Subject
Monks -- Fiction Books
Best books
M. G. (Matthew Gregory) Lewis
The Monk: A Romance
"The Monk: A Romance" by M. G. Lewis is a Gothic novel published in 1796. It follows Ambrosio, a virtuous monk who succumbs to forbidden desires when a mysterious figure infiltrates his monastery. His fall from grace spirals into a dark tale of lust, murder, and demonic pacts. Scandalous for its sexually explicit content and themes of rape and incest, it became the most controversial Gothic novel of the 18th century, shocking readers while achieving immense popularity and influencing the horror genre.
Walter Scott
The Monastery
"The Monastery" by Walter Scott is a historical novel written during the early 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the Reformation and follows two main characters whose lives and ideologies are shaped by the contentious and vibrant era. It notably focuses on the contrasting perspectives of Halbert Glendinning, who is devoted to the Catholic faith, and a Reformed Protestant character, establishing tension between their beliefs and ambitions. At the start of the novel, the narrative sets the scene with an introduction from Captain Clutterbuck, who expresses his admiration for antiquities and the history surrounding the ruins of Melrose Abbey. Clutterbuck reflects on the fading influence of magical beliefs connected to the area and introduces the mysterious character of a Benedictine monk, who has come to Scotland to retrieve the heart of a significant historical figure buried within the abbey. His journey intertwines with themes of history, faith, and the supernatural, establishing a rich tapestry of characters and historical context that foreshadows the unfolding drama between tradition and change.
Leo Tolstoy
Father Sergius
"Father Sergius" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a short story written between 1890 and 1898. After discovering his fiancée's affair with the Tsar, proud Prince Stepan Kasatsky abandons his promising future to become a monk. Despite years of spiritual devotion and growing fame as a holy hermit and healer, he struggles with inner weakness, pride, and desire. His journey takes him from self-mutilation to resist temptation, through devastating failure, and finally toward an unexpected path of humble service and redemption.
Michael Fairless
The Gathering of Brother Hilarius
"The Gathering of Brother Hilarius" by Michael Fairless is a romance novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story explores the inner struggles of a young novice named Hilarius, who grapples with the tensions between his monastic duties and the enchantments of the worldly life he has long been sheltered from. Set against the backdrop of the Black Death, it delves into themes of love, longing, and the quest for spiritual truth. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Hilarius standing at the gates of his monastery, where he is overtaken by a sense of yearning for the outside world. As he gazes down the road, he is torn between his commitment to the cloistered life and the allure of the forest that beckons him. His encounter with a spirited young dancer reveals the complexities of love and desire, complicating his innocent understanding of the world. As Hilarius contemplates the meaning of love, guided by the inspired words of the people he meets, he begins a journey that promises to oscillate between divine calling and human affections, setting the stage for a profound exploration of faith and love in a tumultuous time.
Adolphe Danziger
The monk and the hangman's daughter
"The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter" by Adolphe Danziger De Castro and Ambrose Bierce is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores the complex interplay of love, social justice, and morality, focusing on the lives of Benedicta, the daughter of a hangman, and Ambrosius, a young monk. Set against a backdrop of religious and societal constraints, the story delves into themes of compassion and the human condition in a harsh world. The opening of the novel introduces us to Brother Ambrosius, a young monk who embarks on a journey with his companions to their new monastery in a foreboding mountainous region. As they navigate through the wild, Ambrosius reflects on their faith, their duty to God, and his own struggles with temptation. Upon encountering a gallows and the young girl, Benedicta, who cares for the body of a hanged man, the tension between societal perceptions and individual compassion is established. The narrative showcases Ambrosius's internal conflict as he feels drawn to Benedicta, whom society condemns due to her father's profession, setting the stage for a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and the search for redemption throughout the story.
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 2 (of 2)
"The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 2 (of 2)" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel published in 1815. This Gothic tale follows Medardus, a Capuchin monk who succumbs to temptation after drinking Satan's elixir. His journey spirals into obsession, murder, and madness as he encounters his mysterious doppelgänger and becomes entangled with forbidden love. Blurring reality and dream, Hoffmann probes the darkest depths of the human psyche in this ambiguous narrative that can be read as either a story of fate's cruel manipulation or Christian redemption.
