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Interracial marriage -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edna Ferber
Show Boat
"Show Boat" by Edna Ferber is a novel published in 1926. It follows three generations of performers aboard the Cotton Blossom, a floating theater traveling the Mississippi River from the 1880s to the 1920s. Against the backdrop of America's changing landscape—from Reconstruction riverbanks to Jazz Age New York—the story weaves together romance, family drama, and the harsh realities of racial prejudice. Lives intertwine and secrets emerge as the show boat drifts through small Southern towns, carrying both entertainment and scandal in its wake.
Joseph Hergesheimer
Java Head
"Java Head" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds primarily through the eyes of a young girl named Laurel Ammidon as she navigates the complexities of growing up against the backdrop of a maritime family in Salem, Massachusetts. The narrative expertly explores themes of childhood innocence, familial relationships, and the tension between tradition and modernity. At the start of the novel, Laurel, who has just celebrated her eleventh birthday, reflects on her childhood beliefs regarding chairs, which she has anthropomorphized as friends and confidants. As she wakes up to a bright May morning, she yearns for the freedom of childhood, conflicted by the societal expectations of growing up. Laurel's interactions with her family, especially her grandfather, reveal a world steeped in maritime history and the looming absence of her uncle, who is expected to return on the boat "Nautilus." This opening portion vividly sets the stage for the character development and thematic depth that the novel promises to unfold.
Gustave Dubarry
Othello
"OTHELLO" by Gustave Dubarry and William Shakespeare is a dramatic play written in the late 16th century. The narrative centers on Othello, a Moorish general in Venice, and explores themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and the tragic consequences of manipulation. The opening introduces key characters such as Othello, Desdemona, Rodrigo, and Iago, setting the stage for a tale filled with tension and intrigue. At the start of the play, the scene is set in Venice during a prosperous time for the Republic. Two gentlemen, Rodrigo and Iago, engage in a heated conversation revealing that Desdemona, Rodrigo's desired love, has eloped with Othello. Iago, who harbors hatred for Othello due to his promotion of Cassio over him, plots to turn Rodrigo's affections into a means of revenge against Othello. As the narrative unfolds, themes of manipulation and betrayal emerge through Iago's cunning schemes, setting the foundation for the tragic events that are to come.
Anna E. (Anna Elizabeth) Dickinson
What Answer?
"What Answer?" by Anna E. Dickinson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a bustling New York City, showcasing the lives of its characters against the backdrop of social issues, especially focusing on themes of ambition, love, and race. The main character appears to be William Surrey, a charming young man grappling with societal expectations and his burgeoning interest in a mysterious girl. The opening of the novel introduces a lively scene on Fifth Avenue, filled with the city's elite, as William Surrey muses over the luxurious yet superficial lifestyle. He is soon captivated by a young girl he spots from a window, prompting him to chase after her. This initial pursuit is filled with youthful optimism and charm while contrasting sharply with an impending conflict regarding race within his father's foundry, particularly concerning a talented black employee named Franklin. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of personal dilemmas amid broader societal issues as William faces choices that may define his character and affect those around him.
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