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Landlord and tenant -- Fiction Books
Best books
Walter Scott
The Pirate Andrew Lang Edition
"The Pirate" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1821. Set in the Shetland Islands at the end of the 17th century, it tells the story of young Mordaunt, whose friendship with the Troil sisters is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious shipwrecked captain named Cleveland. As rivalry grows between the two men, Minna falls for the charismatic stranger, unaware of his dark secret. When pirates capture the Troils, hidden identities are revealed and loyalties tested in this tale of romance and adventure.
Anne Brontë
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" by Anne Brontë is a novel published in 1848. A mysterious widow arrives at an isolated mansion with her young son, defying social convention by earning her living as an artist. When she becomes the target of scandal and gossip, a local farmer defends her—until he discovers shocking secrets about her past. Through diary entries, the truth emerges about a disastrous marriage and a desperate escape that violated both society's rules and the law itself.
Maria Edgeworth
Castle Rackrent
"Castle Rackrent" by Maria Edgeworth is a short novel published in 1800. Through the eyes of family steward Thady Quirk, the story chronicles four generations of Rackrent heirs who sequentially mismanage their Irish estate through gambling, litigation, cruelty, and improvidence. Widely regarded as groundbreaking, this satirical work is considered the first historical novel, the first regional novel in English, and the first to feature an unreliable narrator. It inspired Sir Walter Scott's Waverley series and earned praise from William Butler Yeats as "one of the most inspired chronicles written in English."
Benjamin Disraeli
Sybil, Or, The Two Nations
"Sybil, Or, The Two Nations by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli" is a novel published in 1845. This work examines the desperate conditions of England's working classes during the industrial age. Inspired by the Chartist movement and a government inquiry into child labor, Disraeli crafted a story that exposes the moral corruption of forcing children into harsh employment. The novel traces the struggles of workers living in squalor, creating a passionate argument for social reform in a deeply divided England.
Anthony Trollope
The Kellys and the O'Kellys
"The Kellys and the O’Kellys" by Anthony Trollope is a novel set in mid-19th century Ireland. The narrative explores the complex social dynamics between landlords and tenants, particularly through the experiences of the Kelly family and their connections to the O’Kellys. The story delves into themes of inheritance, love, and the ongoing societal struggles in Ireland during that period. The opening of the story introduces a backdrop of political tension surrounding the trial of prominent figures in the Repeal Movement, setting the stage for the characters' personal and social conflicts. Two brothers, Martin and John Kelly, are waiting to attend the trial, illustrating their engagement with the political climate. Martin is portrayed as a young farmer with ambitions, including an intent to elope with an heiress, while the family dynamics with their mother and their struggling household add depth to their characterizations. Martin’s determination to secure both love and financial stability is evident as he navigates the complexities of family relationships and societal expectations. As the brothers discuss their aspirations and the influence of their political surroundings, it becomes clear that their individual stories are entwined with the larger narrative of Ireland’s struggle for identity and equity.
Francis Hopkinson Smith
Enoch Crane
"Enoch Crane" by Francis Hopkinson Smith and F. Berkeley Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces readers to various characters living in a boarding house in New York City, particularly focusing on the titular character, Enoch Crane, an old gentleman with a crusty exterior but admirable values. The narrative explores themes of societal interactions, love, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. At the start of the novel, readers meet Joe Grimsby, a vibrant young architect moving into an apartment, who quickly becomes absorbed by the charming new tenant, Sue Ford, and her family. Their arrival sparks interactions among various house residents, including the wise old Enoch Crane and the outgoing Ebner Ford, Sue's stepfather, who is characterized as loud and opportunistic. Through these early interactions, tensions escalate, particularly between Joe's earnest pursuit of a relationship with Sue and the contrasting influences of her stepfather's brashness. The opening part sets an engaging stage for a blend of romance and drama, providing insights into the characters' social dynamics and establishing the groundwork for the unfolding narrative.
S. (Sabine) Baring-Gould
Mehalah: A Story of the Salt Marshes
"Mehalah: A Story of the Salt Marshes" by S. Baring-Gould is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the marshy lands of Essex, the narrative revolves around the titular character, Mehalah, a spirited young girl navigating her life amid a contentious relationship with her new landlord, Elijah Rebow, who asserts his control over the land and its inhabitants. The novel explores themes of autonomy, love, and the harsh realities of rural life. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the austere setting of the Ray, a desolate yet beautiful island where the main characters reside. The story begins with tense interactions between Elijah Rebow and the Sharland family—Mehalah and her sickly mother, who are fearful of Rebow's threats. As tensions escalate, particularly around the issue of rent payment and property rights, the dynamics between the characters are established. Mehalah's fierce spirit and refusal to submit to Rebow's control indicate her strong, independent nature, setting the stage for the conflicts and challenges that lie ahead. The opening thus establishes a rich backdrop of socio-economic struggles amidst the striking landscape of the Essex marshes.