Ernest Oldmeadow
Antonio
"Antonio" by Ernest Oldmeadow is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in 19th-century Portugal and follows a young monk, Antonio, who grapples with his faith, the call of priesthood, and the tumultuous political landscape of his country, overshadowed by civil strife and the echoes of war. The novel explores themes of peace, duty, sacrifice, and the struggles inherent in remaining true to one's beliefs amidst external chaos. The opening of "Antonio" introduces us to the serene setting of a monastery where the protagonist, Antonio, reflects on his recent elevation to the priesthood and the enduring peace he experiences after years of conflict in Portugal. As he contemplates the dark history that led to his present peace, he recalls the doubts and temptations he's faced regarding his religious life. Just when Antonio begins to find solace in the tranquility around him, disturbances interrupt the monks' existence, signaling impending conflict as soldiers arrive at the monastery gate. The chapter sets the stage for a poignant exploration of faith, sacrifice, and the external struggles that threaten to disrupt the inner peace of the monastery and its residents.
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 1 (of 2)
"The Devil's Elixir, Vol. 1 (of 2)" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel published in 1815. A Capuchin monk named Medardus drinks a cursed elixir that once belonged to Saint Anthony, awakening dangerous desires within him. Haunted by a mysterious doppelgänger and ignorant of his own dark family history, he abandons his monastery to pursue forbidden love. His journey spirals into murder, mistaken identities, and madness as fate—or perhaps something more sinister—manipulates his every step.
Warwick Deeping
Martin Valliant
"Martin Valliant" by Warwick Deeping is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the titular character, Brother Martin, a monk trying to uphold his vows while navigating the complexities of love, temptation, and the darker motivations of his fellow monks. As Martin struggles with his desire for a life of holiness versus worldly pleasures, he faces antagonism from other characters like Brother Geraint, who harbor their own malicious intentions. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Brother Geraint and the tranquil yet deceptive world of the priory where the characters dwell. Geraint appears to harbor a grudge against the virtuous Brother Martin and seeks to undermine him. The peaceful setting belies the brewing tension as Geraint plots against Martin, whose sincere nature and innocence attract the attention of the local women, notably Kate Succory. The opening chapters establish a tone of conflict between spiritual aspiration and earthly desires, hinting at a moral struggle that will only intensify as the story unfolds.
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
Die Elixiere des Teufels : $b Nachgelassene Papiere des Bruders Medardus, eines Kapuziners
"Die Elixiere des Teufels: Nachgelassene Papiere des Bruders Medardus, eines..." by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a novel published in 1815. A Capuchin monk named Medardus drinks a mysterious elixir once offered to Saint Anthony by Satan, unleashing a descent into obsession and violence. As he flees his monastery, he encounters a doppelgänger, seduces noblewomen connected to his hidden past, and commits murder. His unreliable narrative blurs dreams with reality, leaving readers uncertain whether his fate is controlled by demonic forces or divine providence.
Mór Jókai
Peter the Priest
"Peter the Priest" by Mór Jókai is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a monastery where young Peter, a novice monk with a stern character, faces the daunting task of becoming the educator for the mischievous son of a powerful patroness. This narrative delves into themes of temptation, duty, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly through the eyes of Father Peter as he navigates his conflicting emotions towards his new role and the alluring patroness. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a group of monks discussing a letter from their patroness, who seeks a tutor for her troublesome son. As they debate the qualifications of sending one of their own, they ultimately decide on Peter, despite his youth and relative inexperience. The surrounding dialogue reveals the monks' apprehensions about the patroness and her son, while Peter faces an internal struggle regarding his own inclination towards temptation. The first chapter sets the stage for Peter's upcoming trials as he embraces his new role, leaving behind the comfort of his monastery and stepping into a world filled with challenges and moral dilemmas.
Conrad Ferdinand Meyer
Munkin häät
"Munkin häät" by Conrad Ferdinand Meyer is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds around the character of Dante Alighieri, depicting an intricate tapestry of love, duty, and societal expectations set against the backdrop of medieval Italy. The opening suggests themes of personal sacrifice as a monk navigates his vows while confronting familial ties and the complexities of romantic relationships. At the start of the story, we are introduced to a lively court scene featuring Dante and a collection of nobles. Conversations shift between light-hearted tales and profound reflections on faith, duty, and personal choice. Dante, invited to participate in a discussion, responds to queries about a monk's rejection of his vows with seriousness and insight. The scene transitions to a wedding procession on the Brenta River, which is tragically disrupted when the wedding boat capsizes. Amidst the chaos, the monk Astorre, grappling with the weight of his responsibilities and the loss of his family, encounters Diana, a noblewoman tied to his past, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of their destinies and the challenges they face as they seek to navigate their interconnected lives in a world fraught with uncertainty and danger.
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