Subject
Ghosts -- Fiction Books
Best books
Washington Irving
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving is a short story written in 1820. Set in 1790 in a secluded glen near Tarrytown, it follows Ichabod Crane, a superstitious schoolmaster who competes with local rowdy Brom Bones for the affections of wealthy Katrina Van Tassel. After a harvest party filled with ghost stories about a Headless Horseman, Ichabod encounters a terrifying cloaked rider on his journey home. The next morning, he has vanished, leaving only mysterious clues behind.
Oscar Wilde
The Canterville Ghost
"The Canterville Ghost" by Oscar Wilde is a humorous short story published in 1887. When an American family moves into a haunted English castle, they refuse to be frightened by its resident ghost, Sir Simon de Canterville. Armed with stain remover and practical solutions, the Otises respond to supernatural terrors with cheerful pragmatism, leaving the centuries-old ghost increasingly humiliated. Only young Virginia sees beyond the comedy to understand the tragic spirit's desperate need for peace and redemption.
Robert Barr
From Whose Bourne
"From Whose Bourne" by Robert Barr is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story centers around William Brenton, who unexpectedly finds himself deceased after a seemingly normal Christmas Eve dinner with his wife, Alice, and friends. The narrative explores themes of life after death as Brenton grapples with his new existence in the spirit world and his attempts to understand the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise while navigating the emotional turmoil of seeing his wife accused of his murder. The opening of the story introduces William Brenton as he excuses himself from the gathering and goes upstairs, where he soon falls into a dreamlike state. This unsettling dream transitions into a surreal experience where he observes his own lifeless body and learns from a mysterious figure that he is dead. As Brenton comes to terms with his new reality, he is drawn back to the events leading to his death and is horrified to discover that his wife has been arrested for his murder. The initial chapters establish a captivating premise of the afterlife intertwined with mystery, engaging the reader in Brenton's journey as he seeks both clarity and resolution for the chaos left behind.
George MacDonald
Donal Grant
"Donal Grant" by George MacDonald is a novel written in the early 20th century, reflecting the author’s interest in philosophy and the nature of human existence. The narrative follows the character of Donal Grant, a humble and introspective young man embarking on a journey after leaving his home in search of purpose and fulfillment. The themes of faith, self-discovery, and the struggle between earthly desires and spiritual aspirations are woven into his explorations. At the start of the novel, Donal is portrayed as a carefree youth, simply enjoying the beauty of nature while contemplating his new path. As he makes his way barefoot down the hillside, he reflects on his past and the emotional turmoil he is leaving behind, suggesting a significant life transition. His internal dialogue reveals a desire to adapt and find strength despite the absence of material wealth. Along the way, Donal encounters various characters, including a kind woman who offers him milk and a contemplative cobbler who becomes a friend. Their brief interactions hint at the rich tapestry of human experiences and relationships he will explore throughout his journey. The opening sets the tone for Donal's quest for identity and belonging within the broader landscape of life's challenges.
Julia Frankau
Twilight
"Twilight" by Frank Danby is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a woman recovering from illness who retreats to a small house called Carbies in Pineland. As she navigates her solitude and physical health, she becomes embroiled in the memories and past of the house's former occupant, Margaret Capel, which leads her to want to write Margaret's story intertwined with her own experiences. At the start of the novel, the protagonist, suffering from neuritis, relocates to the seemingly quaint house in search of solitude to escape well-meaning acquaintances. She is immediately confronted with the presence of Margaret Capel, a former resident whose ghostly essence captivates her. The opening details her first interactions with a local doctor, Dr. Kennedy, who brings up Margaret, hinting at a deeper story lurking beneath the surface of both their lives. This entanglement with Margaret’s memory and the protagonist’s quest for authenticity in her writing begins to shape the narrative, creating an atmosphere filled with intrigue and reflection on life, love, and the artistic process.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Other Tales and Sketches (From: "The Doliver Romance and Other Pieces: Tales and Sketches")
"Other Tales and Sketches by Nathaniel Hawthorne" is a collection of literary works that includes various essays and short stories authored by Nathaniel Hawthorne, a prominent American writer of the 19th century. Written during the early to mid-19th century, this collection reflects themes common to the Romantic period, where the romantic idealism often intersects with darker elements of human experience. The works delve into human emotions, morality, and the complexities of life, often exhibiting a sense of nostalgia and exploration of the supernatural elements coexisting with nature. The three main pieces in this collection include "My Visit to Niagara," where the author recounts his personal experiences and reflections about the beauty and complexity of Niagara Falls, illustrating feelings of anticipation, awe, and eventual disappointment. In "The Antique Ring," a tale interweaved with themes of love, memory, and the power of storytelling, Hawthorne presents a scenario where a young man is challenged to create a legend surrounding an antique ring, which leads to an exploration of fidelity and the impact of history. Finally, "Graves and Goblins" takes a more introspective approach, discussing the musings of a ghostly narrator who reflects on mortality, the essence of love, and the restless spirits tied to their graves. Overall, Hawthorne's collection offers rich psychological depth and philosophical inquiry into the human condition, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in classic American literature.
