Subject
Mentally ill -- Fiction Books
Best books
Herman Melville
Moby Dick; Or, The Whale
"Moby Dick; Or, The Whale" by Herman Melville is an epic novel published in 1851. Sailor Ishmael narrates the obsessive quest of Captain Ahab, who commands the whaling ship Pequod in pursuit of Moby Dick, a giant white sperm whale that destroyed his leg. Ahab's monomaniacal hunt for vengeance drives the ship and its diverse crew across the world's oceans, blending realistic whaling details with profound explorations of good, evil, fate, and human nature in this cornerstone of American literature.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The Invisible Man: A Grotesque Romance
"The Invisible Man: A Grotesque Romance" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel published in 1897. Griffin, a brilliant scientist, discovers how to make himself invisible by altering his body's refractive index. But when he cannot reverse the process, his isolation and frustration spiral into madness and violence. As he terrorizes an English village and evades capture, Griffin's desperate quest for power transforms him into a dangerous fugitive hunted by increasingly desperate authorities. This influential novel explores the dark consequences of unchecked ambition and invisibility's corrupting power.
Herman Melville
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale
"Moby-Dick; or, The Whale" by Herman Melville is an epic novel published in 1851. Sailor Ishmael narrates the obsessive quest of Captain Ahab, who commands the whaling ship Pequod in pursuit of Moby Dick, the white whale that destroyed his leg. Driven by vengeance, Ahab leads his diverse crew across the world's oceans, hunting the legendary creature. This tale of obsession explores themes of good and evil, fate, and humanity's struggle against nature's overwhelming power.
Herman Melville
Moby Dick; Or, The Whale
"Moby Dick; Or, The Whale" by Herman Melville is an epic novel published in 1851. Sailor Ishmael narrates the obsessive quest of Captain Ahab, who commands the whaling ship Pequod in pursuit of Moby Dick, a giant white sperm whale that destroyed his leg. Ahab's vengeful mission drives the ship and its diverse crew across the world's oceans, blending realistic whaling details with profound explorations of fate, good and evil, and human obsession against nature's raw power.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
The Guardian Angel
"The Guardian Angel" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a novel written during the late 19th century. It explores themes of heredity, moral responsibility, and the complexities of human character through the story of Myrtle Hazard, who is depicted as a young girl navigating the tensions of her upbringing amid familial and societal expectations. At the start of the narrative, an advertisement appears in the local newspaper announcing the mysterious disappearance of Myrtle Hazard, drawing concern and speculation from the community. The opening chapters introduce various characters, including Myrtle's guardians, Miss Silence Withers and her aunt, who exemplify conflicting attitudes towards discipline and freedom. As the search for Myrtle unfolds, the chapters delve into the dynamics of the Withers family, their history, and the significant impact of heredity on Myrtle's character—a major theme that is hinted at in the author's preface. Holmes sets a tone of intrigue and complexity, laying the foundation for a deeper exploration of Myrtle’s struggles and the inherited traits that influence her fate.
T. (Tobias) Smollett
The Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves
"The Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves" by Tobias Smollett is a novel likely written in the mid-18th century. This tale follows the protagonist, Sir Launcelot Greaves, who aspires to become a knight-errant, embarking on a quest to uphold virtue and justice, echoing the themes of chivalry and adventure present in romantic literature. The opening of the novel begins with four travelers seeking refuge from a storm in a public house along the northern road from York to London. As they gather in the kitchen, their vibrant personalities become apparent, particularly that of Captain Crowe, an impetuous sailor, and his nephew, Tom Clarke, a compassionate young lawyer. They engage in anecdotes showcasing their camaraderie and individual quirks—Crows’ impulsive nature contrasting with Clarke's law-talk and sensitivity to others’ plights. The chapter introduces Ferret, a cynical character with a penchant for contradiction, who stirs tension and dissatisfaction among the group while hinting at the overarching themes of societal critique and the exploration of morality and human nature that will unfold throughout the narrative.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
A Mortal Antipathy
"A Mortal Antipathy" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a novel that likely originated in the late 19th century. The narrative explores the peculiar phenomenon of personal antipathy, particularly as it relates to the psychological and physiological responses of its characters. The main characters hinted at in the opening portion include Lurida Vincent, a brilliant but physically uninspired advocate for women's rights, and Euthymia Tower, a physically adept and exceptionally talented young woman leading a crew in a rowing competition. The opening of the book sets the stage for this exploration by discussing the interesting atmosphere of Arrowhead Village, where various characters are introduced, including curious villagers and the enigmatic Maurice Kirkwood, who is known for his reclusive nature and a mysterious “antipathy.” The narrator prepares the reader for a tale that challenges their beliefs, touching upon curious themes of strong character contrasts, gender discussions, and an intriguing boat race between the male and female rowing crews of local institutions which serves as a backdrop for personal drama and societal commentary. Thus, the early chapters establish both setting and character dynamics, hinting at deeper explorations of identity, societal norms, and interpersonal relationships throughout the story.
