Subject
Michigan, Lake -- Fiction Books
Best books
Samuel Merwin
The Merry Anne
"The Merry Anne" by Samuel Merwin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Dick Smiley, the captain of a lumber schooner named the Merry Anne, and delves into his adventures and personal relationships, particularly with a girl named Annie. The book illustrates themes of ambition, love, and the struggles of life on the Great Lakes, against a backdrop of maritime culture. At the start of the narrative, the dedication reveals a past shared by the author and a friend, hinting at nostalgia and deep connections. The main character, Dick Smiley, is introduced as a lively and somewhat reckless captain, who is preparing to set sail amidst an approaching storm, reflecting his bold nature and determination. As he interacts with his crew and contemplates his feelings for Annie, the opening chapters highlight his struggles with authority, responsibility, and the dynamics of love. The stage is set for a gripping adventure filled with nautical challenges and emotional conflicts, signaling an engaging read for those drawn to maritime fiction and romantic plots.
Earl H. (Earl Howell) Reed
The Ghost in the Tower: An Episode in Jacobia
"The Ghost in the Tower: An Episode in Jacobia" by Earl H. Reed is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. This novel blends elements of ghost stories with humor, centered around an encounter between the narrator and a ghost named Emric Szapolyai, who reveals his past as a Hungarian duke turned robber baron. The story unfolds during Christmas time in a tower in Michigan, detailing themes of isolation, history, and the contrast between past and present moralities. The plot begins with the narrator visiting his friend Jacobs' farmhouse and being drawn to the eerie water tower that stands nearby. While contemplating the quiet surroundings, he encounters Szapolyai, who emerges from the mist and engages him in a conversation about his storied life. The ghost shares humorous accounts of his past as a nobleman and his escapades with infamous pirates, portraying the evolution of morality from his time to modern-day business practices, illustrated through his candid remarks on contemporary financial sins. The narrative ultimately reflects on the themes of nostalgia, companionship, and the idea of lingering spirits and their aspirations, leaving readers with a blend of lightheartedness and contemplation on the evolving nature of human ethics.
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