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Husband and wife -- Fiction Books
Best books
Herman Whitaker
The Settler
"The Settler" by Herman Whitaker is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the lives of settlers in the Canadian prairie, focusing on their struggles and triumphs in establishing a home amidst the challenges of a harsh landscape. The story revolves around characters such as Carter, a strong and capable settler, and Morrill, who faces illness while trying to support his sister Helen, highlighting themes of resilience, community conflict, and the complexities of frontier life. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the rich but contentious landscape of the Canadian prairie, where settlers navigate both the physical challenges of farming and the social dynamics of their community. The narrative opens with a vivid description of the setting, showcasing the beauty and harshness of the land through the eyes of Carter, a dedicated worker who is concerned about the welfare of his sick neighbor, Morrill. As Morrill prepares for the arrival of his sister, Helen, who is coming to help him, we see the brewing tensions as neighbors begin to encroach on each other's resources. The scene is set for conflicts and relationships that will unfold as the characters strive to build their lives in a new and often unforgiving environment.
Mrs. Gordon Smythies
Addie's Husband; or, Through clouds to sunshine
"Addie's Husband; or, Through Clouds to Sunshine" by Mrs. Gordon Smythies is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book opens with a focus on the Lefroy family, particularly the spirited and thoughtful Addie, who grapples with the challenges of her impoverished situation following her father's abandonment. As the family faces the harsh realities of their social decline, the story unfolds in a setting steeped in nostalgia and longing for their once-prosperous home, Nutsgrove. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Addie and her siblings as they banter about their futures while navigating the struggles of poverty and the responsibilities of growing up without parental guidance. The dynamic within the Lefroy family is marked by both camaraderie and the tensions of their financial troubles, culminating in a sense of impending change as they confront the loss of Nutsgrove and their childhood innocence. Addie's encounter with Tom Armstrong, the new master of their childhood home, sets the stage for a pivotal confrontation regarding her future, culminating in a marriage proposal that challenges the very essence of her identity and desires. The opening pages offer a poignant mix of humor, vulnerability, and the weight of societal expectations, inviting readers to explore a tale of resilience and hope amidst adversity.
Lloyd Osbourne
Infatuation
"Infatuation" by Lloyd Osbourne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Phyllis Ladd, a young woman navigating the complexities of love, relationships, and societal expectations following the death of her mother. As she grows up in a wealthy family, Phyllis experiences a series of pivotal moments that influence her understanding of love and the men around her. At the start of the narrative, we see Phyllis as a child grappling with the loss of her mother, which brings her closer to her father, Robert T. R. Ladd, a prominent railway president. Their close relationship fosters a blend of innocence and maturity within Phyllis, as she transitions from childhood to young adulthood. The opening chapters introduce her inner conflict about love as her father becomes a protective figure in her life. As she matures, Phyllis's search for a worthy partner leads her to reject two suitors, J. Whitlock Pastor and Captain Baron Sempft von Piller, setting the stage for an exploration of her desires and the intricate nature of romantic relationships. This narrative highlights the struggle between societal norms, personal aspirations, and the quest for genuine connection, making it an intriguing read for those interested in character-driven stories about love and identity.
Israel Zangwill
The Master; a Novel
"The Master" by Israel Zangwill is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the life of young Matt Strang, who faces the struggles of growing up in a rural Nova Scotia family afflicted by poverty and loss. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, personal aspirations, and the pursuit of artistic expression against the backdrop of a harsh, unforgiving landscape. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the Strang family, highlighting the challenges they face following the death of Matt's father, a sailor who dies at sea. The narrative begins in the cold winter of Acadia, where the family deals with their grief while also confronting the practicalities of survival. Matt, who has artistic talents, grapples with the reality of his circumstances, taking on the role of caretaker for his siblings as they navigate their mother's emotional turmoil and the looming responsibility of paying off the family mortgage. The source of much of their distress is their mother’s erratic behavior, which leads to dramatic confrontations, as well as Matt's internal struggles as he seeks to find a balance between duty to his family and his longing for creative fulfillment.
