Subject
Identity (Psychology) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Henry Fielding
History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
"History of Tom Jones, a Foundling" by Henry Fielding is a comic novel published in 1749. This picaresque tale follows Tom, an abandoned baby raised by the wealthy Squire Allworthy, as he grows into a spirited youth who falls in love with his neighbor's daughter, Sophia Western. When jealous schemes and his status as a foundling threaten their romance, Tom is banished and embarks on adventurous travels across Britain. Mysteries of birth, cases of mistaken identity, and unexpected revelations converge in this intricately plotted story of love and fortune.
Eaton Stannard Barrett
The Heroine
"The Heroine" by Eaton Stannard Barrett is a novel first published in 1813. This satirical work follows Cherry Wilkinson, a novel-obsessed young woman who imagines herself as the heroine of a Gothic romance. She interprets reality through the lens of popular Gothic fiction, leading to a series of absurd misadventures. A parody of both Gothic novels and romantic excess, the story ultimately delivers a conservative message about women's proper roles in society.
Charles Beaumont
The Beautiful People
"The Beautiful People" by Charles Beaumont is a thought-provoking collection of science fiction stories written during the mid-20th century. The book delves into themes of beauty, identity, and societal expectations, exploring the lengths to which individuals go to conform to idealized standards. The narrative focuses on the pressures faced by a young girl named Mary, who grapples with the societal mandate of undergoing a physical transformation to achieve beauty. In the story, Mary Cuberle is an 18-year-old girl who rejects the societal pressure to undergo a Transformation that everyone else embraces to become beautiful. As she interacts with her mother and a psychiatrist, the story reveals a dystopian world where beauty is enforced and conformity is paramount. Mary holds onto her identity and self-worth, opposed to the idea of changing her appearance. This inner conflict escalates to the point where her refusal becomes a matter of public scrutiny, leading to a dramatic confrontation about individuality versus societal norms. Ultimately, the tale serves as a cautionary reflection on the value of authentic selfhood amid relentless pressures for conformity.
Leo Perutz
Zwischen neun und neun
"Zwischen neun und neun" by Leo Perutz is a novel published in 1918. Student Stanislaus Demba frantically races through Vienna with hidden handcuffs, desperately trying to raise 200 crowns before evening to prevent his beloved from leaving with a rival. His strange behavior puzzles everyone he encounters as he struggles through increasingly absurd obstacles. When the clock strikes nine again, reality itself becomes uncertain—leaving readers to question whether Demba's entire odyssey actually happened or existed only in his dying mind.
F. L. (Floyd L.) Wallace
Forget Me Nearly
"Forget Me Nearly" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. It explores themes of identity, memory, and the consequences of advanced technology in a future society where individuals can have their memories altered or erased entirely through the use of a retrogression gun. The story delves into the moral implications of such technology and the human desire for self-discovery and connection. The narrative follows a man who, after being retrogressed, finds himself devoid of his past and struggling to regain his identity. He adopts the name Luis Obispo as he navigates the complexities of his new life and unwittingly encounters a woman, Luise Obispo, who shares an unsettling connection with him. As he unravels the mystery of his retrogression, he learns about a sinister figure, Dorn Starret, who was involved in his and Luise's past. Through his quest for the truth, he faces challenges from those who wish to keep the past hidden and grapples with ethical dilemmas surrounding memory manipulation. The story culminates in revelations that lead Luis to confront the duality of his existence and the choices he must make to forge a new path.
Henry Fielding
Tom Jones : $b De lotgevallen van een vondeling
"Tom Jones: De lotgevallen van een vondeling" by Henry Fielding is a comic novel first published in 1749. This picaresque tale follows Tom, an abandoned baby raised by the wealthy Squire Allworthy, as he grows into a passionate young man in love with his neighbor's daughter, Sophia Western. When his illegitimate birth threatens their romance and schemes turn him out of his home, Tom embarks on adventurous travels across Britain. Filled with misunderstandings, jealous rivals, and hidden secrets, the story races toward revelations that will change everything.
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