Subject
New York (State) -- Fiction Books
Best books
George Barr McCutcheon
The Daughter of Anderson Crow
"The Daughter of Anderson Crow" by George Barr McCutcheon is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the fictional town of Tinkletown and follows its notable resident, Anderson Crow, who serves as the town marshal, fire chief, and a self-proclaimed detective. The narrative centers around his quirks and the comic events that unfold, particularly surrounding a murder case that begins with a series of chaotic mishaps, including the sale of a horse and buggy that may be connected to the crime. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Anderson Crow, who is characterized as an important figure in Tinkletown, basking in the recent glory of being an official detective. His peaceful day is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious stranger who inadvertently entangles Crow in a dramatic event involving a murder and the sale of stolen goods. As he becomes embroiled in a manhunt, the townspeople's perceptions of Crow shift, revealing his comedic earnestness amid rising tensions. The opening chapter sets the stage for a blend of humor and mystery, with Crow's affable yet clumsy approach to law enforcement promising an entertaining exploration of small-town life and intrigue.
Irving Bacheller
Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country
"Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country" by Irving Bacheller is a novel published in 1900. Set in New York's North Country region, this work became one of the top bestselling books in America during 1900 and 1901, selling 125,000 copies in its first four months. Originally drafted as a children's story and rejected by publishers, Bacheller revised it after the success of "David Harum," transforming it into what some call the first bestselling novel of the twentieth century.
Harold Frederic
The Damnation of Theron Ware
"The Damnation of Theron Ware" by Harold Frederic is a novel published in 1896. It follows a young Methodist pastor in upstate New York whose sheltered worldview begins to unravel through encounters with a Catholic priest, a man of science, and an artistic woman. As Theron awakens to new intellectual and cultural ideas, he questions his faith, his calling, and everything he once believed. His transformation leads to unexpected consequences that will alter the course of his life forever.
Harold Frederic
Seth's Brother's Wife: A Study of Life in the Greater New York
"Seth’s Brother's Wife: A Study of Life in the Greater New York" by Harold Frederic is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics and social conflicts within the backdrop of a rural American community, primarily focusing on the Fairchild family and their struggles after the death of Cicely Fairchild. Central to the narrative are the characters of Lemuel Fairchild, his brother Seth, and their strained relationships with ambitious relatives and hired help amidst an evolving social landscape. The opening of the novel sets a somber tone, introducing us to the household of the Fairchild family in the aftermath of Cicely's passing. We meet Alvira and Milton, the hired hands, who engage in candid conversations reflecting the longstanding tensions between the Fairchilds and the Richardsons. As the grim realities of rural life and familial expectations unfold, Lemuel emerges as a broken man burdened by grief and familial responsibilities. We see hints of conflict arising from the presence of Sabrina, a strong-willed aunt with a deep sense of family pride, further foreshadowing the enduring strife tied to their lineage and social standing. The narrative swiftly immerses readers in a world characterized by both personal loss and the collective struggle for dignity and respect in a changing society.
Theodore Dreiser
An American tragedy, v. 1
"An American Tragedy, v. 1" by Theodore Dreiser is a novel published in 1925. Based on a real 1906 murder case, it follows Clyde Griffiths, a young man from a poor religious family who pursues wealth and status. Working at his uncle's factory, he becomes entangled with two women: Roberta, a factory worker he gets pregnant, and Sondra, a wealthy socialite. Torn between obligation and ambition, Clyde's choices lead him toward a tragic fate on a remote lake.
Unknown
The sturdy oak : $b a composite novel of American politics by fourteen American authors
"The Sturdy Oak" by Samuel Merwin et al. is a composite novel of American politics published in the late 1910s. The work features contributions from fourteen American authors and highlights various perspectives on the political landscape of the time, particularly focusing on the contentious issue of woman suffrage. The narrative unfolds primarily through the lives of its characters, including George Remington, a politically ambitious young lawyer, his wife Genevieve, and Betty Sheridan, an ardent suffragist. The opening of the novel introduces us to Genevieve Remington as she navigates her new life as a wife to George, who is a candidate for District Attorney. George's political career begins to conflict with their personal lives, especially as the suffrage movement gains momentum. The story sets the stage for tensions and interactions among characters that embody the societal divide over women's rights, showcasing Genevieve's support for her husband while grappling with the implications of his staunch opposition to suffrage. As the narrative progresses, elements of familial expectations, personal ambition, and social activism intertwine, making it clear that the characters will face complex challenges related to the emerging feminist discourse in their community.
Irving Bacheller
The Light in the Clearing: A Tale of the North Country in the Time of Silas Wright
"The Light in the Clearing: A Tale of the North Country in the Time of Silas…" by Irving Bacheller is a novel written in the early 20th century. This coming-of-age story is set in the rural North Country during the 1830s and centers around a boy named Barton Baynes, who navigates the complexities of childhood while dealing with the loss of his parents and living with his Aunt Deel and Uncle Peabody. Through Bart's experiences, the novel explores themes of family, innocence, and the stark realities of life in a small farming community. At the start of the story, we meet Bart, a young orphan who is learning to adapt to life with his relatives after losing his parents. The opening chapters provide insight into his childhood memories, including the pride he feels for his first watermelon harvest and the humorous yet challenging dynamics within his household. As he grapples with understanding life and death, friendship and betrayal, we see him engaging in innocent adventures—such as planting seeds and playing with a little hen—all while trying to make sense of the world around him. The narrative shines through its engaging and poignant depiction of Bart's inner thoughts and emotional struggles, setting the stage for a rich exploration of youth in a simpler time.
