Subject
Maryland -- Fiction Books
Best books
Van Tassel Sutphen
In Jeopardy
"In Jeopardy" by Van Tassel Sutphen is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Hugh Hildebrand, who learns of the death of a distant relative, Francis Graeme, and subsequently discovers he is the primary beneficiary of Graeme's will. As Hugh navigates the family's dynamics and history at "Hildebrand Hundred," he encounters various characters culminating in a series of events that suggest deeper mysteries surrounding the death of his cousin. The opening of the novel introduces Hugh through a letter notifying him of his cousin's funeral and hinting at an inheritance. He reflects on his distant connection to the Graeme family, the historical rift caused by the Civil War, and his mixed feelings about attending the funeral. Upon his arrival at "Hildebrand Hundred," he encounters various family members and their complicated relationships, including John Thaneford, whose family has a vested interest in the estate. As the narrative unfolds, the atmosphere is charged with tension and foreshadowing, particularly as the reader learns about the mysterious circumstances surrounding Graeme's sudden death, setting the stage for deeper intrigue and family secrets.
Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth
The discarded daughter; or, The children of the isle
"The Discarded Daughter; or, The Children of the Isle" by Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth is a novel written in the mid-19th century. This work explores themes of love, loss, familial duty, and social constraints through the life of Alice Chester, who becomes entangled in her father's ambitious plans for her future against her own desires. As the sole heiress of a large estate, Alice faces the pressure of societal expectations and parental tyranny, particularly from her father, Colonel Chester. The opening portion sets the stage for Alice's turbulent life in the beautiful yet oppressive environment of Mount Calm. After the death of her brothers in the Revolutionary War, Alice is thrust into the role of heiress, drawing the attention of suitors, including her father's choice, General Garnet. Complications arise with her existing love for Milton Sinclair, a young minister whose prospects are diminished by Colonel Chester's authoritarian control over Alice's fate. The narrative begins with intense emotional turmoil as Alice grapples with her father's intentions and the contrast between her hopes and the reality imposed upon her. This powerful conflict establishes a dramatic foundation for the unfolding story, intriguing readers with its exploration of personal agency within societal constraints.
Mary E. (Mary Eliza) Ireland
Hilda's Mascot: A Tale of "Maryland, My Maryland"
"Hilda's Mascot: A Tale of 'Maryland, My Maryland'" by Mary E. Ireland is a children's fiction narrative written in the early 20th century. The story follows Hilda, a young girl who navigates the challenges of life with her aunt, Mrs. Ashley, and her interactions with the world around her, all while grappling with themes of family, loss, and resilience. Central to the narrative are characters like Mrs. Ashley, who embodies care and compassion, highlighting the importance of familial bonds. The opening of the story introduces a somber and emotional journey as a man takes two children, Jerusha and Horace Flint, to an orphanage, revealing their untimely separation from their mother. The narrative immediately sets a tone of loss and uncertainty as the children face their new reality in the orphanage. Meanwhile, it hints at a deeper connection to Hilda’s life later on by exploring her relationships and the complexities of her upbringing and environment. The emotional gravity of the beginning lays the groundwork for exploring themes such as love, abandonment, and the search for belonging, making it a poignant read for young audiences.
Gabrielle E. (Gabrielle Emilie) Jackson
Peggy Stewart at School
"Peggy Stewart at School" by Gabrielle E. Jackson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Peggy Stewart, a charming fifteen-year-old girl, as she navigates the complexities of adolescence amidst family changes and the arrival of her aunt, Mrs. Peyton Stewart. The plot unfolds in the backdrop of Severndale, Maryland, where traditional familial bonds clash with new dynamics introduced by Peggy’s visiting aunt. At the start of the novel, Peggy awakens on a warm September morning, welcoming her aunt, who has come to stay at Severndale. The opening scene highlights the serene yet stifling atmosphere of the household, as old family traditions and relationships are threatened by the aunt's authoritative presence. Through Peggy's eyes, the reader experiences her growing discomfort with her aunt's overbearing nature, gradually feeling the weight of her responsibilities as the mistress of the house. Relationships with family members and the loyal servants, who have cared for her since childhood, become strained, setting the stage for unfolding tensions and conflicts that Peggy must navigate.
Amy Ella Blanchard
Talbot's Angles
"Talbot's Angles" by Amy Ella Blanchard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Linda Talbot, a young woman grappling with changes following her brother Martin's death and the arrival of her new sister-in-law, Grace. As Linda navigates her new life and the challenges that accompany her brother’s legacy, themes of independence, family dynamics, and personal struggle are likely to emerge. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Linda Talbot as the sun sets over her rural home,Talbot's Angles. The narrative captures her deep emotional ties to her familial home while hinting at her growing frustrations with her sister-in-law's manipulation following the death of Martin. Linda confides in her steadfast companion, Phebe, about her plans to seek employment and claim her independence, while expressing her sense of being trapped by Grace's intentions to dominate household affairs. This opening section sets a poignant tone, revealing Linda's internal conflicts as she prepares to carve out a new path for herself in the world.