J. H. Riddell
The Earl's promise : $b A novel. Vol. 1 (of 3)
"The Earl's Promise: A Novel, Vol. 1 (of 3)" by Mrs. J. H. Riddell is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The book primarily delves into the life of a small Irish town named Kingslough and introduces its inhabitants, particularly focusing on young Nettie O'Hara as she goes missing under mysterious circumstances. The narrative seems to explore themes of social class, romance, and the consequences of familial and societal expectations. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene in Kingslough, a quaint yet dull town in Ulster, where daily life is punctuated by festive occasions, giving way to stillness and monotony. The story begins with a sense of foreboding as Nettie O'Hara disappears, prompting concern among her relatives and neighbors. Characters are introduced, including Mrs. Hartley, who dismisses the alarm surrounding Nettie's absence, and Miss Riley, Nettie's elderly relative who fears for her well-being. The tension escalates as townsfolk speculate about Nettie's fate, with whispers of possible elopement or dire misfortune concerning her connection to a questionable character, Mr. Daniel Brady. This opening chapter effectively builds intrigue around Nettie’s disappearance and sets the stage for exploring the intricacies of personal relationships against the backdrop of social constraints.
Henry James
The Pension Beaurepas
"The Pension Beaurepas" by Henry James is a novel written during the late 19th century that explores themes of human nature and social interactions within a boarding house setting. The story is narrated from the perspective of an unnamed young American who has come to Geneva, drawn by a desire to observe and understand people, inspired by literary figures like Stendhal and Balzac. The primary focus revolves around his experiences at the Pension Beaurepas and the colorful array of characters he encounters, including the proprietors, Madame Beaurepas and her niece, and various eccentric boarders. The opening of the novel introduces the narrator as he settles into the Pension Beaurepas, noting its humble yet charming ambiance and the practical nature of its elderly landlady. Through his eyes, we meet other residents: an old Frenchman and a young American, as well as a new arrival who exudes airs of gentility. The narrator's observations highlight the dynamics of boarding-house life, marked by social interactions and the personal quirks of its inhabitants, as he grapples with the blend of comfort, simplicity, and underlying tensions among the diverse characters, particularly the Ruck family, who appear to embody the tensions between American and European sensibilities. Overall, it sets the stage for a social critique wrapped in the nuances of personal relationships.
J. H. Riddell
The Earl's promise : $b A novel. Vol. 3 (of 3)
"The Earl's Promise: A Novel. Vol. 3" by Mrs. J. H. Riddell is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds around Grace Moffat, who faces profound grief after her father's death, leading her into complex relationships and societal pressures in Ireland. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the implications of wealth within the social fabric of the time. The opening of the novel begins with the aftermath of Mr. Moffat’s critical condition, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by his daughter, Grace. As Dr. Girvan confesses his mistakes regarding her father's treatment, Grace becomes increasingly aware of the brewing chaos surrounding her family’s estate and the social expectations that press upon her as an heiress. The scene is set for escalating drama as Grace contemplates her future amidst the impending changes, particularly her interactions with figures like Mr. Hanlon, whose intentions remain unclear, and the looming threat posed by the family's financial troubles. This poignant introduction establishes a gripping emotional landscape, setting the stage for Grace's decisions and her navigation through a world rife with both personal and societal complications.
J. H. Riddell
The Earl's promise : $b A novel. Vol. 2 (of 3)
"The Earl's Promise: A Novel, Vol. 2" by Mrs. J. H. Riddell is a fictional work written in the late 19th century. This volume of the novel continues to explore the complex lives of its characters, particularly focusing on the themes of social status, relationships, and personal identity against a backdrop of societal expectations. The main character, Nettie Brady, grapples with her position after marrying a man below her previous social standing and faces the ostracism of her former acquaintances. The opening of the book introduces readers to Nettie Brady’s challenging situation as she navigates her new life after her marriage. Social rejection becomes a central theme, as both her upper-class former friends and lower social circles avoid her, leaving her feeling isolated and resentful. Her visit from Mrs. Hartley emphasizes Nettie's inner turmoil, revealing her struggle to reconcile her past with her current reality. Meanwhile, Mr. Brady's character is presented as somewhat self-involved, hinting at deeper tensions in their marriage. The narrative sets the stage for exploring the consequences of social choices and the dynamics of personal relationships as Nettie faces the harsh judgments of society and her own diminishing dreams.
Jack Sharkey
The man who was pale
"The Man Who Was Pale" by Jack Sharkey is a short story written in the late 1950s, originally published in Fantastic Science Fiction Stories. This tale blends elements of horror and dark humor, focusing on the peculiar interactions between a kind-hearted yet overly concerned landlady and her mysterious tenant, Vandor Thobal. The story explores themes of fear, curiosity, and the unknown, as well as the lengths to which one might go to ensure their own comfort—or survival. In the story, Mrs. Tibbets, a worry-prone landlady, rents out rooms in her large house to tenants in need of shelter, one of whom is the unnervingly pale Vandor Thobal. Thobal's odd habits and nocturnal lifestyle lead to Mrs. Tibbets's escalating concern, particularly as she notices strange occurrences around him and hears rumors of mysterious health crises in the neighborhood. Despite her apprehensions, she tries to help him, eventually discovering that Thobal harbors a darker secret linked to his unearthly appearance and his attachment to a peculiar wooden box. The climax reveals that Thobal is not as he seems, leading to a startling and unsettling conclusion.
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