friends interact in a lighthearted manner, while Colonel Lee finds himself confronted with the harsh realities of the political turmoil of the time, particularly regarding the impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s "Uncle Tom's Cabin." This blend of personal and political narrative sets the stage for a complex exploration of the historical context, morality, and Southern pride.
Harriet Martineau
The Hour and the Man, An Historical Romance
"The Hour and the Man: An Historical Romance" by Harriet Martineau is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative centers on Pierre Dominique Toussaint l'Ouverture, a significant figure in the Haitian Revolution, and explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and the complexities of loyalty during a tumultuous time in history. The novel aims to portray the challenges faced by Toussaint, indicating his moral dilemmas and interactions as he navigates a society on the brink of upheaval. The opening portion of the book sets the stage in Saint Domingo during a particularly oppressive August evening in 1791. It introduces Toussaint and his family, who are waiting for the arrival of a friend, Jean. Tension builds as they observe multiple fires in the distance, which signify the start of a rebellion against the oppressive colonial regime. Toussaint grapples with the moral implications of the insurrection, expressing concern for the consequences of violence against their former masters. As conflicts arise with the looming insurrection, the narrative unfolds to reveal the dichotomy between the revolutionary fervor of the blacks and the anxieties of the white plantation owners, foreshadowing the larger rebellion that will engulf the entire colony.
Keith Laumer
Doorstep
"Doorstep" by Keith Laumer is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around an unidentified massive object that has landed in a rural area, prompting military and scientific investigations. The story explores themes of misunderstanding and consequence in the face of the unknown. In "Doorstep," Brigadier General Straut is in charge of handling the mysterious object, which has provoked a mixture of fear and intrigue among his men. As he assesses the situation, an unexpected series of events leads to casualties, heightening the tension. A professor urges caution, believing that the creature within the object poses no threat, but Straut, eager for recognition and fearful for the surrounding civilians, opts for aggressive action. After a bombardment that seemingly invalidates the threat, a final communication reveals that the object is actually a plea from an extraterrestrial asking for care for its daughter, turning the perceived threat into a poignant moment of realization and regret.
M. C. Pease
Generals Help Themselves
"Generals Help Themselves" by M. C. Pease is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic setting amidst intense military and political conflict, particularly focusing on the struggles between the Federation and the Combine of Jupiterian Satellite States. The book primarily centers on military strategy and the use of advanced technology in space warfare, highlighting themes of hope, desperation, and leadership during crisis. The plot follows Commander Stanley Morgan, who is unexpectedly placed in charge of Base Q, a crucial asteroid command station for the Federation's space fleet. Amidst rising tensions and impending doom, the Federation is on the brink of conceding power to the Combine after a shocking defeat on Venus. As the Commander prepares for an incoming fleet of enemy dreadnoughts, he defies orders by launching an unprecedented preemptive strike under Plan K, an innovative approach to warfare that leverages advanced computation and tactics. Through courage and strategic ingenuity, Morgan leads a successful offensive that not only turns the tide of battle but also rekindles hope among the populace, showcasing the resilience of humanity in the face of tyranny.
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