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Mothers and sons -- Fiction Books
Best books
Lucas Malet
The History of Sir Richard Calmady: A Romance
"The History of Sir Richard Calmady: A Romance" by Lucas Malet is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of a family lineage and revolves around the experiences of Sir Richard Calmady, exploring themes of love, social relations, and the legacies of family history." "The opening of the story introduces the setting of Brockhurst, a grand estate built by Denzil Calmady, and highlights the beauty of the landscape and the weight of familial legacy. The narrative hints at a family curse affecting the male descendants of Denzil Calmady, suggesting an ominous future for Sir Richard. In a close-up view, we meet Richard and Katherine Calmady amidst a post-wedding celebration, where Katherine reflects on her new life and the urgency of motherhood, setting the stage for deeper exploration of love and destiny intertwined with the family's troubled past."
Thomas Hardy
The Return of the Native
"The Return of the Native" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1878. Set entirely on the wild Egdon Heath over the span of a year, it follows the intertwined fates of several characters trapped by passion and circumstance. When Clym Yeobright returns from Paris, the beautiful but restless Eustacia Vye sees him as her escape from the desolate heath. Their marriage sets off a chain of events involving thwarted desires, family estrangement, and fateful misunderstandings that will test everyone's loyalties and dreams.
Booth Tarkington
The Magnificent Ambersons
"The Magnificent Ambersons" by Booth Tarkington is a novel published in 1918. Set in Indianapolis, it traces three generations of the aristocratic Amberson family from the Civil War to the early twentieth century. As America industrializes, the family's prestige and wealth fade while new industrial fortunes rise. At the center is young George Amberson Minafer, spoiled and arrogant, whose actions threaten his mother's happiness and his own future with Lucy Morgan. The novel won the 1919 Pulitzer Prize.
Maksim Gorky
Mother
"Mother" by Maksim Gorky is a novel written in 1906 about revolutionary factory workers. It follows Pelageya Nilovna Vlasova, a woman enduring brutal poverty and manual labor in a Russian factory. When her son Pavel becomes involved in revolutionary activities, the illiterate mother gradually transforms from fearful bystander to active participant in the movement. Based on real events from a 1902 May Day demonstration, the novel blends political awakening with biblical imagery, portraying revolutionaries as martyrs fighting against exploitation by authorities and the wealthy.
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Ruth
"Ruth" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a novel published in 1853. When fifteen-year-old orphan Ruth Hilton is seduced and abandoned by a wealthy gentleman, she finds herself pregnant and cast out from respectable society. Taken in by a compassionate minister and his sister, Ruth is given a new identity as a widow to protect her from scandal. As she builds a life as a governess and nurse, her past threatens to surface, forcing a reckoning with Victorian society's harsh judgment of fallen women.
Amélie Rives
Shadows of Flames: A Novel
"Shadows of Flames: A Novel" by Amélie Rives is a work of fiction likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the complex life of a woman named Sophy, whose experiences in London society are steeped in emotional turmoil and marital struggles, particularly with her husband, Cecil Chesney, whose erratic behavior and veiled troubles add layers to her story. The opening of the novel introduces Sophy preparing for an evening out, revealing her keen awareness of her beauty and the socio-political currents swirling around her. As she interacts with her husband, it's clear that their relationship is fraught with tension and misunderstanding, accentuated by his troubling behavior and the suggestion of deeper issues, including possible substance abuse. Her reflections on love, identity, and societal expectations set the stage for exploring the intricacies of her life, making readers curious about the paths her journey will take amidst the shadows of her personal struggles.
George Moore
Esther Waters
"Esther Waters" by George Moore is a novel published in 1894. A pious young kitchen maid from a poor family is seduced by a fellow servant and becomes pregnant. Abandoned and alone, she courageously chooses to raise her child despite the harsh judgment of Victorian society. Written in a naturalistic style, this story follows Esther's struggles through poverty, dismissals, and difficult choices as she fights to survive and protect her son in a world that condemns "fallen women."