Mary Hallock Foote
The Desert and the Sown
"The Desert and the Sown" by Mary Hallock Foote is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in a rich tapestry of social dynamics, character interactions, and themes of love and conflict centered around the lives of military families engaged in the everyday realities of their surroundings. The early chapters introduce a range of characters, including Colonel Middleton and his daughter Moya, as well as the Bogardus family, laying the groundwork for impending relationships, familial tensions, and dynamics influenced by social class and personal aspirations. At the start of the book, we find Colonel Middleton grappling with the challenges of hosting Mrs. Bogardus, the future mother-in-law of his daughter Moya. The conversation reveals their differing perspectives on social class, duties, and personal ambitions, setting a tone of satire and introspection. Meanwhile, Moya's spirited personality contrasts with the heavier themes introduced through her interactions with her future husband, Paul Bogardus, and the burdens of their respective legacies. The opening scenes expertly blend humor and tension, hinting at deeper conflicts and relationships that will unfold as the story progresses, setting up themes of love, societal expectation, and the quest for identity amidst the complexities of frontier life.
William Dean Howells
An Open-Eyed Conspiracy; An Idyl of Saratoga
"An Open-Eyed Conspiracy; An Idyl of Saratoga" by William Dean Howells is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around Basil March, who observes the lives of his fellow vacationers at Saratoga Springs, particularly a young woman named Julia Gage, who seems to be experiencing a sense of disappointment at the social scene. Set against the backdrop of Saratoga’s renowned leisure culture, the book explores themes of social class, romantic expectations, and the quest for connection amidst the façade of gaiety. At the start of the novel, Basil finds himself at Congress Park in Saratoga, where he studies the social dynamics around him. He encounters a young French-Canadian mother disciplining her son, sparking Basil's empathetic reflections on childhood hardship. Soon after, he notices Julia, a strikingly beautiful young woman, sitting with a couple he interprets as her guardians. As he observes their interactions, a sense of melancholy pervades the scene, emphasizing Julia’s discontent with the lack of excitement in her summer experience. This opening portion sets the stage for Basil's growing fascination with Julia and his subsequent attempts to navigate his perceptions and the social intricacies of Saratoga life.
Grace Livingston Hill
Dawn of the Morning
"Dawn of the Morning" by Grace Livingston Hill is a novel written in the early 20th century. This poignant story revolves around the life of a young girl named Dawn Van Rensselaer, who grapples with the turmoil of her family dynamics and the lost love of her mother. Amid a backdrop of stern authority, the novel explores themes of familial betrayal, the search for identity, and the longing for belonging as Dawn faces an uncertain future tinged with unease about her father's remarriage and the impending arranged marriage awaiting her. The opening of the novel establishes a somber tone, highlighting Dawn's troubling relationship with her father and her yearning for her long-lost mother. The narrative begins by depicting Dawn's life within the confines of her father's colonial home, where she feels stifled and estranged from both her father and her cruel stepmother. Her memories are haunted by the divorce that separated her from her mother, and the little girl wrestles with her rejection of her stepmother, determining that she will never accept her new role in this fractured family. As Dawn matures, she faces the reality of an impending marriage that strikes terror into her heart, underscoring her desire to escape a life devoid of love and happiness. This narrative fosters a growing sense of tension, foreshadowing significant changes that will challenge Dawn's perceptions of love, duty, and family.
Cosmo Hamilton
Who Cares? A Story of Adolescence
"Who Cares? A Story of Adolescence" by Cosmo Hamilton is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the coming-of-age journey of young Joan, who grapples with the constraints of her old-fashioned family life and yearns for freedom and excitement. As Joan navigates the challenges of adolescence, her encounters with love, societal expectations, and personal desires unfold against the backdrop of a world coming to life in spring. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Joan, an eighteen-year-old girl feeling isolated in a household dominated by elderly family members. She expresses her deep dissatisfaction and longing for connection in a letter to her friend Alice, revealing her frustration with the stifling atmosphere of her home. As spring blossoms outside, Joan's inner restlessness grows, igniting a desire for adventure and a rebellion against her confining circumstances. Her life dramatically changes when she meets Martin Gray, a young man who resonates with her youthful spirit. Their initial interactions set the stage for a budding friendship that suggests both companionship and the potential for love, prompting Joan to dream of a life filled with the vibrancy and opportunities she craves.
Grace Miller White
Tess of the Storm Country
"Tess of the Storm Country" by Grace Miller White is a novel written in the early 20th century. It tells the story of Tessibel Skinner, a young girl living in a squatter fishing community on the outskirts of Ithaca, New York, where her father, Orn Skinner, is a fisherfolk struggling against societal contempt and legal adversities. The narrative explores Tess's character and her experiences growing up in a harsh environment, marked by poverty and the limitations imposed by her social status. The opening of the book introduces us to Tess and her challenging life as she navigates her relationships with the fishermen surrounding her. The men express disdain for Tess, labeling her "cursed" and "wild," and their prejudice against her reflects the broader societal issues related to class and gender. The murky dynamics of Tess’s family life, the influence of her father, and her interactions with her peers establish the key conflicts she faces. As rumors of her father's troubles with the law begin to surface, we see Tess's struggle between the loyalty to her father and the looming societal judgment that threatens their existence. This introductory segment deftly sets the stage for the unfolding drama, highlighting Tess's resilience and the precursors to her significant challenges ahead.
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