Subject
Identity -- Fiction Books
Best books
George Gibbs
The Splendid Outcast
"The Splendid Outcast" by George Gibbs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Jim Horton, a war-injured soldier in a hospital recovering from a successful operation, who grapples with his identity after assuming his cowardly twin brother Harry's name and position. The narrative seems to delve into themes of honor, identity, and deception against the backdrop of World War I, suggesting an exploration of the complexities of brotherhood and moral choices. The opening of the novel presents Jim Horton awakening in a hospital bed, struggling with pain and confusion as he learns that he has taken on the identity of his brother, Harry, a lieutenant thought to be wounded in battle. Jim recalls the events leading to his injuries and taxingly considers his brother’s cowardice and the decisions he made during their time in the war. As Jim pieces together his memories, he contemplates the implications of his actions, including the attendance of both his twin brother's wife, Moira, and her father, Barry Quinlevin, who are oblivious to the ruse. This opening setup establishes a tension-filled scenario filled with potential conflicts regarding identity and honor, and hints at the evolving dynamics as Jim must choose whether to maintain the deception or reveal the truth to Moira and face the consequences.
Fergus Hume
The Amethyst Cross
"The Amethyst Cross" by Fergus Hume is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against a backdrop of romance and mystery, the book revolves around the complex relationships and conflicts experienced by its main characters, particularly Lesbia Hale and her love interest, George Walker. Their engagement faces challenges from Lesbia's stern father, Walter Hale, whose mysterious connections and desires complicate their romance, as well as the significance of a peculiar amethyst cross that appears to hold deeper secrets. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Lesbia and George as they share a romantic moment by the Thames. However, their idyllic scene is disrupted by Walter Hale's unexpected arrival, revealing his disapproval of their engagement and a strange obsession with a cross that Lesbia has inherited from her late mother. Following this confrontation, the plot thickens with George being assaulted under mysterious circumstances, and an exploration of the theft of the cross from his home leads to further intrigue. Lesbia's inner turmoil about her father's behavior and George's predicament sets the stage for a convoluted tale of love, familial obligations, and hidden truths.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Identity
"Identity" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a futuristic world filled with advanced technologies, the story explores themes of identity, twin relationships, and the quest for treasure. The main topic revolves around the protagonist, Cal Blair, who grapples with his problematic relationship with his identical twin brother while embarking on a treasure hunt linked to the notorious pirate Hellion Murdoch. In the narrative, Cal Blair, a cryptologist, discovers a mysterious Key that is believed to lead to Murdoch's Hoard, a legendary treasure rumored to hold invaluable medical knowledge. The plot thickens when Cal's twin, Benj, attempts to impersonate him and get his hands on the Key for nefarious purposes. As Cal sets off on a perilous journey to uncover the Hoard, he faces both physical and emotional challenges, including a confrontation with Benj. Along the way, he also navigates his feelings for Tinker Elliott, a skilled surgeon and his love interest. Their journey culminates in a race against time to retrieve the medical advances hidden away by Murdoch, ultimately questioning the very nature of identity and the ethical implications of duplicating human life.
Coulson Kernahan
The Thirteenth Man
"The Thirteenth Man" by Mrs. Coulson Kernahan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Philip Barrimore, a young author, who leaves home to pursue his literary ambitions in a tranquil country bungalow. However, his life becomes intertwined with dark family secrets, deception, and the fate of a girl named Aimée Le Breton, who bears a striking resemblance to his late love, Eweretta. At the start of the novel, Philip Barrimore is introduced as a young man seeking solace in the countryside to write without the distractions posed by his family, particularly his uncle, who often quotes poetry and literature. As Philip settles into his new surroundings, he is troubled by strange sounds that hint at something amiss nearby. Meanwhile, we learn of Aimée Le Breton, whose life is controlled by her uncle and mother, who have sinister motives tied to a family fortune. As these separate narratives unfold, the seeds of mystery and intrigue are planted, setting the stage for further complications and revelations as the characters' lives are destined to collide.
F. L. (Floyd L.) Wallace
The assistant self
No description available.
Horatio Alger
Adrift in New York: Tom and Florence Braving the World
"Adrift in New York: Tom and Florence Braving the World" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on Florence Linden and her uncle John, who is grieving over the abduction of his son, Harvey, and the complicated family dynamics with Florence and her cousin Curtis Waring. As Florence faces pressure to marry her cousin to secure her uncle's fortune, she chooses instead to leave her comfortable home and find her own way in the world. The opening portion of the book introduces a tumultuous family environment marked by loss and manipulation. John Linden's health is failing, and he is preoccupied with the memory of his stolen son, Harvey. Florence, who is compassionate and strong-willed, argues against marrying the unscrupulous Curtis, whom she distrusts. Meanwhile, Curtis is depicted as scheming and self-serving, eager to inherit his uncle's wealth and willing to discredit Florence to further his ambitions. The chapter sets the tone for a drama of familial strife, emphasizing themes of loyalty, love, and the struggle for independence.
