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Labrador (N.L.) -- Fiction Books

Best books

H. G. (Herbert George) Wells

Marriage

"Marriage" by H. G. Wells is a novel published in 1912. It follows Marjorie Pope and physicist R.A.G. Trafford, whose relationship begins with a dramatic airplane crash. As they struggle to balance scientific ambition, social expectations, and personal fulfillment, their marriage faces mounting pressures. When Trafford abandons his research for commercial success, growing disenchantment threatens their union. Their desperate journey to survive a winter in the Labrador wilderness becomes a final test of whether they can save their relationship and find mutual understanding.

Dillon Wallace

Left on the Labrador: A Tale of Adventure Down North

"Left on the Labrador: A Tale of Adventure Down North" by Dillon Wallace is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Charley Norton, a thirteen-year-old boy who finds himself stranded on the wild Labrador coast after being inadvertently left behind by a mail boat. Forced to navigate the harsh and unfamiliar terrain, Charley befriends local inhabitants like Skipper Zeb Twig and his family, who take him in and help him adjust to life in the wilderness. At the start of the narrative, Charley is depicted as bored and discontented during the arduous mail boat journey along the Labrador coast. His chance encounter with Toby Twig, a young local boy, leads to an impulsive decision to go ashore, only to discover that the mail boat has departed without him. The opening sets a vivid scene of Charley's sudden predicament and fear of the desolate Arctic wilderness as he grapples with being alone in a strange land. As he meets the Twig family, the narrative introduces themes of companionship, survival, and the spirit of adventure that Charley ultimately experiences during his unexpected journey in the wilderness.

Wilfred Thomason Grenfell

Labrador Days Tales of the Sea Toilers

"Labrador Days" by Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell is a collection of tales focused on the fishermen and communities of Labrador, written in the early 20th century. The stories illuminate the everyday struggles and adventures of the people living in this challenging environment, often highlighting themes of resilience, community, and the connection with nature. Key characters include the hardy fishermen, their families, and the narrative includes the experiences of Grenfell himself, who serves as a doctor in this region. At the start of the collection, the narrative delves into the tense situation faced by fishermen John Mitchell and his crew as they set out to gather firewood from the bay amidst shifting winter ice. As winds shift and a squall hits, their small boat capsizes, leaving them adrift in icy waters. The tension escalates as they try to survive against the elements, with John taking courageous steps to keep the younger crew members safe. This opening not only sets the stage for the harsh realities of life on the sea but also introduces the strong bonds and responsibilities shared among the community members, all while Grenfell paints a vivid picture of the natural landscape surrounding them.

Norman Duncan

Doctor Luke of the Labrador

"Doctor Luke of the Labrador" by Norman Duncan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the rugged and barren landscape of Labrador, focusing on the themes of love, resilience, and the bond between a mother and child. The opening chapters introduce the main character, Davy, a young boy, and his close relationship with his mother and father, highlighting the unique challenges of life in this remote and harsh environment. At the start of the novel, the narrative paints a vivid picture of Davy's home and the surrounding harbour, setting the stage for a life defined by the merciless sea and the beauty of familial love. Davy spends time exploring the landscape, enjoying adventures with his mother, and listening to the tales of local fishermen. As the story unfolds, a sense of unease emerges regarding his mother’s health, leading to a tense decision to call for a doctor amidst growing worries about her wellbeing. The dynamics between Davy, his loving but troubled mother, and the colorful characters of the community, including the eccentric Skipper Tommy, establish a poignant tone that draws readers into the challenges of love and the natural world in this isolated part of the world.

Vinceslas-Eugène Dick

Un drame au Labrador

"Un drame au Labrador" by Vinceslas-Eugène Dick is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around the Labarou family, a poor fishing household residing on the desolate shores of Labrador, where they lead a simple but content life, unaware of the happiness that may exist elsewhere. The narrative explores their struggles and interactions with the environment, as well as an unexpected event that threatens their peaceful existence. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Labarou family, led by the father, Labarou, who has fled his past in France. Alongside his wife, mother Hélène, and two children, Arthur and Mimie, they settle on the isolated Kécarpoui riverbank. Life is dictated largely by the fishing seasons, and they are accustomed to the rhythms of nature. However, an adventure unfolds when Arthur and his cousin Gaspard venture into the wilderness, encounter a hunting mishap involving a bear, and subsequently meet Wapwi, a young Indigenous boy, whose arrival changes the dynamics of their family. This transformative moment sets the stage for deeper themes of kinship, cultural encounters, and the complexities of their intertwined fates.

Ridgwell Cullum

The Man in the Twilight

"The Man in the Twilight" by Ridgwell Cullum is a novel written during the early 20th century. It revolves around a tense narrative set in the early development of a wood-pulp mill in Labrador, focusing on the lives of Leslie Standing and his friend Bat Harker as they confront dangers posed by a powerful adversary, Hellbeam, after Standing's dramatic past comes back to haunt him. The tension escalates with conflicting motivations and the looming threat of retribution, all while Standing's dreams for the future are challenged by unprecedented personal tragedy. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Bat Marker and Leslie Standing, who are discussing an urgent warning concerning Nathaniel Hellbeam, a wealthy and ruthless figure from Standing's past. As Bat expresses his concern about the imminent danger Hellbeam poses, Standing displays a calm demeanor that hints at his philosophical nature, battling deep internal fears. The conversation reveals their shared history, the mill they built together, and the challenges they anticipate as forces conspire against them. The stakes rise as they prepare for conflict, foreshadowing a fight not just for their livelihood, but ultimately a personal battle for Standing to protect everything he has built—both in business and in life.

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