Subject
Illegitimacy -- Fiction Books
Best books
Wilkie Collins
No Name
"No Name" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1862. Two sisters discover they are illegitimate and lose everything—their home, fortune, and even their legal identity. Magdalen Vanstone embarks on a desperate scheme involving disguise, deception, and a calculated marriage to reclaim her stolen inheritance. Through theatrical performances and elaborate plots, she pursues justice against those who rejected her. But her quest for revenge comes at a devastating personal cost, testing whether redemption is possible after crossing moral boundaries.
Katharine Tynan
Love of Brothers
"Love of Brothers" by Katharine Tynan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a rural Irish setting, primarily focusing on the poignant relationships among the characters, including Patsy Kenny, a gentle stud-groom who has a deep connection to the horses he tends, and Sir Shawn O'Gara, a man grappling with the past while navigating his duties and personal relationships. Themes of love, loss, and the supernatural weave through the narrative as complex emotions threaten to surface. The opening of the novel introduces us to Patsy Kenny, who has been tasked with finding a lost goat at night under unsettling conditions. Filled with trepidation over ghosts and the infamous tomb of Captain Hercules O'Hart nearby, he stumbles upon two riders, Sir Shawn O'Gara and Mr. Terence Comerford, who share a closeness that hints at deeper connections. Following a momentary lapse into darkness, the scene shifts to a tragic memory surrounding Terence's death, setting a tone of sorrow and anticipation for the layers of friendship and brotherhood that will emerge as the characters navigate their intertwined fates. We quickly learn about Patsy's steadfast loyalty and concern for the well-being of his fellow characters, framing the familial bonds and trials that will unfold throughout the story.
Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow
The Miller Of Old Church
"The Miller Of Old Church" by Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a small Virginian community, exploring themes of love, relationships, and social class dynamics through the lives of its characters. Central to the narrative is Jonathan Gay, who returns to his uncle’s estate, Jordan's Journey, and encounters the complexities of rural life and budding romances influenced by social perceptions and personal histories. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a range of characters and settings, beginning with a newcomer, young Mr. Jonathan Gay, who arrives at Bottom's Ordinary amidst discussions of local gossip. Through dialogue among townsfolk, we learn about the contrasting lives of the various characters, including Jonathan’s complex family background and the gossip surrounding his late uncle. As he interacts with local residents—including the charming yet capricious Molly Merryweather and the ambitious miller Abel Revercomb—themes of desire and societal judgment begin to emerge, hinting at conflicts that will develop as the story progresses. The opening sets a tone of both whimsical humor and underlying tension, beckoning readers into the world of Old Church and its intrigues.
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