Alex. McVeigh Miller
My Pretty Maid; or, Liane Lester
"My Pretty Maid; or, Liane Lester" by Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller is a romantic novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Liane Lester, a poor young girl living with her cruel grandmother, and her encounters with the affluent characters around her, particularly the heiress Roma Clarke and the handsome Jesse Devereaux. This book explores themes of love, social class differences, and the struggles faced by women of the era. At the start of the story, Liane is introduced as a beautiful and impoverished seamstress who endures abuse from her grandmother while working long hours at a local dressmaker's shop. During her work, Liane crosses paths with Jesse Devereaux, a wealthy man who mistakes her for someone else and rescues her from an inappropriate encounter with a drunken man. As the narrative unfolds, we learn about Liane's unspoken love for Jesse, the complexities of her life with her grandmother, and the contrast between her humble existence and the luxurious world of Roma Clarke, who is determined to maintain her status. The opening sets the stage for an emotional journey filled with longing, courage, and the harsh realities of class struggles.
Emmuska Orczy Orczy
The Noble Rogue
"The Noble Rogue" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a novel published in 1912. Rose Marie Legros, daughter of the King of France's tailor, was betrothed as an infant to Rupert Keyston. Now wealthy and titled, Rupert schemes to escape the marriage by having his cousin Michael impersonate him at the wedding. But Michael falls hopelessly in love with Rose Marie and refuses to surrender his bride. What follows is a tale of transformation, pursuit, and dangerous accusations that threaten Michael's very life.
Louis Tracy
The Revellers
"The Revellers" by Louis Tracy is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the lives of villagers in a North Yorkshire hamlet, intertwining themes of social class, the collision of rural and urban cultures, and the innocent adventures of youth, primarily through the character of Martin Court Bolland. The storyline revolves around the relationships and interactions between Martin, a farmer's son, and a new arrival to the village, Angèle, the daughter of a baroness. At the start of "The Revellers," we are introduced to Martin, a fourteen-year-old boy grappling with the rigid expectations of his farmer father, John Bolland, who imposes strict religious teachings on him. Amidst this setting, Martin encounters Angèle Saumarez, a precocious girl from a wealthy background who disrupts the monotony of village life with her vivaciousness and cosmopolitan flair. Their interactions highlight the cultural differences between the village's simplicity and the complexities of Angèle's privileged life, setting the stage for both adventure and conflict as the Elmsdale Feast approaches. Martin's yearning for freedom and escapism from his father’s controls becomes apparent, foreshadowing the adventures that the festival promises.
Maurice Leblanc
The eyes of innocence
"The Eyes of Innocence" by Maurice Leblanc is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around Gilberte, a young girl who is navigating the complexities of life after the death of her mother. In her quest for identity and belonging, she encounters various characters who affect her journey, including a mysterious individual who observes her from afar and the affluent people in her new community. At the start of the story, Gilberte and her mother arrive at a villa in Dieppe, where she soon faces the heartbreaking loss of her mother. Alone and grieving, she becomes embroiled in a web of social intrigue and personal connections in the small town of Domfront. As she settles into her new life, she grapples with her past and her mother's secrets while catching the attention of several suitors, including the enigmatic Guillaume de la Vaudraye. The opening lays the groundwork for Gilberte's emotional turmoil, innocence, and the evolving relationships that will shape her future, thus establishing an engaging premise for this poignant tale.
Poul Anderson
Lord of a Thousand Suns
"Lord of a Thousand Suns" by Poul Anderson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around Daryesh, a once-powerful immortal being from an ancient civilization called Vwyrdda, who finds himself trapped in the body of a mortal man, Lieutenant John Laird, after a catastrophic event. The narrative delves into themes of identity and the clash of civilizations as Daryesh navigates his new existence while contending with Laird's memories and experiences. The plot unfolds as Laird, during a war between Earth and the Janyards, seeks out advanced weaponry hidden on the long-forgotten planet of Vwyrdda. Upon discovering the remnants of this lost civilization, he unwittingly awakens Daryesh, who possesses the knowledge of immense power sought by both factions. The two minds struggle for control over their shared body as they confront the hostile Janyards. As tensions escalate, they strike a delicate balance of cooperation for survival, leading to a confrontation that could shift the course of the war. Ultimately, the novel explores the complexities of merging identities as Laird and Daryesh forge a partnership that blends their destinies, hinting at the larger philosophical questions surrounding existence, power, and the future of humanity.
Henry Slesar
Brainchild
"Brainchild" by Henry Slesar is a science fiction novella likely written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of identity and transformation, focusing on the experience of a thirty-year-old man named Ron Carver who mysteriously finds himself inhabiting the body of a twelve-year-old boy. This body-switching scenario serves as the central premise, raising questions about personal identity and the consequences of extraordinary intelligence and power. In the narrative, Ron Carver awakens to find that his adult consciousness has been transferred into the body of a child, specifically a boy at Roverwood Home for Boys. As he navigates the challenges of his new life, including interactions with other boys and trying to comprehend his situation, Ron discovers that the transformation is linked to a boy genius known as the Scholar. The story follows Ron's desperate attempts to return to his original body and confront the Scholar, leading to a tense revelation about the nature of their exchange and the broader implications of genius and mortality. Ultimately, what unfolds is a poignant exploration of purpose, survival, and the complex dynamics of intelligence and humanity.
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