Subject
Irish -- England -- Fiction Books
Best books
Margaret Westrup
The Young O'Briens: Being an Account of Their Sojourn in London
"The Young O'Briens: Being an Account of Their Sojourn in London" by Margaret Westrup is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the O'Brien family, particularly the children—Nell, Denis, and the youngest, Sheila Pat—as they face the challenges of relocating to London due to their father's new job as a ship's surgeon. The narrative explores themes of family, displacement, and the adaptation to a new environment. At the start of the narrative, the O'Brien family is introduced traveling in an omnibus through a dismal London night, filled with rain and uncertainty as they prepare for a year-long separation from their home in Ireland. The opening reveals the children's mixed emotions surrounding their relocation, particularly focusing on Nell's internal struggles as she grapples with the loss of their home and the impending separation from their parents. It establishes a tone of bittersweet nostalgia and apprehension, setting the stage for the family's journey through the challenges presented by their new life in London.
L. Allen (Lizzie Allen) Harker
Master and Maid
"Master and Maid" by Mrs. L. Allen Harker is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Tony Bevan, a housemaster at Hamchester College, and his unexpected guest, Lallie Clonmell, who arrives to stay while her father goes big-game shooting in India. The narrative explores themes of youthful exuberance, responsibility, and the subtle dynamics of relationships within the school environment. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Tony Bevan and his prefects enjoying dinner when Lallie arrives unexpectedly, radiating charm and charisma despite her exhaustion from travel. Tony's initial surprise and worry about her unanticipated visit unfold as he realizes Lallie is not only close to him due to their shared past but is also spirited and independent. As the evening progresses, readers witness Lallie's seamless integration into the setting, her interactions with Tony and the other boys, and her strong personality that contrasts with Tony's more serious demeanor. The opening captures the essence of a lively school life and sets the stage for the complexities that will arise between the characters.
Stephen Crane
The O'Ruddy: A Romance
"The O'Ruddy: A Romance" by Stephen Crane and Robert Barr is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows Tom O'Ruddy, a young man from Ireland who embarks on a journey to deliver important papers to the Earl of Westport, his father’s old comrade. Along the way, O'Ruddy encounters friendship, duels, and unexpected adventures, revealing the contrasts between his Irish background and the English society he enters. At the start of the story, O'Ruddy recounts the legacy of his family, which was once prominent in Ireland but has fallen into obscurity. After the death of his father, O'Ruddy sets off to fulfill his late father's last request to return some papers to the Earl. His humorous encounters begin in Bristol, where he makes a splash at a local inn, challenging a Colonel’s dishonorable remarks about his father and inadvertently setting the stage for a duel. These initial misadventures highlight O'Ruddy's fiery spirit and charm as he navigates the unfamiliar terrain of English gentry, foreshadowing the tumultuous events that will follow.
George de Horne Vaizey
The lady of the basement flat
"The Lady of the Basement Flat" by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two sisters, Evelyn and Kathleen Wastneys, with Evelyn feeling lost after Kathleen's marriage. To find purpose, Evelyn decides to adopt the persona of an elderly woman named Miss Harding and engage in acts of kindness in a lower-class London neighborhood, while their family life intersperses her adventures and leads to deeper connections. At the start of the story, we witness the aftermath of Kathleen's marriage and the toll it takes on Evelyn, who is left to grapple with her new reality. Evelyn's decision to rent a basement flat under the guise of an old woman represents her quest for identity and belonging. As Evelyn navigates her new life, she uncovers her compassion and desire to help others in her neighborhood, dealing with circumstances such as a sick neighbor's child. The initial chapters set the stage for her journey of self-discovery and the interplay between social class, personal sacrifice, and the quest for love in a changing world.
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