Subject
Mistaken identity -- Fiction Books
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Mark Twain
The American Claimant
"The American Claimant" by Mark Twain is a novel published in 1892. This comedy of mistaken identities follows an American colonel who discovers he's heir to a British earldom, while a British viscount journeys to America seeking to renounce his aristocracy and live as an ordinary man. Their paths collide in a tale of switched roles, romantic confusion, and clashing ideals about democracy versus hereditary privilege. Twain notably experimented with this work, using phonographic dictation and placing all weather descriptions in an appendix.
Henry Kingsley
Ravenshoe
"Ravenshoe" by Henry Kingsley is a novel published in 1862. In the grand Irish estate of Ravenshoe, a devastating secret emerges: Charles and William were swapped at birth. When Charles discovers he may not be the rightful heir, he flees his privileged life to become a groom, then a soldier bound for the Crimean War. Amidst questions of identity, lost love, and the chaos of the Light Brigade's legendary charge, the truth about bloodlines proves more complicated than anyone imagined.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Mad King
"The Mad King" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a Ruritanian romance originally published in 1914-1915. Young American Barney Custer travels to the fictional European kingdom of Lutha, unaware he's the exact double of the newly escaped King Leopold. Mistaken for royalty, Barney becomes entangled in royal intrigue, falls for the king's promised bride Princess Emma, and must impersonate the monarch to save the throne from a scheming prince. Set against the outbreak of World War I, this adventure follows Barney through diplomatic danger, narrow escapes, and battles that will determine Lutha's fate.
Hallie Erminie Rives
Satan Sanderson
"Satan Sanderson" by Hallie Erminie Rives is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around complicated family dynamics, particularly focusing on the strained relationship between the wealthy but embittered David Stires and his wayward son, Hugh. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of societal expectations and moral dilemmas, particularly as a young minister, Harry Sanderson, becomes entwined in the lives of the Stires family and the blind ward, Jessica Holme. The opening of the novel introduces a tense scene in which David Stires is revising his will, revealing his contempt for Hugh's reckless behavior, which he perceives as a betrayal. The story quickly establishes the contrasting characters of Hugh, a prodigal son struggling with his identity and failures, and Harry, a new priest displaying a magnetic but complex personality. As the scene plays out in the lavish library on a warm May night, a moral question looms about forgiveness and redemption, with the blind Jessica standing out as an innocent figure caught in a web of familial strife. This sets the tone for a narrative exploring themes of duty, consequence, and the search for personal salvation against the backdrop of societal judgment.
Booth Tarkington
The Two Vanrevels
"The Two Vanrevels" by Booth Tarkington is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the quaint town of Rouen, where themes of love, rivalry, and social dynamics play out, centered around the lives of two young men, Tom Vanrevel and Crailey Gray, both of whom are deeply affected by the arrival of the beautiful Betty Carewe, the daughter of the town's wealthy magnate, Robert Carewe. The opening of the novel introduces Betty Carewe as she returns from a convent education, filled with curiosity and excitement about the world outside. On her arrival home, she captures the attention of Tom Vanrevel, who is immediately entranced by her beauty and presence, even as he grapples with the hostility of her father. As the narrative unfolds, there is a distinct sense of competition between Tom and Crailey Gray, who is engaged to another woman. The bustling town of Rouen becomes a backdrop for the romantic complexities and social rivalries that will resonate throughout the novel, setting the stage for a rich exploration of love and societal expectations.
Agnes Castle
The Pride of Jennico: Being a Memoir of Captain Basil Jennico
"The Pride of Jennico: Being a Memoir of Captain Basil Jennico" by Agnes and Egerton Castle is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Captain Basil Jennico, who finds himself in a complicated situation following the unexpected legacy from his great-uncle, which elevates him to a position of significant wealth and land ownership in Moravia. As he navigates his new life filled with social responsibilities and personal dilemmas, he grapples with themes of pride, heritage, and romance. The opening portion of the memoir introduces us to Basil Jennico, who begins to write during a storm at his ancestral castle in Moravia. His narrative reflects on the legacy he received from his great-uncle, which transformed his life from a modest military officer to a landowner with vast territories. In his introspective exploration, he reveals his internal conflicts about family pride, the responsibilities tied to his newfound wealth, and a burgeoning love for a mysterious princess. As he reminisces about his family's esteemed lineage and his duty to uphold it, the reader gets a sense of the rich historical context and character depth that will shape the unfolding story.
William Congreve
Incognita; Or, Love and Duty Reconcil'd
"Incognita; Or, Love and Duty Reconcil'd" by William Congreve is a novel written in the late 17th century, during the Restoration era. The novel explores the themes of love and duty through the intertwining lives of its main characters, Aurelian and Hippolito, who are caught in a complex web of romance and obligation as they navigate youthful relationships in Florence. The opening portion of the novel introduces the backdrop of Florence, highlighting the lavish preparations for an upcoming wedding. It establishes Aurelian as a well-educated young gentleman and gives insight into his close friendship with Hippolito, a Spanish nobleman. Their anticipation for the forthcoming festivities sets the tone for their adventures. As they arrive in Florence, they seek to immerse themselves in the excitement of the city, with plans to partake in balls and masquerades. The narrative intertwines their longing for love with the societal expectations of marriage, creating an undercurrent of tension as they both engage with mysterious ladies who captivate their hearts while grappling with familial pressures and personal desires.