Ray Bradbury
Asleep in Armageddon
"Asleep in Armageddon" by Ray Bradbury is a science fiction short story set in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around a space traveler, Leonard Sale, who crash-lands on a seemingly tranquil planetoid after an accident in space. The story explores themes of isolation, the nature of consciousness, and the haunting specters of war that resonate within Sale's mind as he grapples with his impending rescue and the psychological turmoil from being trapped with ancient warrior spirits. The plot delves into Sale’s battle against the encroaching insanity brought on by sleep deprivation and the haunting voices of two ancient warriors, Iorr and Tylle, who seek to use his consciousness to relive their own eternal conflict. As Sale fights to stay awake, the story captures his descent into madness, illuminated by his interactions with the voices symbolizing humanity's violent past, ultimately leading to a tragic climax when he succumbs to sleep just as rescue arrives. In the end, the chilling irony of his fate underscores the profound psychological horror that mirrors the larger themes of war and human suffering that permeate Bradbury's work.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
An Old Woman's Tale (From: "The Doliver Romance and Other Pieces: Tales and Sketches")
"An Old Woman's Tale" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a short story that falls within the genre of fictional narrative, likely written in the early to mid-19th century, a period characterized by Romanticism and an interest in exploring psychological depth through storytelling. The tale revolves around the recollections of a narrator about an elderly woman from their childhood, who spins intricate stories steeped in memory and imagination, addressing themes of nostalgia, community, and the passage of time. The story follows a young couple, David and Esther, who experience a peculiar slumber alongside their village, stirring vast memories and a gathering of their ancestors and community members from the past. As they sit together in a grove, they notice a myriad of familiar yet strange figures appearing in their village, engaged in various activities, dressed in old-fashioned attire. Each character is imbued with a sense of history and connection to the past, juxtaposing David and Esther’s present as they slowly grasp the surreal nature of their experience. The narrative culminates with David's determination to unearth a mystery suggested by their dream, reflecting the theme of exploration and the intertwining of past and present.
Oscar Wilde
Il fantasma di Canterville e il delitto di Lord Savile
"Il fantasma di Canterville e il delitto di Lord Savile" by Oscar Wilde is a collection of short stories published in 1891. This volume presents semi-comic mystery tales where the supernatural meets the mundane in unexpected ways. A nobleman discovers his destiny is murder before marriage. An American family confronts a centuries-old ghost who finds them more troublesome than terrifying. A mysterious woman guards secrets that may not exist. A generous act of charity transforms a poor man's fortune. Wilde weaves irony and wit through stories where appearances deceive and outcomes surprise.
David Belasco
The Return of Peter Grimm Novelised From the Play
"The Return of Peter Grimm" by David Belasco is a novel that appears to be adapted from a play, written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of afterlife, love, and the interrelations within family dynamics, centering around the character of Peter Grimm, a bachelor and owner of a botanical garden, and his close-knit relationships with the people around him, including his young wards and employees. The opening of the tale introduces us to the setting of Grimm Manor through the eyes of a young boy named Willem, who is delivering flowers on behalf of Peter Grimm. We learn about Peter's tradition of giving flowers to train passengers, which serves to illustrate his character as a generous and beloved figure in the community. As Willem interacts with the passengers and reflects on his longing for companionship and family, we see hints of deeper tensions, particularly regarding relationships and expectations surrounding love and marriage. The dynamic between Peter, Willem, and other residents, such as the young secretary Jim Hartmann and the alluring Kathrien, sets the stage for exploring Peter's inevitable fate and the bonds of love that transcend life itself.
H. A. Hartzell
Death and Taxes
"Death and Taxes" by H. A. Hartzell is a light-hearted fantasy novel written in the early 1960s. The book explores themes of financial struggles against a backdrop of whimsical supernatural elements, centering on the impending demolition of a historic lighthouse and the humorous ramifications it has on both the living and the dead, particularly focusing on a ghostly sailor. The story revolves around Jerry Masterson, an artist facing financial difficulties due to unpaid taxes, who unexpectedly encounters the ghost of Captain Wully MacGreggor. As Wully seeks to avoid homelessness after the lighthouse's destruction, he inadvertently influences Jerry’s artistic endeavors, leading to unexpected success when Jerry’s paintings start being recognized for their unique charm. Alongside his supernatural adventures with Wully and a captivating love interest, Heather Higgins, Jerry learns about creativity, the value of history, and the amusing chaos that ensues when spirits mingle with the everyday lives of mortals. Ultimately, the novel combines humor, romance, and the fantastical in a narrative that underscores the often absurd relationship between death and financial worries.
Weymer Jay Mills
The ghosts of their ancestors
"The Ghosts of Their Ancestors" by Weymer Jay Mills is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically during the early 1900s. This historical fiction explores themes of family pride, social class, and romance set against the backdrop of early American society, particularly through the lens of the Knickerbocker family. The story intricately weaves the connections between past generations and contemporary conflicts, emphasizing how ancestral legacies affect the present. The narrative centers around Patricia Knickerbocker, a young woman caught between her family's strict expectations and her own desires, particularly in her love for Richard Sheridan, a man of lesser social standing. As the story unfolds, the tensions between family obligations and personal happiness lead to conflicts, notably with her father, Jonathan Knickerbocker, who prioritizes family dignity above all else. The arrival of ancestral ghosts brings an element of the supernatural, allowing the characters to confront their lineage's impacts and reevaluate their current lives. Ultimately, the book balances themes of rebellion against tradition with the realization that love transcends past grievances, culminating in a heartfelt resolution that champions individual happiness over societal expectations.
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