Subject
New York (State) -- Social life and customs -- Fiction Books
Best books
Rupert Hughes
We Can't Have Everything: A Novel
"We Can't Have Everything: A Novel" by Rupert Hughes is a work of fiction likely penned in the early 20th century. The novel revolves around the contrasting lives of its characters, particularly focusing on Kedzie Thropp, a naive and ambitious young woman from a small town, who is determined to rise above her humble beginnings and explore the glamorous life of New York City. Through her interactions and entanglements with affluent figures such as Jim Dyckman and Charity Coe Cheever, the story unravels themes of aspiration, disillusionment, and the social dynamics that accompany wealth. At the start of the tale, Kedzie Thropp embarks on her first journey to New York with her family, filled with dreams of witnessing luxury and social prominence. She is introduced as an ordinary girl with extraordinary desires, juxtaposed against the wealth and sophistication she longs to attain. As she arrives in the bustling city, her naïveté is evident, from her excitement about the train ride to her awe of the places she passes. Along the way, we glimpse the lives of Jim Dyckman—a man burdened by the weight of wealth and expectations—and Charity Coe Cheever, whose volunteer work in a war hospital reveals her strength and vulnerability. The opening chapters set the stage for a narrative likely to explore how Kedzie's aspirations, misadventures, and encounters with the privileged can entangle and impact not just her own life, but also the lives of those around her.
Henry James
An International Episode
"An International Episode" by Henry James is a novel set in the late 19th century. The story follows two young Englishmen, Lord Lambeth and Percy Beaumont, as they travel to the United States and navigate their experiences in an unfamiliar cultural landscape, filled with vivid descriptions of American society and the contrast with their British roots. The opening of the novel introduces the two travelers as they arrive in New York during the sweltering heat of summer, providing a detailed portrayal of their reactions to the bustling, vibrant city. The chapter describes their journey through Broadway, their observations of the local customs, people, and the overwhelming nature of the American lifestyle. They meet Mr. J.L. Westgate, an American who represents the welcoming yet foreign nature of their new environment. As they acclimate to their surroundings, the young men contemplate their plans and interactions, hinting at future adventures that will develop as they are introduced to Newport society, where the complexities of social norms and personal relationships will play a central role in their experience.
Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
The Business of Life
"The Business of Life" by Robert W. Chambers is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around James Philip Desboro, a man of leisure living in Westchester, as he navigates complex relationships, particularly with Mrs. Clydesdale, who visits him unexpectedly and reveals her troubled marriage. Through interactions with various characters, including Jacqueline Nevers, an antique dealer, the book explores themes of loyalty, love, societal expectations, and personal identity against the backdrop of a changing social landscape. At the start of the novel, Desboro is approached by Mrs. Clydesdale, an unhappy woman seeking refuge from her husband. Their tense conversation reveals her feelings of entrapment within a loveless marriage, and Desboro’s struggle with his past affection for her becomes evident. As their discussion unfolds, his internal conflicts about responsibility and honor come into play, revealing his complicated feelings about love and commitment. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of Desboro's life choices, including his burgeoning contact with Jacqueline Nevers, who offers a contrasting perspective on passion and ambition. The unfolding drama promises an engaging look at the intersections of personal desires and societal norms.
Alfred Henry Lewis
The Apaches of New York
"The Apaches of New York" by Alfred Henry Lewis is a collection of narratives exploring the lives of gangsters in early 20th-century New York City. Through vignettes of colorful characters and their exploits, the book delves into the gritty underbelly of urban life, illustrating the contrasts between different social strata and the moral ambiguity faced by its protagonists. The opening of the book introduces Chick Tricker, a figure involved in the city's nightlife, as he navigates bars and gangland encounters. The reader is thrust into Chatham Square, where Tricker interacts with various characters including a policeman and a street musician, showcasing the interconnectedness of crime, law enforcement, and the everyday lives of New Yorkers. The scene unfolds with tension brewing between rival gang members, hinting at imminent violence, encapsulating the atmosphere of danger and resilience that permeates the stories to come. This portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the lives and struggles of those living outside the law in a richly detailed urban landscape.
