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Geneva (Switzerland) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Joseph Conrad
Under Western Eyes
"Under Western Eyes" by Joseph Conrad is a novel published in 1911. Set in St. Petersburg and Geneva, it follows Razumov, a solitary Russian student whose carefully planned future unravels when a fellow student involves him in a political assassination. Forced to make an impossible choice between betrayal and survival, Razumov becomes entangled with revolutionaries and the victim's idealistic sister. Conrad's cynical exploration of revolutionary idealism, autocratic power, and moral isolation stands as his response to Dostoevsky and his own conflicted past.
Henry James
The Pension Beaurepas
"The Pension Beaurepas" by Henry James is a novel written during the late 19th century that explores themes of human nature and social interactions within a boarding house setting. The story is narrated from the perspective of an unnamed young American who has come to Geneva, drawn by a desire to observe and understand people, inspired by literary figures like Stendhal and Balzac. The primary focus revolves around his experiences at the Pension Beaurepas and the colorful array of characters he encounters, including the proprietors, Madame Beaurepas and her niece, and various eccentric boarders. The opening of the novel introduces the narrator as he settles into the Pension Beaurepas, noting its humble yet charming ambiance and the practical nature of its elderly landlady. Through his eyes, we meet other residents: an old Frenchman and a young American, as well as a new arrival who exudes airs of gentility. The narrator's observations highlight the dynamics of boarding-house life, marked by social interactions and the personal quirks of its inhabitants, as he grapples with the blend of comfort, simplicity, and underlying tensions among the diverse characters, particularly the Ruck family, who appear to embody the tensions between American and European sensibilities. Overall, it sets the stage for a social critique wrapped in the nuances of personal relationships.
B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon
The House of the White Shadows
"The House of the White Shadows" by B. L. Farjeon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a murder trial that captivates the city of Geneva, centering on Gautran, a woodman accused of murdering a flower-girl named Madeline. As the trial unfolds, themes of love, jealousy, and class struggle emerge, particularly through the character of the renowned Advocate who takes on Gautran's defense. The opening of the novel sets a tense atmosphere, highlighting the excitement in Geneva over the impending trial of Gautran, the brutal suspicion that surrounds him, and the tragic fate of Madeline. We are introduced to the dynamics of their relationship, revealing Gautran’s possessiveness and jealousy, and the societal backdrop that complicates these themes. The narrative hints at deeper secrets involving Madeline’s past and her protector, Pauline, creating an intricate web of intrigue. In parallel, the arrival of the Advocate and his wife at the enigmatic House of White Shadows sets the stage for a story that will intertwine their lives with the criminal case, suggesting a journey into the mysteries and moral dilemmas surrounding justice and personal redemption.
Rose Macaulay
Mystery at Geneva: An Improbable Tale of Singular Happenings
"Mystery at Geneva: An Improbable Tale of Singular Happenings" by Rose Macaulay is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of an imaginary session of the League of Nations Assembly, it features Henry, a disillusioned newspaper correspondent, as the protagonist. The narrative touches upon themes of political intrigue, cynicism towards authority, and the complex relationships among delegates in a fraught international setting, promising readers an engaging mix of mystery and societal critique. The opening of the story introduces Henry Beechtree, who is portrayed as a disenchanted journalist for a revolutionary publication. As he navigates the run-down corners of Geneva, he observes the bustling arrival of delegates at the League of Nations Assembly, contrasting their privilege with his own grim lodging situation. Through Henry’s eyes, the reader gains insight into the dynamics of the Assembly, the colorful array of international representatives, and the undercurrents of tension among them. His growing suspicion of foul play regarding the sudden disappearance of Dr. Svensen, a prominent delegate, sets the stage for intrigue, as Henry starts to connect the dots between the potential motives of various factions involved in the Assembly. The narrative teases the unraveling of dark secrets and political machinations, engaging the reader with both the mystery at hand and the explorative character of its protagonist.
William John Locke
A Study In Shadows
"A Study In Shadows" by William John Locke is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Felicia Graves, a young English woman grappling with her identity and feelings of isolation while residing in the dreary Pension Boccard in Geneva. Surrounded by a diverse group of lonely women, Felicia's sheltered worldview is challenged as she confronts the complexities and sorrows of their lives. At the start of the book, Felicia is portrayed as a naive girl, having recently lost her parents and sent to live in the Pension Boccard by her well-meaning relatives. She becomes intrigued and alarmed by the six women who share her table, each of whom possesses tales of loneliness and past disappointments. Felicia's interactions reveal her initial ignorance of darker aspects of life, her yearning for connection, and a burgeoning friendship with Mrs. Stapleton, an older widow who understands the challenges of life's failures. As the setting shifts to the expectations of summer, new dynamics emerge with the anticipation of Raine Chetwynd, the old professor’s son, hinting at future complexities in Felicia's emotional journey.
Deborah Alcock
Calvinin aikoina
"Calvinin aikoina" by Deborah Alcock is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the context of the Protestant Reformation, focusing on the lives of individuals in Geneva during this tumultuous period. Key characters include Claudine, a nun, and her brother Ami Berthelier, who navigate the shifting societal and religious landscapes as the Reformation takes hold. The opening portion of the novel introduces us to the St. Clair nuns as they exit their convent in Geneva amidst the fervor of the Reformation. The scene is charged with tension as the town's citizens gather, demonstrating a mixture of respect and disdain for the departing nuns. Amidst the crowd, Claudine receives a surprise visit from her brother Ami, who confronts her about leaving the convent. Their emotional exchange delves into the themes of familial bonds, faith, and the struggle between past commitments and new realities. This initial chapter sets the stage for the unfolding drama of personal and societal conflict during a critical moment in religious history.
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