Maksim Gorky
A Mãe
"A Mãe" by Maksim Gorky is a novel written in 1906 about revolutionary factory workers in Russia. The story follows Pelageya Nilovna Vlasova, a woman enduring harsh factory labor and poverty, whose son Pavel abandons his father's drinking habits to pursue revolutionary activities. Though initially cautious and politically unaware, Nilovna's maternal devotion leads her to overcome her ignorance and join the movement. Based on real events, the novel blends socialist ideals with biblical imagery, portraying revolutionaries as martyrs willing to sacrifice for truth and justice.
Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant
Who Was Lost and Is Found: A Novel
"Who Was Lost and Is Found: A Novel" by Mrs. Oliphant is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Mrs. James Ogilvy, a respected villager in Eskholm, as she navigates the quietude of her life while grappling with the absence of her son, Robert, who left many years ago under mysterious circumstances. The novel delves into themes of motherhood, longing, and the complexities of familial relationships, particularly focusing on Mrs. Ogilvy's unwavering hope and her mental and emotional landscape as she waits for her son's return. The opening of the novel introduces Mrs. Ogilvy as a kind and modest woman, deeply rooted in her daily routines and the rhythms of her village life. As she goes about her solitary tasks, the narrative paints an intimate portrait of her surroundings and the quiet strength she exhibits, despite the weight of her unresolved grief regarding her son's disappearance. The interplay with her servant, Janet, and her reflections on the nature of life in their rural community set the tone for the novel. The stark contrast of her serene existence with the anxiety and anticipation of Robert’s potential return adds depth to the narrative. As the story begins to unfold, there is a palpable tension as Mrs. Ogilvy’s memories and hopes intertwine, foretelling that Robert's eventual reappearance will bring both profound joy and unexpected complexities.
Jules Renard
Poil de Carotte
"Poil de Carotte" by Jules Renard is an autobiographical novel published in 1894. It follows a red-haired boy nicknamed "Carrot Top" who endures daily humiliation from his siblings and hatred from his mother while his father remains indifferent. To survive his miserable childhood, the unloved child relies on cunning and wit. Told through a series of short, non-chronological episodes, the work reveals the sources of Renard's skepticism, irony, and cruel powers of observation.
Baillie Reynolds
The Lonely Stronghold
"The Lonely Stronghold" by Mrs. Baillie Reynolds is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century England, this story explores the life of Olwen Innes, a young woman dissatisfied with her clerical job at a bank in a small town. As she yearns for adventure and a more fulfilling life, her journey leads her to unexpected circumstances and relationships, revealing her struggle between societal expectations and personal aspirations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Olwen working at the Palatine Bank, where the dreary weather and her uneventful life provoke feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction. When she visits the Holroyd family, she engages in conversations that reflect her longing for something beyond her current mundane existence. The opening chapters highlight her thoughts on potential change, fueled by an advertisement she placed seeking new opportunities. As the weather turns forbidding, Olwen finally sets off on a journey to the remote Guysewyke Pele, where she encounters Ninian Guyse, the son of the household, setting the stage for further adventures and challenges as she attempts to carve out her own identity.
Edna Ferber
Roast Beef, Medium: The Business Adventures of Emma McChesney
"Roast Beef, Medium: The Business Adventures of Emma McChesney" by Edna Ferber is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Emma McChesney, a strong and independent traveling saleswoman for T. A. Buck's Featherloom Petticoats, who navigates the challenges of her profession with wit and tenacity while also reflecting on her personal life and maternal instincts. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Emma as she enjoys a solitary dinner in a small-town hotel, contemplating her work and the competitive nature of the retail industry. She reflects on her experiences as a traveling saleswoman, highlighted by her encounter with a handsome, young man, who is new to the business. The interaction leads Emma to impart some hard-earned wisdom about the realities of their jobs, while also wrestling with her reminiscences of home and motherhood. This opening sets the stage for a mix of humor and serious introspection as Emma balances her professional ambitions with her role as a mother to her teenage son, Jock.
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