Subject
Mother and child -- Fiction Books
Best books
Humphry Ward
The Coryston Family A Novel
"The Coryston Family" by Mrs. Humphry Ward is a novel written during the early 20th century. The book revolves around the complex dynamics of the Coryston family, particularly focusing on Lady Coryston and her relationship with her children, especially her rebellious eldest son, Coryston. The narrative introduces themes of family loyalty, social expectations, and the clash of political ideals against personal relationships. The opening of the novel immerses readers into a lively session of the House of Commons, where Lady Coryston and her daughter, Marcia, observe the proceedings from the Ladies' Gallery. This setting establishes the political backdrop against which the family dramas unfold, hinting at underlying tensions related to political beliefs and family legacies. The narrative portrays Lady Coryston as a formidable matriarch deeply entrenched in the political and social sphere, while Marcia grapples with her own identity and societal expectations. It quickly becomes apparent that familial discord, particularly between Lady Coryston and her son Coryston, will be pivotal to the plot, particularly as it relates to the inheritance and management of the family's estates following the death of Lady Coryston's husband. As the opening sets the stage for these intricate relationships, it invites readers into a world marked by both societal grandeur and personal turmoil.
Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
Mother Carey's Chickens
"Mother Carey's Chickens" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story centers around the Carey family, particularly the nurturing figure of Mother Carey, who embarks on a journey that leaves her children to manage their daily lives and responsibilities on their own. As they navigate their feelings of loss and the challenges of growing up, the siblings—Nancy, Gilbert, Kathleen, and their charming younger brother Peter—are affectionately referred to as “Mother Carey’s chickens,” symbolizing their bond and loyalty to one another in the absence of their mother. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the family dynamic as Mother Carey prepares for a trip to care for her ailing husband, Captain Carey. The children’s emotions are vividly portrayed as they deal with both the fear of separation and the weight of newfound responsibilities. As each child navigates their roles—Gilbert’s adventures, Nancy’s leadership, and Peter's innocent antics—the narrative elegantly sets the stage for the themes of love, sacrifice, and growth within a close-knit family facing adversity. This opening effectively establishes the warmth and depth of the characters, inviting readers to engage with their journey ahead.
Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
Keltaisen talon lapset
"Keltaisen talon lapset" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Carey family, particularly focusing on the strong and nurturing character of Carey-äiti (Mother Carey) and her children, whose lively interactions dramatize their close-knit family life amid challenges. As they navigate the difficulties posed by their father's illness and eventual passing, themes of family, resilience, and love emerge prominently. At the start of the narrative, we see Carey-äiti preparing to leave for a time while her ailing husband is being cared for. The children, including Gilbert, Nancy, Kathleen, and little Peter, express their deep attachment and sadness over her departure. The opening scene paints a vivid picture of a loving household, highlighting the children's personalities, the looming uncertainty of their father's health, and their mutual support. As the storyline unfolds, readers are introduced to the family's dynamics and the emotional turmoil they face, setting the stage for further exploration of the relationships within this affectionate family unit.
Cornelia A. P. (Cornelia Atwood Pratt) Comer
The Preliminaries, and Other Stories
“The Preliminaries, and Other Stories” by Cornelia A. P. Comer is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The stories explore complex themes of love, family struggle, social pressures, and individual aspirations, often through the lens of interpersonal relationships. The leading story follows Oliver Pickersgill, a young man in love with Ruth Lannithorne, the daughter of a man imprisoned for embezzlement, as he navigates the complications that arise from their respective family backgrounds. The opening of the collection introduces readers to Oliver Pickersgill and his romantic interest, Ruth Lannithorne, whose attachment to her father significantly impacts their courtship. Oliver seeks Ruth’s hand in marriage, but she insists he show respect for her father, a convict, highlighting their starkly different family experiences. As Oliver learns more about Ruth's troubled family dynamics, particularly her mother's struggles, he is confronted with the societal complexities that complicate their love. This engaging opening sets the stage for a deeper examination of the characters’ emotional journeys as they grapple with love, loyalty, and societal expectations.
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