Subject
North Carolina -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jules Verne
The Master of the World
"The Master of the World" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1904. In the summer of 1903, mysterious phenomena plague the Eastern United States as objects move at impossible speeds. Federal inspector John Strock investigates and discovers Robur, a brilliant inventor who has created the Terror—a revolutionary machine that operates as speedboat, submarine, automobile, and aircraft. This dark tale explores themes of tyranny and totalitarianism as Strock pursues the elusive genius across land, sea, and sky.
Thomas Dixon
The Sins of the Father: A Romance of the South
"The Sins of the Father: A Romance of the South" by Thomas Dixon Jr. is a novel published in 1912. Dan Norton, a Confederate veteran and Ku Klux Klan leader, begins a forbidden relationship with Cleo, a quadroon woman hired as his family's caretaker. Their secret affair produces devastating consequences that spiral through the next generation. Dixon explores themes of miscegenation and racial separation against the backdrop of the post-Civil War South, culminating in a tragic ending that destroys Norton's entire family.
Francis Lynde
The Master of Appleby A Novel Tale Concerning Itself in Part with the Great Struggle in the Two Carolinas; but Chiefly with the Adventures Therein of Two Gentlemen Who Loved One and the Same Lady
"The Master of Appleby" by Francis Lynde is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. This tale revolves around Captain John Ireton, who returns to Carolina after years in military service only to find his family's estate usurped and caught in the chaos of the American Revolutionary War. The narrative unfolds a complex web of love, rivalry, and conflict, particularly framed around Ireton's duel with Sir Francis Falconnet, a pressing figure in both his past and present struggles. At the start of the novel, the protagonist, John Ireton, receives a challenge to a duel from Captain Falconnet, which is delivered by Richard Jennifer, a childhood friend. The chapter intricately describes Ireton's feelings of anger and determination as he prepares for the impending fight, while also providing a backstory of personal loss and the social tension of the time. Ireton's return to Carolina ignites old memories and rivalries, particularly involving a lady named Margery Stair, whose connection with Falconnet adds further complication to the unfolding drama. The opening establishes a rich historical backdrop intertwined with personal stakes, setting the stage for themes of honor, love, and the carnage of war.
Alice (Fiction writer) Morgan
The boy who brought Christmas
"The Boy Who Brought Christmas" by Alice Morgan is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place in the Appalachian mountains and follows young Grover Cleveland Ledbetter, a kind-hearted, adventurous orphan living with his grandfather. As Christmas approaches, Grover is determined to spread holiday cheer to the community, especially to those he feels have been overlooked, embodying the spirit of giving and kindness that defines the season. The opening of the book introduces us to Grover Cleveland Ledbetter and his grandfather, Old Man Ledbetter, as they embark on a quest to track down Santa Claus, whom Grover believes has neglected his family and others in their mountain community. With his loyal dog Dixie at his side, Grover demonstrates his empathy and desire to create a Christmas celebration for all, regardless of their differences in religious beliefs. The narrative sets a whimsical and nostalgic tone, exploring themes of community, generosity, and the innocence of childhood during the festive season.
W. H. (William Henry) Shelton
The Last Three Soldiers
"The Last Three Soldiers" by William Henry Shelton is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the American Civil War, the story follows three young soldiers—Philip Welton, Corporal George Bromley, and Lieutenant Frederick Henry Coleman—as they navigate a treacherous landscape brimming with danger and adventure. Their journey is marked by themes of friendship, patriotism, and the harsh realities of war, as they find themselves entrusted with a critical mission atop a mountain. At the start of the narrative, the trio embarks on a secretive nighttime expedition led by the guide Andy Zachary. They are part of a larger military operation linked to General Sherman's army, which is engaged in critical battles in the South. The soldiers’ arrival at their mountaintop signal station is filled with tension and anticipation, revealing their youth, backgrounds, and motivations for enlisting. The opening sets the groundwork for their hardships, including challenges posed by nature, their emotional growth, and the looming specter of war, as they begin to comprehend the responsibilities weighing heavily upon them in these tumultuous times.
Meredith Nicholson
The war of the Carolinas
"The War of the Carolinas" by Meredith Nicholson is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative appears to revolve around the tensions and conflicts between North Carolina and South Carolina, focusing on the lives and interactions of key characters including Thomas Ardmore, a wealthy young man on a quest for adventure, and Henry Griswold, a law professor with a keen interest in piracy and marine law. The storyline seems to blend themes of personal discovery and social interactions with the backdrop of governmental and historical events. The opening of "The War of the Carolinas" sets the stage at a railway station in Atlanta, where we meet Ardmore and Griswold engaged in a conversation about their somewhat stagnant lives and desire for adventure. Ardmore confesses he is looking for a young woman he saw on a train, hinting at a romantic motivation behind his journey. Meanwhile, newspaper reports reveal a brewing conflict between the governors of the two Carolinas, suggesting that political tensions will intersect with the personal quests of the characters. This mix of personal pursuit and historical context promises readers a rich narrative full of intrigue, humor, and the exploration of relationships against a backdrop of regional rivalry.