George Barr McCutcheon
Black is White
"Black is White" by George Barr McCutcheon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with two elderly men, Danbury Dawes and Joseph Riggs, who are anxiously awaiting news from a blue envelope that contains a wireless message from James Brood, their old friend. This mysterious envelope sets the stage for an exploration of past friendships and familial tensions as Frederic Brood, James’ estranged son, navigates his complex relationship with his father and the sudden arrival of a new stepmother. At the start of the novel, the two old friends reflect on their adventurous past and their connection to James Brood, who has been out of their lives for years. They are particularly concerned about what the message might contain regarding the state of affairs on the ocean, unaware that it will lead to a dramatic revelation: James has married again after many years. As Frederic learns of this news, anger and feelings of abandonment surface, particularly as he grapples with his fraught relationship with his father, who seems indifferent to his existence. This opening sets the tone for a tale steeped in emotional conflict, self-discovery, and the dynamics of family relationships against the backdrop of their shared history.
Mary Borden
Jane--Our Stranger: A Novel
"Jane--Our Stranger: A Novel" by Mary Borden is a recent fiction work published in the early 20th century. The narrative appears to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the struggles within familial relationships through the lens of its central character, Jane, and her complex ties with her mother and the people around her. The story kicks off with reflections on Jane's life and how her surroundings shape her experience of love and alienation, hinting at deeper layers of conflict and insight regarding her character. The opening of the novel introduces a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone as we meet the narrator, who is Jane’s crippled brother, contemplating the strange presence Jane has had in their lives. He muses over her marriage to his brother Philibert, her time in Paris, and her significance both in their lives and in a broader societal context. The passage notes the intricacies of Jane's relationships—especially with her mother, Mrs. Carpenter—and highlights her longing for understanding and acceptance. As Jane's world evolves—with the contrast between her American upbringing and her experiences in Paris—there's a palpable tension between her past innocence and the complexities of her new life, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of her character in the chapters to come.
Warwick Deeping
A Woman's War: A Novel
"A Woman's War" by Warwick Deeping is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Catherine Murchison, a devoted wife, and her husband, James Murchison, a dedicated physician battling his personal demons and the pressures of his profession. Set in a small English town, the narrative explores themes of love, rivalry, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly the tensions that arise between Catherine and her rival, Mrs. Betty Steel. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Catherine Murchison, who returns home on a cold winter’s night, depicted as a happy wife reflected in her comfortable domestic life. However, as the story unfolds, the backdrop of her husband James’s struggles with the burdens of his career and inherited vices begins to emerge. Catherine's deep love for James motivates her to manage their home life while he fights the pressures of his medical career. Their relationship is complicated further by the presence of Betty Steel, who harbors jealousy and rivalry towards Catherine, creating an undercurrent of tension that hints at the challenges they will face. The opening sets a tone of domesticity laced with unease, inviting readers to delve into the intertwining lives of the characters.
Pedro Antonio de Alarcón
El sombrero de tres picos Historia verdadera de un sucedido que anda en romances escrita ahora tal y como pasó
"El sombrero de tres picos" by Pedro Antonio de Alarcón is a novel published in 1874. Set in early 1800s Granada, it tells the story of the miller Lucas and his beautiful wife Frasquita, whose happy marriage faces a test when a corrupt magistrate schemes to seduce her. After the magistrate's nighttime intrusion leads to a series of misunderstandings, Lucas believes himself betrayed and plots revenge by impersonating his rival. What follows is a tale of mistaken identities, suspicion, and honor that inspired Manuel de Falla's famous 1919 ballet.