M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon
His darling sin
"His Darling Sin" by M. E. Braddon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Lady Perivale, a widow navigating the hollow glamour of high society in London after the death of her husband. Initially filled with wealth and grace, she faces scandal and social ostracism as rumors about her inappropriate relationship with Colonel Rannock circulate, leaving her to reconcile her inner life with the harsh judgments of her superficial peers. The opening of the novel establishes a vivid contrast between the lavish yet empty life of Lady Perivale and her longing for genuine connection, increasingly complicated by her past and societal expectations. Upon her return to London from her Italian villa, Lady Perivale grapples with the disconcerting reception from former friends, compounded by receiving only a handful of letters and hints of the scandal that now shrouds her reputation. As she connects with her old friend, Susan, the weight of gossip and isolation begins to manifest, prompting a deep exploration of her character and the events leading to her present predicament. The narrative skillfully juxtaposes her vivid memories of happiness with her current sorrow, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger
The Scarlet Shoulders; or, The Miner Rangers
"The Scarlet Shoulders; or, The Miner Rangers" by Jos. E. Badger is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a tumultuous setting filled with conflicts between various factions, focusing on themes of duty, survival, and loyalty intertwined with personal relationships. One major character is Christobal Canelo, the haciendado, who faces a brutal assault on his homeland, revealing a complex interplay between personal sacrifice and the wider struggles of his community. At the start of the narrative, readers are thrust into a chaotic and violent scene in a hacienda under siege by hostile forces. The haciendado, Christobal Canelo, is seen rallying his frightened people, and despite the danger, he insists on remaining with his wife, Luzecita, to protect their home. As the battle unfolds, emotions run high, leading to distressing moments of sacrifice, death, and apart from the expected violence, the text explores themes of love and familial bonds amidst the turmoil, setting the stage for deeper character explorations as the plot progresses. The foregoing conflict hints at broader complexities that shape the characters' lives and decisions, promising both action and emotional depth in the unfolding story.
Adeline Sergeant
Under False Pretences: A Novel
"Under False Pretences: A Novel" by Adeline Sergeant is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Edward Luttrell and his wife, Margaret, who move to a villa in Italy with their children. The plot thickens when a tragic illness and subsequent mistaken identity lead to a complete disruption of their lives, ultimately calling into question issues of motherhood and familial bonds. At the start of the narrative, Edward and Margaret Luttrell arrive at their villa amidst concerns over Margaret's health. With the birth of their second child, Brian, their happy family life is soon shattered when Margaret, suffering from a fever, fails to recognize her own baby and insists that he is the illegitimate child of their nurse, Vincenza. This pivotal moment sets off a chain of events that raises questions about identity, maternal instincts, and the implications of mistaken belief, leaving readers to wonder about the deeper psychological and moral dilemmas surrounding the characters.
Arnold Bennett
Buried Alive: A Tale of These Days
"Buried Alive: A Tale of These Days" by Arnold Bennett is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story centers around the life of Priam Farll, a reclusive and shy painter who has achieved immense fame and wealth but struggles with his personal life and social interactions. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to Priam Farll, who is described as living in a largely empty, forlorn house in South Kensington while wearing a striking puce dressing-gown. Despite his success as an artist, revealed through the acclaim of his infamous portrait of a policeman, Farll experiences profound shyness and superficiality in human connections. In his solitude, he reflects on his life and relationships, particularly his reliance on his valet, Henry Leek. The narrative establishes a paradox in Farll's character: while he is a brilliant artist revered by the public, he is personally lost and helpless in the mundane realities of life, setting the stage for a comedic and poignant exploration of identity and self-worth.
H. De Vere (Henry De Vere) Stacpoole
The Man Who Lost Himself
"The Man Who Lost Himself" by H. De Vere Stacpoole is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Victor Jones, a young man feeling the weight of failure after losing a critical business contract in London. As he grapples with his financial woes and sense of identity, he encounters a mysterious stranger named Rochester, who bears an unsettling resemblance to him. Their meeting sets the stage for a series of misunderstandings and adventures that challenge both characters' perceptions of self. At the start of the narrative, Victor Jones is depicted as a defeated figure in the Savoy Hotel, reflecting on his life choices and recent failures. After a chance encounter with a stranger who looks exactly like him, Jones is drawn into a whirlwind of events that leave him questioning his own identity. The opening chapters explore his initial confusion, the impact of alcohol on his decision-making, and the consequences of becoming an unwitting part of Rochester's life following a fateful night. This intriguing premise hints at elements of mistaken identity and the psychological complexities of self-perception, establishing a narrative that promises both tension and humor as the plot unfolds.
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