P. Schuyler (Peter Schuyler) Miller
The Ultimate Image
"The Ultimate Image" by P. Schuyler Miller is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The book explores advanced concepts in physics and technology, particularly the intersections of science with espionage and defense, as a small group attempts to avert a significant threat. The narrative centers around the character Pierre Dampier, a physicist who claims to have created a weapon that can render attacks ineffective. In the story, journalist Mike Crandall and his colleague Bill Porter find themselves entangled in a high-stakes situation involving an assassination attempt on a Middle-European ambassador by Dampier. After an intense struggle, they discover Dampier's motives are tied to a revolutionary scientific breakthrough: a device capable of creating a zone of total reflection, which protects against any form of attack. As they delve deeper into the implications of this technology, they face threats from various entities, including the very ambassador Dampier sought to eliminate. In a climax of tension and unintended consequences, Dampier's experiment spirals out of control, leading to a catastrophic explosion that challenges the nature of existence and the fabric of reality itself. The book raises profound questions about the universe, the nature of reality, and the consequences of scientific ambition.
Edward Barron
An Accidental Honeymoon
"An Accidental Honeymoon" by David Potter is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the charming and lighthearted adventures of Tom Fessenden and a young girl named Betty Landis, as well as their interactions with an intriguing character named Madge Yarnell. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Maryland's Eastern Shore, the book promises romantic escapades and playful encounters. The opening of the book introduces Fessenden as he encounters Betty near a stream, where she has stumbled while paddling and fears an eel. Their playful banter reveals their youthful innocence and budding connection. As they navigate the dynamics of their flirtation and the arrival of her Aunt Landis, the chapter sets a whimsical tone for Fessenden's visit in Maryland and hints at future adventures and romantic entanglements. The lively dialogue and vivid descriptions of springtime in Maryland establish a whimsical atmosphere, inviting readers to join Fessenden and Betty on their accidental journey intertwined with themes of love and self-discovery.
Edmund K. Goldsborough
Ole Mars an' Ole Miss
"Ole Mars an' Ole Miss" by Edmund K. Goldsborough is a narrative work likely written in the late 19th century. The book captures the experiences and stories of African Americans on the Eastern Shore of Maryland during the antebellum period, reflecting their culture, humor, and religious life. Significant characters include Ole Mars, representing a benevolent plantation master, and Ole Miss, embodying kindness and maternal warmth toward their enslaved community. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for a rich portrayal of life before the Civil War, with a delightful mix of vernacular dialogue and character introductions. It introduces a variety of characters, including Pawson Demby, a preacher known for his lively sermons filled with religious teachings, and characters like Uncle Reubin Viney and Little Billy, who embody the spirit and humor of the community. The scene is lively and filled with traditional activities such as church services, social gatherings, and the preparation for baptisms, giving readers a sense of the vibrancy and challenges of life during this period.
Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth
The deserted wife
The Deserted Wife by Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth is a novel written in the mid-19th century. It opens with a sharp critique of hasty marriage and easy divorce, then moves into a domestic drama set in Maryland’s fading planter world. The story centers on gentle, steadfast Sophie Churchill, who raises her orphaned niece on a decayed estate, becomes close to the kindly Emily May, and draws the troubling attention of the new minister, John Huss Withers. Themes of duty, temptation, and social judgment loom, hinting at betrayal and peril ahead. The opening of the novel combines an essay on the causes of unhappy marriages—defective moral and physical education, lax social discipline, and premature unions—with a vivid setup: the ruin of Heath Hall and the proud, impoverished Churchill line. Sophie, left to rear little Hagar with only an ancient servant, finds solace in the friendship of Rev. Senex May and his young wife, Emily; plans to unite their households end abruptly with the old pastor’s sudden death. His successor, the austere John Huss Withers, exerts an icy, magnetic presence that unsettles Sophie, culminating in a tense ride to church and a mysterious apparition in the woods. Back at Heath Hall, a desperate fugitive slave invades the house; Withers subdues him, but Sophie secretly frees the man and aids his escape. Withers then begins visiting Sophie, probing her mind and loneliness with cool, philosophical talk of “ennui” and purpose, while his personal interest becomes unmistakable. The section closes with his intimate address and Sophie’s wary withdrawal, foretelling conflict.
Mayne Reid
The Fatal Cord, and The Falcon Rover
"The Fatal Cord and The Falcon Rover" by Mayne Reid is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins in a forested area of Arkansas, where a group of young hunters gathers for a bear hunt, depicting the rough and adventurous spirit of youth in the backwoods of America during this period. The novel combines themes of camaraderie, competition, and peril when a cruel prank results in a dangerous predicament for one of the characters, a mixed-race young hunter named Pierre Robideau. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to a lively campfire scene where six boys celebrate their successful bear hunt. Among them is Brandon, a privileged youth who asserts dominance over the others, and Pierre, a young man of mixed heritage who is being subjected to their bullying. The playful atmosphere quickly turns dark when Brandon challenges Pierre to a hanging contest, intending to humiliate him. The open disregard for Pierre's safety escalates to a critical moment when the other boys abandon him, leaving him suspended by a noose they've rigged, prompting a desperate outcry for help that echoes in the silent forest. The tension escalates as Pierre grapples with his dire situation, setting the stage for a complex exploration of prejudice, revenge, and moral choices in a harsh frontier society.
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