Subject
Kansas -- Fiction Books
Best books
Willis George Emerson
Buell Hampton
"Buell Hampton" by Willis George Emerson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the American Southwest and revolves around themes of ambition, social status, and romantic entanglements, primarily through the experiences of young Ethel Horton and the significant figures surrounding her, including her mother, Mrs. J. Bruce-Horton, and the cattle king John Horton. The opening portion introduces Ethel Horton, an American girl returning from an English education, and her mother, who longs for her daughter to marry into titled society. The narrative begins with a lively tennis match that reveals Ethel's spirited nature, while her mother engages in conversation with a friend, setting the stage for the societal aspirations that drive their lives. Mere moments later, Ethel’s interactions, as well as her delight in returning home, quickly set up the implications of family expectations and societal pressures. As the story unfolds, it hints at the growing tensions between the well-to-do and the farmers in their community, particularly with the cattle baron Horton at the center of the local landscape. This context establishes a rich setting filled with potential conflicts based on class, ambition, and the characters' personal journeys.
Dell H. Munger
The Wind Before the Dawn
"The Wind Before the Dawn" by Dell H. Munger is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Kansas prairie, capturing the struggles of its main character, Lizzie Farnshaw, a fourteen-year-old girl grappling with poverty, familial duties, and the yearning for a better life. The story explores themes of hardship, dreams, and the stark realities of frontier life, as Lizzie navigates her responsibilities alongside her hopes for a future. The opening of the book introduces a hot August day on the Kansas prairie, establishing a desolate yet vivid setting. Lizzie, portrayed as a diligent and resilient character, is riding among a restless herd of cattle, trying to prevent them from straying. A chance encounter with her friend Luther reveals his impending departure, igniting Lizzie's mixed feelings of loss and hope for a better life "East." As a swarm of grasshoppers descends on the landscape, threatening both livestock and crops, the story foreshadows the impending struggles the Farnshaw family will face. Lizzie’s resolve to care for her cattle amidst these challenges illustrates her sense of duty, setting the stage for her character's development as she grapples with the challenges of her environment and her dreams of escape.
Adela E. (Adela Elizabeth Richards) Orpen
Perfection City
"Perfection City" by Adela E. Orpen is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a newlywed couple, Olive and Ezra Weston, as they settle into their new home in a thriving community on the Kansas prairie, named Perfection City. The narrative explores themes of communal living, social ideals, and the challenges faced by individuals when adapting to new environments. At the start of the novel, Olive and Ezra are driving through a rough and bumpy road toward their new home, where they envision a life grounded in community values. Olive's adjustment to prairie life is initially marked by her excitement and some apprehension about the unusual name of their settlement. Upon their arrival, the playful chaos of prairie living begins to take shape, illustrated through Olive's encounters with other community members, such as the humorous and well-meaning Uncle David. Through Olive's experiences and her interactions with these colorful characters, the foundation is laid for exploring the intricacies of life in a communal setting, and the challenges that arise from the ideals that govern Perfection City.
Margaret Hill McCarter
The Price of the Prairie: A Story of Kansas
"The Price of the Prairie: A Story of Kansas" by Margaret Hill McCarter is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the Kansas prairies during the time of early settlers, focusing on the life of Philip Baronet as he navigates the challenges and relationships of frontier life. Central to the narrative are themes of love, bravery, and the struggles of pioneering, particularly highlighted through Philip's connection to Marjie Whately and his interactions with the Osage Indian, Jean Pahusca. At the start of the book, the narrator, an older Philip Baronet, reflects on his deep connection to the Kansas prairie, blending memories of beauty and brutality. As a child, he shares experiences with his friends, particularly Marjie Whately and the impetuous O'mie. The scene escalates when a drunken Indian, Jean Pahusca, endangers Marjie, triggering a protective instinct in Philip and his friends. The opening chapters establish a rich backdrop of frontier life in Springvale, emphasizing the bonds formed among the youth and the perils they face on the unruly frontier, all while foreshadowing deeper conflicts related to identity and societal change.
Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger
Redlaw, the half-breed; or, The tangled trail. A tale of the settlements
"Redlaw, the Half-Breed; or, The Tangled Trail. A Tale of the Settlements" by Jos. E. Badger, Jr. is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The book delves into themes of justice, lawlessness, and societal prejudice in a frontier setting, featuring the central character, Clay Poynter, a man accused of being a counterfeiter and a murderer. As the story unfolds, it explores Poynter's struggle to clear his name while navigating the violent, chaotic world of vigilante justice. The opening of the novel introduces a gathering of local men led by Captain Neil McGuire, who discuss the growing problems of counterfeit money and the threat of thieves in their settlement. As they plan to form a vigilance committee to address these issues, tensions rise with the sudden entrance of a mysterious stranger, Clay Poynter, who claims he is interested in joining their cause. However, he is soon accused of various crimes, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict. The narrative establishes an atmosphere of suspicion and impending violence, highlighting Poynter's precarious position as he must defend his reputation amid growing hostility from the community while dealing with the complexities of his past.
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