Subject
Newport (R.I.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Harriet Beecher Stowe
The Minister's Wooing
"The Minister's Wooing" by Harriet Beecher Stowe is a historical novel first published in 1859. Set in eighteenth-century Newport, Rhode Island, the story follows Mary Scudder, who mourns her sailor love presumed lost at sea and agrees to marry the devout Minister Hopkins. The novel explores Calvinist theology's psychological impact, particularly concerning predestination and salvation, while examining New England domestic life and the region's relationship with slavery. Stowe critiques the Calvinist doctrine she was raised in through characters grappling with faith and loss.
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Malbone: An Oldport Romance
"Malbone: An Oldport Romance" by Thomas Wentworth Higginson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Oldport, where various characters intertwine in themes of love, social dynamics, and family relationships. Focused on the lives of Philip Malbone, Hope, and their relatives, the tale captures the complexities of human emotions against a picturesque backdrop. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the idyllic setting of Oldport, marked by scenic vistas and a comfortable summer ambiance. Aunt Jane, a central character with a strong presence, awaits the arrival of her relatives, including the charming Malbone and the enigmatic Emilia. The narrative hints at underlying tensions, particularly regarding Malbone's flirtatious nature and the dynamics between Emilia and Hope. The opening portion establishes a vibrant familial tableau enriched by humor, affection, and anticipation, setting the stage for the romantic entanglements and social interactions that will drive the plot forward.
James Fenimore Cooper
The Red Rover: A Tale
"The Red Rover: A Tale" by James Fenimore Cooper is a novel published in 1827. The story follows sailor Dick Fid, free black sailor Scipio Africanus, and Royal Navy officer James Wilder as they encounter the infamous pirate known as "The Red Rover." Praised as one of Cooper's finest sea adventures, the novel was an immediate success, swiftly adapted for theater in both America and England. Notable for featuring some of the first serious depictions of African lineage characters in American literature, it helped establish Cooper's reputation as a pioneer of the maritime fiction genre.
Henry James
The Ivory Tower
"The Ivory Tower" by Henry James is an unfinished novel posthumously published in 1917. Set in Gilded Age Newport, it explores the corrupting influence of enormous wealth left behind by two dying millionaires and former business partners. When Graham Fielder inherits a vast fortune from his uncle, he must navigate a world of unscrupulous fortune-seekers and tainted money. James intended this brooding work as a fierce attack on the plutocrats of his era, examining how great possessions carry darkness at their roots.
Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton
Mrs. Pendleton's Four-in-hand
"Mrs. Pendleton's Four-in-hand" by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a novel written in the early 20th century. This engaging work explores themes of love, power dynamics, and the complexities of social relationships through the lens of a widow navigating romantic interests. The story unfolds as Mrs. Jessica Pendleton, recently bereaved, receives four simultaneous marriage proposals from her former admirers, unveiling a blend of humor and drama as she decides how to respond. The narrative centers on Mrs. Pendleton's clever manipulation of the situation after receiving the insincere proposals from her four suitors, who initially appear to be in jest. As Jessica navigates the unwitting competition between the men—Clarence Trent, Norton Boswell, Edward Dedham, and John Severance—she delights in maintaining her ruse while asserting her independence and intelligence. Each man's unique characteristics and responses add layers to Jessica's interactions, showcasing her wit and cunning. Ultimately, the story culminates in a confrontation at a seaside cliff, where Jessica's true intentions are exposed, leading to unexpected resolutions and revelations about her relationships and desires.
Molly Elliot Seawell
A Strange, Sad Comedy
"A Strange, Sad Comedy" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the American Civil War, it revolves around Colonel Archibald Corbin and his family at Corbin Hall in Virginia, showcasing their genteel lifestyle amidst the chaos of the war. The main character, Colonel Corbin, is portrayed as a dignified gentleman trying to navigate the adversities of the war while retaining his composure and sense of honor. The opening of the novel introduces Colonel Corbin as he reads in his library, reflecting on the changes brought by the war. As federal soldiers arrive at his home, the Colonel exhibits a serene determination to uphold his dignity in the face of losing his property. Shortly after the soldiers depart, the narrative shifts to a visit from Sir Archibald Corbin, a young Englishman seemingly related to the Colonel, which opens up themes of family and generational ties. The initial interactions both highlight the Colonel's calm demeanor and hint at the underlying tensions of life during wartime, setting the stage for a mix of comedy and pathos as the story unfolds.
Alice Duer Miller
The Beauty and the Bolshevist
"The Beauty and the Bolshevist" by Alice Duer Miller is a novel likely written during the early 20th century, specifically around the time of the 1920s. The story centers on Ben Moreton, an idealistic editor of a radical newspaper, and his tumultuous relationship with his brother David, who is on the verge of marrying a capitalistic heiress, Eugenia Cord. Ben’s journey consists of navigating family loyalty while grappling with political convictions and societal expectations. At the start of the book, the conflict is introduced through Ben's internal struggle regarding David's engagement to Eugenia Cord. As Ben prepares to confront his brother, who seems oblivious to the consequences of such a union, he receives news of the engagement just as tensions rise between his own socialist beliefs and the prevailing capitalist society represented by the Cords. The narrative explores the dynamics within the Moreton family, the clash between social classes, and the emergence of romantic interests, particularly between Ben and Crystal Cord, Eugenia's sister. This opening section establishes a rich foundation for themes of love, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal integrity amidst the looming shadow of class conflict.
Lawrence Perry
Prince or Chauffeur? A Story of Newport
"Prince or Chauffeur? A Story of Newport" by Lawrence Perry is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Lieutenant John Armitage on a midnight train to Boston, where he encounters the illustrious Wellington family, including the captivating Anne Wellington. The narrative suggests themes of social class dynamics and romantic intrigue set against the backdrop of early 1900s Newport society. The opening of the novel introduces Lieutenant Armitage as he boards a train, experiencing a blend of excitement and curiosity, particularly when he observes Anne Wellington, a young woman of notable charm traveling with her disapproving mother. The interaction between Armitage and a porter hints at the social hierarchy and the Wellingtons' status. As the train rolls toward Newport, Armitage reflects on his ambition related to a torpedo he's invented, weaving together themes of aspiration and the complexities of social relationships within the elite circles of Newport, setting the stage for further developments in the story.
Recently surfaced classics