Subject
New Orleans (La.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Kate Chopin
The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories
"The Awakening" by Kate Chopin is a novel that likely dates from the late 19th century. It revolves around Edna Pontellier, a young married woman who experiences a profound transformation during a summer at Grand Isle, leading her to question the constraints of her society and her roles as a wife and mother. The story explores themes of identity, independence, and the struggle against societal norms. The opening of "The Awakening" introduces us to Edna Pontellier and her husband Léonce during their summer stay at Grand Isle. As Léonce attempts to enjoy his Sunday morning, the sounds of the island—especially the chatter of children and the call of birds—surround him. When Edna arrives with Robert Lebrun, tensions arise as Léonce expresses concern for Edna's sunburn and her adventurous spirit. As their summer unfolds, Edna grapples with feelings of confinement in her roles and begins to reflect on her identity, hinting at the inner turmoil that will shape her journey through the novel. The dynamics between Edna, Léonce, and Robert hint at deeper emotional complexities and foreshadow her quest for self-discovery.
George Washington Cable
The Grandissimes
"The Grandissimes" by George Washington Cable is a novel published in 1880. Set in New Orleans immediately after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the story explores the complex racial and class divisions of Creole society through the extended Grandissime family. When Philadelphia abolitionist Joseph Frowenfeld arrives in the city, his friendship with the white Honoré Grandissime challenges the foundations of their slaveholding world. Romance, violence, and tragedy unfold as characters confront the brutal realities beneath their romanticized culture.
Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson
The Goodness of St. Rocque, and Other Stories
"The Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories" by Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson is a collection of fictional short stories written during the late 19th century. The opening tale, "The Goodness of St. Rocque," introduces readers to Manuela, a beautiful Creole girl navigating a tumultuous love life. Struggling with heartbreak over Theophile's infidelity, Manuela seeks solace and guidance through religious traditions associated with St. Rocque, the patron saint of lovers. The beginning of the collection sets the stage for a vibrant depiction of Creole life, emphasizing themes of love, devotion, and superstition. Manuela is characterized by her grace and poise, but her emotional turmoil is palpable after having been abandoned for another woman. The narrative unfolds with her desperate quest to reclaim her lover through traditional charms and prayers, highlighting the cultural richness of her surrounding environment. As she interacts with various characters including a card reader and her friends, the story intertwines personal emotional struggle with a broader commentary on societal norms and expectations in a captivating way.
Alex. McVeigh Miller
Little Nobody
"Little Nobody" by Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a mysterious young girl, known simply as "Little Nobody," and the complicated lives of the adults who surround her, including a Northern journalist named Eliot Van Zandt, and a retired actress, Madame Lorraine, who seems to own her. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans during a time of social intricacies and hidden identities, the novel explores themes of social status, innocence, and the harsh realities of adult malice. At the start of the novel, we meet Eliot Van Zandt, a journalist who arrives in New Orleans and is instantly captivated by the city's charm. Soon, he encounters Madame Lorraine, who invites him into her world that includes a intriguing young girl, the titular Little Nobody. Their first encounter reveals that Little Nobody has a complex and tumultuous life, living under the fickle care of Madame Lorraine while navigating her own desires for freedom and identity. The opening chapters hint at a tumultuous backstory of jealousy, rivalry, and a hidden life, promising a rich exploration of the relationships and power dynamics between the characters as the narrative unfolds.
George Washington Cable
Old Creole Days: A Story of Creole Life
"Old Creole Days: A Story of Creole Life" by George Washington Cable is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, the stories explore the intricate and often tumultuous lives of Creole characters, reflecting on themes of identity, cultural heritage, and societal norms. The opening chapter introduces the reader to Madame Delphine, a retired quadroon woman, and the stark contrasts of beauty and decay in her surroundings, hinting at the rich yet complicated tapestry of Creole life. At the start of this narrative, we are drawn into the streets of New Orleans, where vibrant life intertwines with decay. The descriptive imagery sets the scene in an old neighborhood filled with remnant elegance, hinting at both past grandeur and the decline of fortunes. Madame Delphine is introduced with a sense of mystery and dignity, a character whose background touches upon the delicate intersection of race, beauty, and societal expectations within the Creole community. The opening hints at her story, as well as the struggles she faces in a changing world, building anticipation for the unfolding tales of love, sorrow, and resilience tied to the Creole identity.
Grace Elizabeth King
Balcony Stories
"Balcony Stories" by Grace Elizabeth King is a collection of vignettes likely written in the late 19th century. This work captures the essence of Southern life, particularly through the experiences and thoughts of women who gather on balconies to share their memories and stories, reflecting on love, loss, and the threads that connect women across generations. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the setting of a warm, languorous summer night where women sit on their balconies, enjoying the coolness of the evening while recounting tales of their lives and the lives of those they know. The opening portion vividly illustrates how these narratives serve as a form of comfort and connection, revealing the unique ways women interpret their experiences. The reader also encounters specific characters, such as the old General and his wife, Madame Honorine, who, despite their age, find joy and duty in their monthly rituals of life and love, setting the stage for the colorful tapestry of stories that will unfold throughout the collection.
George Washington Cable
The Flower of the Chapdelaines
"The Flower of the Chapdelaines" by George Washington Cable is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in New Orleans, the story revolves around a young lawyer named Geoffry Chester who becomes intrigued by a beautiful young woman, Aline Chapdelaine, as well as the lives of those around her, including her two aunts and several members of the local Creole community. Themes of love, heritage, and the complexities of social interactions among different races in a culturally rich setting are central to the narrative. At the start of the novel, Chester encounters Aline and her companion, a young Black boy, on the streets of New Orleans, instantly captivated by her grace and beauty. His curiosity leads him to meet Marcel Castanado, a costumer who possesses an old manuscript connected to Aline's history. The opening chapters present Chester's inner conflicts regarding his attraction to Aline and the social dynamics at play in the racially diverse and historically layered environment of New Orleans. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of these characters and their intertwined fates as the story unfolds, hinting at themes of love, art, and the passage of time.
