Subject
Louisville (Ky.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Eleanor Mercein Kelly
Why Joan?
"Why Joan?" by Eleanor Mercein Kelly is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the protagonist, young Joan Darcy, who has just graduated from a convent school and embarks on a journey back home, grappling with her emotions and the weight of her past, particularly the absence of her deceased mother. As Joan faces the realities of her family's situation, including the impact of wealth and social status, she navigates her relationships and seeks to carve out her identity amidst changes in her life. The opening of the novel introduces Joan as she travels in a Pullman, reflecting on her recent graduation and the bittersweet feelings surrounding it. Observing the various passengers, she reveals her inner thoughts, emotions of loss, and a mix of pride and vulnerability. The narrative builds on her memories of her mother and the anticipation of returning home, while setting the stage for the complexities of her family dynamics, particularly with her father, Richard Darcy, and a looming sense of responsibility that comes with adult life. As Joan assesses her expectations versus the reality awaiting her, the groundwork is laid for her emotional journey and the challenges she will encounter in relation to her father’s new marriage and her own identity.
Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice
Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch
"Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" by Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice is a novel published in 1901. Set in a turn-of-the-century urban slum, it follows the optimistic widow Mrs. Wiggs and her five children as they navigate poverty with humor and resilience. Inspired by Rice's philanthropic work in Louisville, Kentucky, the story captures one family's determined spirit while two wealthy individuals seek to help the community. This beloved novel sold over 650,000 copies and inspired numerous stage and film adaptations.
George Looms
Stubble
"Stubble" by George Looms is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story opens with Mary Louise, who observes her surroundings while reflecting on her life and the people around her. As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to various characters, including Zenie, the mother of a newly born child named Nausea, and Joe Hooper, who seems to have a deeper connection with Mary Louise. The beginning of "Stubble" sets the stage for a complex exploration of social dynamics and personal relationships in a small town environment. In the opening chapter, Mary Louise encounters Zenie, revealing a historical tension between the races as well as Zenie's newfound independence. This initial interaction establishes themes of change and identity, which are likely to permeate through the narrative as Mary Louise's own relationships with Joe and her ailing Aunt Susie come into focus. The prose beautifully captures the subtle interplay of emotion and social commentary, hinting at a deeper exploration of self-worth and societal expectation as the story progresses.
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