Edwina Stanton Babcock
Under the Law
"Under the Law" by Edwina Stanton Babcock is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Sard Bogart, the daughter of a judge, who experiences the complexities of life in a small town, particularly as it relates to issues of justice, compassion, and personal morality. As Sard navigates her societal expectations and the harsh realities of the human condition, she becomes involved with a vagrant named Mr. Colter, whose plight compels her to confront the rigid societal laws that govern her life and the lives of those around her. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to a small town in the aftermath of a thawing winter, where Sard, driving through the streets, discovers a group of men mocking a disheveled vagrant. Her instinctive compassion leads her to intervene, highlighting themes of empathy and social responsibility. As she attempts to understand and assist Mr. Colter, who is lost and confused, Sard grapples with the judgment of society and the constraints of her own upbringing. This initial encounter sets the stage for exploring broader questions about law, morality, and human kindness, making it clear that Sard's journey will challenge the conventions of her world.
Sinclair Lewis
The Innocents: A Story for Lovers
"The Innocents: A Story for Lovers" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around Mr. and Mrs. Seth Appleby, an aging couple who reminisce about their youthful love while embarking on an attempt to start a new life managing a tea-room on Cape Cod. As they embrace the simplicity of love and companionship, they navigate the trials and tribulations that come with fulfilling their dreams in the context of societal expectations and personal aspirations. At the start of the story, the Applebys are depicted in their daily lives, reflecting the dynamics of their long-lasting marriage filled with affection and playful banter. Their mundane yet charming existence in New York City is contrasted with their aspirations for a vacation and a new venture. In a bid to escape the confines of their old lives, Father concocts a plan for a summer tea-room, and the couple's excitement grows as they anticipate the freedom and adventure that awaits them on Cape Cod. Through their misadventures and the challenges presented by their surroundings, the opening chapters set the stage for a deeper exploration of identity, love, and the often harsh realities faced by those pursuing their dreams.
Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow
The Wheel of Life
"The Wheel of Life" by Ellen Glasgow is a novel set in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the lives of Gerty Bridewell and her circle, exploring themes of love, social expectation, and personal fulfillment amidst the complexities of their relationships. The narrative delves into the emotional struggles of its characters, particularly Gerty, as she navigates her marriage to Perry Bridewell while reflecting on her desires and friendships, especially with the enigmatic Laura Wilde. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Gerty Bridewell, who wakes up feeling discontent despite her beauty and marriage to a wealthy man. As she languishes in bed, pondering her unhappiness and how her marriage does not fulfill her dreams, we are taken into her thoughts about her friendships and her relationship with Laura Wilde. Gerty's husband, Perry, enters the scene, revealing a dynamic in their relationship that plays into Gerty's discontent. With humorous yet cynical exchanges, the reader gets a glimpse into the pair's banter and hints of deeper issues as Gerty reflects on her social circle and begins to question her own desires for happiness and fulfillment.
F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) Adams
The Von Toodleburgs; Or, The History of a Very Distinguished Family
"The Von Toodleburgs; Or, The History of a Very Distinguished Family" by F. Colburn Adams is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the Toodleburg family, particularly focusing on Hanz Toodleburg, his wife Angeline, and their son Titus Bright. The narrative captures themes of family, societal change, and the contrast between aspiring ambitions and humble origins. The opening of the novel introduces us to Hanz Toodleburg, an honest farmer living near Nyack, who is respected by his neighbors for his good nature and prosperous farming. It describes Hanz's amiable relationship with his wife, Angeline, and their desire for children, which has been a source of gossip in their community due to their lack of offspring. As the story unfolds, we learn about their humble life, the arrival of their son Titus, and the changing dynamics of their world with the advent of new inventions and increasing societal pressures. The narrative sets the stage for exploring Titus’s adventures and ambitions, particularly his aspirations to venture into whaling, which reflects the family’s evolving status and the complexities of their social connections.
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