Gilbert Cannan
Old Mole Being the Surprising Adventures in England of Herbert Jocelyn Beenham, M.A., Sometime Sixth-Form Master at Thrigsby Grammar School in the County of Lancaster
"Old Mole" by Gilbert Cannan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Herbert Jocelyn Beenham, referred to as "Old Mole," an unambitious schoolmaster at the Thrigsby Grammar School who leads a monotonous life. His world is shaken when a misunderstanding leads to a scandal that forces him to leave his position, ultimately setting him on a path of self-discovery and unexpected adventures. The opening of "Old Mole" introduces us to H. J. Beenham, a schoolmaster who has dedicated twenty-five years to Thrigsby but is well aware of his own lack of ambition and the limited reach of his life. His routine existence is abruptly derailed when he is accused of assaulting a young woman, Matilda Burn, on a train. Despite his genuine intentions to comfort her, Beenham's actions are misconstrued, leading to public humiliation and the possibility of losing everything he has known. The chapter sets the tone for his transition from the confines of an academic life to the chaos and uncharacteristic adventures of the theater world, where he encounters Matilda again and becomes entwined in her aspirations. This unexpected turn catalyzes a series of events that challenge both his identity and beliefs, pushing him into a new life filled with unpredictability.
Basil King
The Thread of Flame
"The Thread of Flame" by Basil King is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around an unnamed protagonist who wakes up disoriented on a ship, struggling with memory loss and searching for his identity as he travels back to New York. As he interacts with other passengers, including a blind man named Drinkwater and a young woman named Lydia Blair, the protagonist grapples with feelings of alienation and the fragments of a life he cannot yet recall. The opening of the book introduces the protagonist awakening in a cramped cabin aboard a ship, confused about his past and the circumstances that led him there. He encounters Drinkwater, who is blind, and learns from him that he has been asleep for over twenty-four hours since boarding. As memories elude him, he tries to piece together his identity while navigating the ship and interacting with Drinkwater, who starts to consider him as a friend. The tension of absent memories mixed with the dynamics of forming new connections lays the groundwork for a story that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for one's place in the world amidst the chaos of modern life.
Rupert Hughes
Clipped Wings
"Clipped Wings" by Rupert Hughes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in a suburban setting, introducing Mrs. Vickery, a mother returning from a shopping trip to find her children at home. However, a chilling twist ensues when she discovers a cacophony of chaos and what appears to be a tragic scene involving children, leaving the readers to wonder what calamity has struck her household. The opening of the narrative unfolds with Mrs. Vickery's frantic return home, where she is filled with dread as she hears the scream of a child and dashes to her living room only to stumble upon a bizarre theatrical arrangement of children ‘dead’ in play, led by a young girl named Sheila Kemble. In this surreal moment, Mrs. Vickery is torn between horror and confusion as the children engage in their playful charade, presenting a whirlwind of emotions and introducing Sheila, who appears to be a natural performer. The dynamics between the children and the adult's reactions offer a glimpse into the themes of childhood innocence, imagination, and the world of performative art that the story seeks to explore.
Dornford Yates
And Five Were Foolish
"And Five Were Foolish" by Dornford Yates is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around Sarah Vulliamy and her complicated relationship with her fiancé Virgil Pardoner, as they find themselves bound by an eccentric will that requires them to marry in order to inherit a significant fortune. This situation leads them into humorous and awkward social dynamics as they navigate love, obligation, and societal expectations in the backdrop of wealth and class. The opening of the book introduces Sarah Vulliamy and Virgil Pardoner having a lively conversation over champagne, which evolves into a discussion about their impending engagement. They discover that their inheritance from the late James Tantamount is contingent on their marriage to each other, despite both harboring feelings for others—Sarah for George Fulke and Virgil for June Townshend. The tone is lighthearted and comedic, with Sarah's determination to resist pressure to marry Virgil mingling with their banter about feelings, societal expectations, and the absurdity of their predicament. As the scene unfolds, we grasp the complexity of their situation and the intriguing dynamics that promise further twists in their unfolding story.
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