Subject
Minnesota -- Fiction Books
Best books
Sinclair Lewis
Main Street
"Main Street" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel published in 1920. It satirizes small-town life through Carol Milford Kennicott, an idealistic young woman who moves to Gopher Prairie, Minnesota, and clashes with its narrow-minded residents. Determined to bring progressive change and beauty to the drab town, Carol faces constant resistance from the conservative community. The novel explores her struggles between conformity and independence, tradition and reform, in a provincial American setting that refuses to embrace her vision.
Sinclair Lewis
The Trail of the Hawk: A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life
"The Trail of the Hawk: A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the youthful adventures of Carl Ericson, a boy brimming with mischief and imagination in his small hometown of Joralemon, Minnesota. As Carl navigates the challenges of childhood and the expectations of his Norwegian-American heritage, the novel delves into themes of personal growth and the search for meaning amid the mundane aspects of life. At the start of the narrative, we meet Carl Ericson, an imaginative eight-year-old boy engaged in a variety of mischievous activities, including pretending to lead armies and fantasizing about hunting and adventure. His interactions with his family reveal a blend of fondness and tension, particularly with his strict father. Dreaming of exploring the world beyond his backyard, Carl's adventures lead him to a chance encounter with Gertie Cowles, a girl who has just moved to his town. Their initial interactions highlight both the innocence of childhood and the onset of adolescent feelings, setting the stage for a journey that will see Carl evolve from a playful boy into a young man wrestling with his identity and aspirations.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Lost Trail
"The Lost Trail" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a novel set in the early 19th century that follows the adventurous journey of a young frontiersman named Jack Carleton. The story begins as Jack embarks on a quest searching for his friend Otto Relstaub, who has been spurred into a frantic gallop due to the threat of wild Indians, which was a real danger in the unforgiving wilderness of the American frontier. The book captures the essence of survival, friendship, and bravery against the backdrop of natural beauty and perils. The opening of the novel introduces Jack as he follows a horse's fleeing trail through the forests of Kentucky, tapping into the rich imagery of the landscape and Jack's acute awareness as a seasoned woodsman. As Jack navigates his environment, he encounters a cougar in a tree, highlighting his courage and composure in the face of danger. After a tense confrontation, he moves forward, worried for Otto's safety and suspecting Indian presence. The tension escalates as Jack must hide and strategize his next moves when he unexpectedly encounters Shawanoe Indians. The chapter is steeped in suspense, showcasing not only Jack's skills but also foreshadowing potential conflicts as he aims to outsmart the threats around him. Overall, the beginning of "The Lost Trail" presents an engaging introduction to the trials of frontier life and sets the stage for a tale of resilience and adventure.
Henry Oyen
The Snow-Burner
"The Snow-Burner" by Henry Oyen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Toppy Treplin, a disillusioned young man who finds himself in the remote and bleak town of Rail Head, where he becomes embroiled in a harrowing world dominated by a figure known as Reivers, the "Snow-Burner." Toppy's aimless life takes a turn as he becomes infatuated with a girl, Miss Pearson, who aims to work at the notorious Cameron Dam, where Reivers exerts a tyrannical control over the laborers. At the start of the book, we meet Toppy, who wakes up in a saloon in Rail Head after a night of reckless drinking. Confused and disoriented, he learns that he arrived in this desolate place after stepping off a train. As he observes his surroundings, he becomes captivated by a young woman, Miss Pearson, who has braved the harsh climate to secure a job working at the Cameron Dam. This dangerous camp is run by the formidable Reivers, known for his brutal methods and iron-fisted leadership. Toppy's sense of duty begins to stir as he sees Miss Pearson facing potential peril; despite his flawed past, he is determined to protect her from the looming threats surrounding Hell Camp and its enigmatic leader.
Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger
Dusky Dick: or, Old Toby Castor's great campaign A story of the last Sioux outbreak
"Dusky Dick: or, Old Toby Castor's Great Campaign" by Jos. E. Badger is a novel written in the early 1870s. The narrative focuses on the struggles of settlers during the Sioux uprisings and introduces the character Dusky Dick, a man with a notorious reputation whose motivations are shrouded in suspicion. As the story unfolds, the pivotal characters include Edward Wilson and his daughter Annie, who find themselves embroiled in a conflict that involves threats from both native tribes and their own neighbor. At the start of the novel, we meet Edward Wilson and his daughter Annie at their log cabin when Dusky Dick arrives with alarming news of impending Sioux unrest. While Wilson is initially wary of Dick, he recognizes the urgency of the situation. They soon learn that the Sioux plan to attack nearby settlements, and Dick proposes a controversial deal to Wilson, demanding Annie's hand in marriage in exchange for protecting their homestead. The tension escalates leading to conflict, as characters grapple with treachery, hospitality, and the looming threat of violence, setting the stage for a gripping tale of survival.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Story of Red Feather: A Tale of the American Frontier
"The Story of Red Feather: A Tale of the American Frontier" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the perilous adventures of Melville and his younger sister Dorothy as they journey through the tumultuous American frontier, encountering both the dangers of nature and the hostility of Native Americans, specifically a fierce Sioux warrior known as Red Feather. The novel explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of frontier life. At the start of the story, we meet Melville Clarendon and his sister Dorothy as they ride home from a visit to their uncle. Their journey soon takes a tense turn when they encounter a mysterious Sioux warrior who seems to be watching them from a distance. As they arrive home, they discover a letter that warns them of impending danger from Sioux raiders, led by the notorious Red Feather, who is on a rampage against settlers. As the tension escalates, Melville and Dot are quickly thrust into a life-or-death struggle as they attempt to evade danger, barricade themselves in their home, and rely on their wits to survive against the violent backdrop of the American frontier.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Lost Trail
"The Lost Trail" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a fiction novel set in the early 20th century, likely written in the late 19th century. The story begins in the spring of 1820 and follows the journey of Harvey Richter, a young minister who becomes a missionary to Native Americans in the far Northwest, along with his wife Cora and the loyal Irishman Teddy McFadden. The three navigate the challenges of the wilderness, facing unknown dangers and mysterious encounters, hinting at themes of adventure, survival, and human connection with nature. The opening of the narrative introduces readers to a tranquil scene by a tributary of the Mississippi River, where Harvey and his companions are quietly paddling along in a canoe. Their peaceful outing is soon disrupted by peculiar occurrences, such as the rolling of stones and the distant sound of a rifle shot. As they investigate the strange circumstances, it becomes clear they are not alone in the wilderness. A mysterious figure, a tall, grim man concealed in the bushes, suggests lurking danger. Harvey obtains some unsettling insights into this potential threat as his past comes to haunt him, setting up the tension between the characters and the unresolved conflict with the unknown hunter. The sense of impending trouble looms over their journey, foreshadowing the trials and tribulations that await them in the wilderness.
Recently surfaced classics