H. (Henry) Bedford-Jones
The Mardi Gras Mystery
"The Mardi Gras Mystery" by H. Bedford-Jones is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the intriguing and chaotic atmosphere of the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, where the enigmatic character Jachin Fell finds himself drawn into a mystery involving a notorious thief known as the Midnight Masquer. Throughout the novel, readers are introduced to a variety of characters, including a doctor and a young woman caught up in the social fabric of the Carnival, as they navigate themes of identity, deception, and the allure of the hidden. The opening of the story sets the stage for the unfolding mystery as Jachin Fell patiently awaits Dr. Cyril Ansley at the Chess and Checkers Club, all while the festive chaos of Mardi Gras swirls outside. As they discuss the rumored appearance of the Midnight Masquer, who has been robbing various gatherings, they touch upon the excitement and danger that the festivities bring to the city. The narrative introduces several key characters, such as the mysterious Jachin Fell and Doctor Ansley, who represent the social elite drawn into the whirl of Carnival delights. The tension builds as the duo plans to attend a party hosted by banker Joseph Maillard, laying the groundwork for potential theft and unraveling secrets during the height of the Carnival celebrations.
Seabury Quinn
Pledged to the Dead
"Pledged to the Dead" by Seabury Quinn is a supernatural crime fiction story written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers on themes of love, commitment, and the supernatural, presenting a tale where the living interact with the dead. The plot unfolds around Ned Minton, a young man who becomes entangled in a haunting romance with Julie d'Ayen, a woman who, unbeknownst to him, has been deceased for over a century. In this intriguing story, Ned finds himself caught between his love for Nella, his living fiancée, and his ethereal connection with Julie. After a fateful encounter in New Orleans, Ned becomes pledged to Julie, leading to a series of supernatural events, including deadly encounters with a snake associated with Julie's vengeful caretaker. Jules de Grandin, a French detective, aids Ned in navigating this otherworldly dilemma, ultimately uncovering the tragic love story behind Julie's plight. As the narrative progresses, the true meaning of love, fidelity, and the consequences of promises made are deftly explored, culminating in a poignant resolution where love transcends even death.
Ruth McEnery Stuart
Solomon Crow's Christmas Pockets and Other Tales
"Solomon Crow's Christmas Pockets and Other Tales" by Ruth McEnery Stuart is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book features the character of Solomon Crow, a young black boy whose upbringing influences his perception of honesty and morality as he navigates his childhood experiences against a backdrop of social and familial complexities. Through his narrative, the collection explores themes of innocence, temptation, and the search for redemption, particularly in the context of the Christmas spirit. The opening of the tale introduces us to Solomon Crow, a ten-year-old boy who is acutely aware of his mother's love as well as her shortcomings. His mother, Tempest, struggles with her own moral failings, which impact Crow’s understanding of honesty and integrity. As he ventures into various schemes to earn money for his family, he grapples with the temptation to cut corners, leading to a series of misadventures that culminate in a critical moment of consequence involving old Mr. Cary, a kind but stern figure in the community. This moment marks a turning point where Solomon begins to confront the repercussions of his actions and the true meaning of love and trust.
Mary Ashley Townsend
The brother clerks : $b a tale of New-Orleans
"The Brother Clerks: A Tale of New-Orleans" by Mary Ashley Townsend is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story follows two brothers, Arthur and Gulian Pratt, who embark on a journey from New York to New Orleans to find work as clerks following a devastating family tragedy that leaves them on the brink of poverty. As they navigate their new surroundings, the narrative delves into themes of brotherhood, resilience, and the challenges of adapting to a harsh and unfamiliar environment. At the start of the tale, the brothers arrive on a steamer, filled with hope but also apprehension about their future. Arthur, the elder and more confident of the two, is determined to succeed for the sake of their mother, while Gulian, the younger, is filled with anxiety about their new employer, Mr. Delancey. The opening chapters introduce their contrasting personalities, establishing a deep bond between them and hinting at the trials they will face in the bustling city. As the brothers settle into their new roles, the narrative foreshadows the challenges they will encounter, both in their professional lives and personal integrity in a morally complex environment.
George Washington Cable
Madame Delphine
"Madame Delphine" by George Washington Cable is a novel written in the late 19th century, set against the backdrop of New Orleans in the early 1820s. The story revolves around Madame Delphine Carraze, a free quadroon woman who is grappling with the complexities of love, race, and societal norms. As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to the themes of heritage and identity, alongside an exploration of the challenges faced by quadroon women in a racially divided society. The opening of the novel presents a vivid depiction of New Orleans, transitioning from the bustling Canal Street to the quieter Rue Royale, where Madame Delphine's old, weathered house stands. The description of the environment serves as a metaphor for Delphine's own life—once vibrant and full of potential, now overshadowed by societal decay and the weight of her past. We learn about Delphine's life when she was celebrated for her beauty and charm, contrasted against her current status as a lonely figure, withdrawn from society. The chapter sets the tone for her character's inner turmoil as it hints at her past love and the subsequent challenges she faces as a mother trying to navigate her daughter's future in a prejudicial world. The opening not only establishes the setting but also offers a glimpse into the emotional landscape that will define Madame Delphine's journey throughout the novel.
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