Subject
Hospitality -- Fiction Books
Best books
Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
Rainy Week
"Rainy Week" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a group of guests invited to a house party during the notoriously rainy second week of May, where the hosts orchestrate a play-like experience for their eclectic assembly of characters. The personalities of the guests, including a bride and groom, an artist, and a mysterious woman, promise a mix of drama and humor as they interact amidst the backdrop of the rain. At the start of "Rainy Week," we are introduced to the hosts, a husband and wife who have been crafting this unconventional gathering for twenty years. The narrative kicks off with a humorous exploration of the types of guests they invite, including a man named Rollins, who is described as the 'Bore.' The couple meticulously plans each aspect of the event, including costumes and roles for the guests, while hinting at underlying tensions and potential romances among the characters. The tone is lighthearted yet reflective, suggesting that the rain will not only bring challenges but perhaps unexpected connections and revelations among the guests as they navigate their rainy week together.
Myrtle Reed
At the Sign of the Jack O'Lantern
"At the Sign of the Jack O'Lantern" by Myrtle Reed is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against a backdrop of domestic life, the story follows newlyweds Dorothy and Harlan as they navigate their unexpected return to a peculiar mansion inherited from Harlan's Uncle Ebeneezer. The challenges they face in this unfamiliar and unconventional setting hint at deeper themes involving marriage, aspirations, and the quest for comfort in a home. At the start of the novel, Dorothy and Harlan arrive at the old Judson mansion during a storm, filled with excitement despite the gloomy atmosphere. As they explore the quirky architecture and the odd furniture, their contrasting perspectives become apparent; Dorothy is sensitive to beauty and dreams of a different life, while Harlan is more practical but increasingly aware of their financial limitations. Their interactions reveal the initial strains of their relationship, compounded by the eerie presence of an uninvited cat and the looming shadow of Uncle Ebeneezer's legacy. Amidst this setting, the couple contemplates their future and the expectations of married life, setting the stage for growth and discovery amidst the home's unsettling charm.
Robert Silverberg
The guest rites
"The Guest Rites" by Robert Silverberg is a science fiction novella written in the late 1950s. The story is set on the planet Carthule, where the religious practices of its inhabitants revolve around their deity, Carthule, and the sacred concept of hospitality towards guests. The narrative explores themes of morality, sanctity, and cultural differences between the Earth's human travelers and the native inhabitants of Carthule. The plot follows Marik, the First Priest of Carthule, who encounters an Earthman lost in the desert. Despite the Earthman’s crime of stealing a precious gem from their temple, Marik is bound by the sacred Guest Rite to protect him while he is under their roof. As Marik grapples with his moral obligations and his rising suspicion of the Earthman, the latter's arrogance and sense of entitlement clash with the Carthulians' values. Throughout the story, the Earthman's inability to navigate the desert without a compass echoes a deeper commentary on the concept of guidance and the inherent conflict between different cultures. In the end, the Earthman becomes a reluctant permanent guest, unable to leave due to his theft and naivety, illustrating the persistent struggle between right and wrong, duty, and consequence.
Emma Speed Sampson
The Comings of Cousin Ann
"The Comings of Cousin Ann" by Emma Speed Sampson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the character of Cousin Ann Peyton, a once-beautiful Southern belle who is now an elderly woman traveling from one relative’s home to another, seeking hospitality in a world that seems increasingly indifferent to her presence. The story explores themes of family, aging, and social status through the lens of Cousin Ann's experiences with her relatives. The opening of the novel introduces Ryeville, a quaint town in Kentucky, and its aging residents, among whom the old veterans of the Civil War share stories on a porch. As the inhabitants gossip, they express both affection and slight derision for Cousin Ann, who is viewed as a burden by some of her more privileged relatives, like the Bucknors. The narrative sets a tone that combines nostalgia with the bittersweet nature of Cousin Ann’s visits, as she navigates the changing perceptions of kinship and the complexities of family ties. Judith, a forward and energetic young woman, appears to garner attention as well, hinting at potential interactions between the younger generation and the aging Cousin Ann amid the ongoing family dynamics.
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