Subject
Happiness -- Fiction Books
Best books
Samuel Johnson
Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia
"Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia" by Samuel Johnson is a philosophical tale published in 1759. Prince Rasselas, fourth son of the King of Abyssinia, lives confined in the beautiful Happy Valley until his turn for the throne arrives. Growing weary of artificial pleasures, he escapes with his sister Nekayah, her attendant Pekuah, and the philosopher Imlac to search for true happiness in the wider world. Their journey through Egypt exposes them to various walks of life and adventures, each revealing new insights about human existence and the elusive nature of contentment.
Jules Verne
Les tribulations d'un chinois en Chine
"Les tribulations d'un chinois en Chine" by Jules Verne is an adventure novel published in 1879. Kin-Fo, a wealthy young Chinese man indifferent to life, believes himself ruined and asks his philosopher friend Wang to kill him within a set deadline, hoping to finally feel emotion through fear. When Kin-Fo discovers he isn't ruined after all, he desperately wants to live—but Wang has vanished, and Kin-Fo must chase him across China to cancel his own death sentence.
John Bennett
Madame Margot: A grotesque legend of old Charleston
"Madame Margot: A grotesque legend of old Charleston" by John Bennett is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. This piece presents a richly layered narrative steeped in the beauty and complexities of old Charleston society, vividly portraying the life and tribulations of its titular character, Madame Margot, and her daughter Gabrielle. The story explores themes of love, beauty, desire, and the consequences of choices made in pursuit of these ideals. The narrative unfolds through the character of Margot Lagoux, a once-celebrated milliner known for her stunning beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. Margot's life becomes increasingly intertwined with her daughter's plight as Gabrielle, who embodies an ethereal beauty that captivates all around her, slowly finds herself drawn to love despite her mother's desperate attempts to shield her from its devastating consequences. The tension between their desires and fears ultimately leads to tragedy, driven by Margot's pact with darker forces to preserve Gabrielle's innocence. As the story progresses, Margot's obsession with controlling fate for her daughter culminates in their shared downfall, illustrating the dark ramifications of beauty and desire within a richly detailed backdrop of Charleston's past.
Unknown
The Search After Hapiness [sic]: A Tale
"The Search After Happiness" by Charlotte Brontë is a tale that can be classified as a philosophical narrative or allegorical fiction, likely penned in the early 19th century during the Victorian era. This story revolves around themes of existential inquiry, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness, focusing on the character Henry O'Donell and his journey away from his home in search of deeper fulfillment. The plot follows O'Donell as he decides to leave his prosperous and respected life behind due to feelings of discontent and unhappiness. After a quarrel in the royal court, he embarks on a quest accompanied by Alexander Delancy, whom he meets during his travels. Together, they venture through various landscapes, including a mystical forest and a desolate land, where they eventually find solace in a cave. Over the years, they live blissfully until Delancy mysteriously disappears. Heartbroken, O'Donell wishes to reunite with his past life and, after encountering a powerful spirit who grants him a second chance, he returns to his homeland. In the end, he rediscovers joy and companionship as he reunites with Delancy, illustrating that the pursuit of happiness often leads not only outward but also inward.
Stephen Marlowe
Excitement for sale
"Excitement for Sale" by Stephen Marlowe is a short story that revolves around the themes of desire, transformation, and the nature of happiness. Written in the mid-20th century, the narrative captures a moment in the lives of suburban housewives, emphasizing their yearnings for adventure and excitement outside the bounds of their mundane domestic lives. The plot hinges on a peculiar salesman who claims to sell happiness tailored to the desires of women, presenting a fantastical twist on the conventional sales pitch. In the story, Mary-Jean, a typical housewife feeling trapped in her routine, encounters a mysterious peddler who offers her the chance to experience the thrill and beauty she craves. After applying a "happiness balm" from the peddler’s suitcase, she undergoes a miraculous transformation into the alluring Jeanne-Marie. This new persona embarks on an adventurous night out, only to find herself entangled with a fugitive, leading to a high-stakes encounter and a self-revelation. Ultimately, Mary-Jean must confront the implications of her newfound identity and the bittersweet nature of change, culminating in her decision to return to her ordinary life, enriched by her extraordinary experience. The story serves as both a critique and an exploration of the desires that dwell within the hearts of those confined by societal expectations.
A. S. M. (Arthur Stuart-Menteth) Hutchinson
The Clean Heart
"The Clean Heart" by A. S. M. Hutchinson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Philip Wriford, a thirty-year-old man who is perceived as one of the lucky ones due to his success in life and career. However, beneath this façade, Wriford grapples with an inner turmoil that hints at deeper issues regarding his mental health and personal relationships. The opening of the novel introduces us to Mr. Wriford during a visit to Brida, a woman he has feelings for but struggles to connect with meaningfully. The dialogue reveals his apprehensions and the weight he feels from his emotional state, portraying him as a complex character oscillating between despair and a desire for genuine connection. As he leaves Brida's flat, we see him reflect on his struggles with self-identity, the chaos in his mind, and his deep-seated fears about his mental well-being. This sets the stage for an exploration of Wriford's internal conflicts, which are likely to unfold throughout the narrative.
Jules Verne
Les tribulations d'un chinois en Chine
"Les tribulations d'un chinois en Chine" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1879. Kin-Fo, a wealthy young Chinese man indifferent to life, believes himself ruined and asks his philosopher friend Wang to kill him within a set timeframe, hoping to finally feel emotion through fear of death. When Kin-Fo discovers he isn't ruined after all, Wang has vanished. Now desperately wanting to live, Kin-Fo must chase Wang across China to cancel his own death sentence.
April Smith
Birthright
"Birthright" by April Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s. The story focuses on Cyril Kirk, a newly appointed Planetary Administrator sent to the seemingly unremarkable and primitive planet of Nemar, which is located at the outer reaches of the galaxy. The novel explores themes of societal values, personal ambition, and the quest for happiness within a backdrop of cultural contrasts between advanced and primitive civilizations. The narrative follows Kirk as he struggles with feelings of humiliation and confusion regarding his assignment to a planet that he perceives as beneath him. As he interacts with the charming and easygoing Nemarians, he grapples with his preconceived notions about progress and civilization. Throughout his time on Nemar, Kirk discovers the depth of its people and their society, which values happiness, love, and connection over material success. As he immerses himself in their lifestyle, he undergoes a transformation, ultimately seeking to find meaning within both himself and the culture he once viewed with disdain. The story culminates in Kirk's realization that true worth lies not in external achievement but in the joy of living and the bonds between individuals.
Anatole France
Paita
"Paita" by Anatole France is a satirical novel likely written in the late 19th century. It presents a whimsical exploration of the nature of happiness, focusing on characters like King Kristoffer V, who struggles with his own sense of fulfillment amid royal duties and societal expectations. The narrative blends humor with philosophical reflections, discussing the elusive concept of happiness as it relates to different social classes. The opening of "Paita" sets the stage by introducing King Kristoffer V and his dissatisfaction with life despite his wealth and power. As he grapples with health issues, his physicians fail to provide relief, leading him to consider unconventional remedies. Encouraged by his advisor, he seeks the "shirt of a happy man" as a cure, prompting a comedic quest through the royal court and beyond, with advisors and courtiers exploring various characters to find someone who truly embodies happiness. This whimsical pursuit captures both the absurdity of the King's plight and the broader commentary on human contentment.
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