H. P. (Howard Phillips) Lovecraft
The case of Charles Dexter Ward
"The Case of Charles Dexter Ward" by H. P. Lovecraft is a horror novel written in early 1927. When young Charles Dexter Ward becomes obsessed with his ancestor Joseph Curwen, an alleged eighteenth-century wizard and necromancer, he uncovers dark secrets that lead to his institutionalization. Ward's doctor investigates disturbing physiological changes in his patient, discovering ancient documents, forbidden resurrection rituals, and a vast underground lair. As the investigation deepens, the line between past and present blurs, revealing a conspiracy that threatens mankind itself.
John Cowper Powys
Rodmoor: A Romance
"Rodmoor: A Romance" by John Cowper Powys is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of love, personal struggle, and the complex nature of relationships, centering around the characters Nance Herrick and Adrian Sorio as they navigate the challenges of love and family loyalty against the backdrop of the locality of Rodmoor. With elements of psychological intrigue and emotional depth, the narrative promises to capture the intricacies of human connection. The beginning of the tale introduces us to Nance Herrick, who engages in a heartfelt conversation with Adrian Sorio, revealing the emotional tensions shaped by their pasts and present relationships. As Nance reflects on the complexity of her familial duties and the happiness she derives from her newfound love, she also grapples with internal conflicts concerning her sister Linda and their mentor Rachel Doorm. Adrian's premonitions about the future and the mention of Rodmoor heighten the narrative's allure, suggesting that their journey may lead them towards unforeseen challenges shaped by both their emotional landscapes and the setting itself. This opening lays a rich foundation for exploring the intertwined fates of its characters in a world where love and personal history collide.
Amelia Opie
The Father and Daughter: A Tale, in Prose
"The Father and Daughter: A Tale, in Prose" by Amelia Opie is a novel published in 1801. Agnes Fitzhenry returns to her father's home as a disgraced woman with an illegitimate child, seeking redemption after eloping with a libertine who abandoned her. She finds her father driven mad by the shock of her disappearance. As Agnes devotes herself to nursing him back to health, she must confront her shame while struggling to earn forgiveness from both her father and society.
Jules Verne
Facing the Flag
"Facing the Flag" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1896. A brilliant French inventor creates the Fulgurator, a devastating super-weapon capable of destroying ships without direct impact. When governments reject his invention, he descends into madness and paranoia. A notorious pirate kidnaps him to a hidden island base, forcing him to build the weapon while a French spy works desperately to stop the catastrophe. As naval powers close in, the inventor must choose between patriotism and revenge in this tale of technological terror and national loyalty.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
A láthatatlan ember: Fantasztikus regény
"A láthatatlan ember: Fantasztikus regény" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel written in 1897. A mysterious stranger arrives at an English inn, wrapped in bandages and clothing that conceal a shocking secret: he is completely invisible. After revealing himself and fleeing, the invisible man, Griffin, attempts to establish a "Terror Realm" using his discovery. His brilliant mind paired with ruthless ambition leads to a violent confrontation. The story explores the dangerous consequences of unchecked scientific genius turned toward personal power rather than humanity's benefit.
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