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Mayors -- Fiction Books

Best books

Thomas Hardy

The Mayor of Casterbridge

"The Mayor of Casterbridge" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1886. In a drunken moment at a country fair, young hay-trusser Michael Henchard auctions off his wife and infant daughter to a stranger. Years later, filled with remorse and now a successful mayor, Henchard attempts to rebuild his life when his past returns unexpectedly. This tale follows his struggles with ambition, rivalry, and the consequences of his fateful decision in rural England.

Arthur Quiller-Couch

The Mayor of Troy

"The Mayor of Troy" by Arthur Quiller-Couch is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and antics of Solomon Hymen, a beloved and charismatic mayor of the fictional town of Troy, Cornwall, during the early 19th century, particularly against the backdrop of impending conflict with France. The narrative presents a humorous and whimsical account of civic life, infused with local color and the eccentricities of the townspeople. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the Mayor of Troy, Solomon Hymen, and sets the stage for the story by delving into the town's historical significance and the loss of its former borough records. Through the Mayor's reflections, we quickly learn about the town's characters, including the humorous rivalry with the Mayor of nearby Lestiddle and the community's deep-rooted spirit. The narrative hints at the tense atmosphere in Troy as the threat of a French invasion looms, and the Mayor takes charge, rallying the townsfolk for both civic duty and light-hearted military endeavors, establishing a lively setting that promises both comedic and heartfelt moments ahead.

Herbert M. (Herbert Müller) Hopkins

The Mayor of Warwick

"The Mayor of Warwick" by Herbert M. Hopkins is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Llewellyn Leigh, a young professor who has just begun his professional journey at St. George's Hall, a quaint college in Warwick. As he navigates the challenges of his new position, the narrative hints at themes of ambition, idealism, and interpersonal dynamics, particularly involving the bishop's daughter, Felicity Wycliffe, and the tumultuous political landscape surrounding the upcoming mayoral election. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Leigh as he arrives at the college and reflects on its striking architecture, which contrasts the vibrant community it aspires to be a part of. His initial explorations are punctuated by encounters that evoke a sense of romantic interest, especially with Felicity, who captures his attention during a chance meeting. The opening chapters sketch the atmosphere of Warwick, introducing us to both the idyllic beauty of the landscape and the underlying tensions in the college's hierarchy. As Leigh becomes acquainted with various characters, including the enigmatic bishop and the spirited Emmet, a local politician, we get a glimpse of the challenges he will face in balancing his academic ambitions with the unfolding events in the community.

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