Meredith Nicholson
The Little Brown Jug at Kildare
"The Little Brown Jug at Kildare" by Meredith Nicholson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story primarily revolves around Thomas Ardmore, a wealthy New Yorker who is characterized by his search for adventure and purpose beyond his affluence. Dissatisfied with the monotony of his life and his family's notoriety, Ardmore embarks on a quest that intertwines his fate with political intrigue, as he inadvertently becomes embroiled in the conflicts between two southern governors. At the start of the novel, we meet Ardmore at a railway station, expressing his frustration with life and longing for excitement. After a reflective conversation with his friend Griswold, Ardmore reveals that he is pursuing a mysterious girl he saw on a recent train journey. Meanwhile, tensions are hinted at between the governors of South and North Carolina, as a brewing conflict over an outlaw named Appleweight unfolds. Readers are introduced to a mix of humor and serious themes as Ardmore's whimsical quest leads him toward involvements that promise to shake the very foundations of his existence. The beginning sets the stage for both his personal journey and the broader political drama, promising an engaging blend of romance, satire, and social commentary.
Charles W. (Charles Waddell) Chesnutt
The Colonel's Dream
"The Colonel's Dream" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a novel published in 1905. After selling his business, Colonel Henry French returns to his North Carolina hometown with his son, hoping for a brief nostalgic visit. Instead, he confronts the harsh reality of post-Civil War racial oppression and economic injustice. Determined to transform his segregated Southern town into an equal society, the Colonel challenges powerful local interests and deeply entrenched white supremacy. His ambitious dreams for social reform meet fierce resistance, personal tragedy, and violent opposition.
Mabell S. C. (Mabell Shippie Clarke) Smith
A Tar-Heel Baron
"A Tar-Heel Baron" by Mabell Shippie Clarke Pelton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Baron Friedrich von Rittenheim, a foreign aristocrat who finds himself struggling with poverty as he tries to adapt to life on a small farm in North Carolina. As he navigates his new surroundings, he grapples with challenges stemming from cultural differences, economic hardships, and personal ambitions, providing readers a glimpse into the complexities of class and identity in the early southern U.S. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Friedrich von Rittenheim, who appears out of place among the mountaineers of North Carolina. Despite his noble background, he is poor and engages in agricultural work while attempting to earn the respect of his neighbors. The opening describes his humble efforts to fit in, highlights the warmth with which he is received, and foreshadows the struggles he faces, both financially and emotionally. His situation is exacerbated by the arrival of a deputy marshal who arrests him for selling homemade whisky, illustrating the conflicts between his old-world values and the harsh realities of his new life. This set-up not only establishes the baron as a sympathetic character but also hints at the social tensions that will develop throughout the novel.
William R. (William Reynolds) Eyster
Wild Nat, the Trooper; or, The Cedar Swamp Brigade
"Wild Nat, the Trooper; or, The Cedar Swamp Brigade" by William R. Eyster is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story takes place during the American Revolutionary War, focusing on the struggles of patriotism and the complexities of character amidst the turbulence of war. The central characters, Nathaniel "Wild Nat" Ernshaw and John Vale, embody the youthful determination to fight for their country, while Catherine Vale adds a layer of personal conflict regarding love and loyalty." "At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the somber backdrop of despair during a critical time in American history, filled with doubts about the revolution's success. The story shares the intimate dynamics between Catherine Vale, her mother, and their discussions about the questionable character of Nat Ernshaw, who is a friend to the family but holds a notorious reputation in their community. As the tale unfolds, Ernshaw rallies support for the American cause, while suspicions of betrayal loom in the air, hinting at conflicts that will arise in future chapters. The scene sets the stage for both personal and wartime struggles, hinting at escalating tensions and adventures that await the characters."
Opie Percival Read
The Jucklins: A Novel
"The Jucklins: A Novel" by Opie Percival Read is a work of fiction written in the late 19th century. The novel unfolds in a rural Southern setting, focusing on the life of Bill Hawes, an awkward young man struggling to find his place in a world that frequently ridicules him for his perceived laziness and clumsiness. As the story begins, it dives into themes of self-identity, societal expectations, and the yearning for acceptance, particularly within the context of family dynamics and community relationships. The opening of the novel introduces Bill Hawes, who reflects on his childhood experiences and the laughter he faced from his family and peers, especially in comparison to his more adept brothers. Bill's childhood is marked by an incident where he attempts to outdo his brother Ed by cheating some gypsies in a horse trade, only for the plan to backfire spectacularly, resulting in a comedy of errors that isolates him further. As he matures, Bill wrestles with his reputation as "Lazy Bill," while secretly yearning for respect and the possibility of personal achievement, including aspiring to become a lawyer. The narration sets the stage for his future encounters and aspirations, notably foreshadowing the complexities of his relationships with neighbors, particularly a girl named Guinea, who captivates his attention, adding layers to his somewhat tumultuous journey of self-discovery and ambition.
Katharine Newlin Burt
The Red Lady
"The Red Lady" by Katharine Newlin Burt is a suspenseful novel written in the early 20th century. It tells the story of Janice Gale, who becomes a housekeeper for the reclusive Mrs. Edna Brane at a mysterious estate known as "The Pines." As Janice begins her work, she encounters a series of eerie occurrences, including the haunting presence of a red-haired woman that sparks both fear for the safety of Mrs. Brane's ill son, Robbie, and a quest to uncover the secrets surrounding the house. At the start of the novel, Janice is introduced as an inexperienced but determined young woman seeking work. She receives a mysterious offer for a position at The Pines, where she meets the nervous and fragile Mrs. Brane and her sickly son, Robbie. Janice quickly realizes that her new environment harbors unsettling secrets as former housekeepers have fled under strange circumstances linked to the boy's nightmares about a red-haired lady. The escalating tension intensifies with the death of Robbie, which leaves Janice entangled with both suspicion and mystery, particularly regarding her own resemblance to the spectral figure haunting the household. The opening chapters establish a haunting backdrop and a compelling emergency, drawing readers into a web of intrigue and danger as Janice seeks to untangle the truth about her unsettling new home.
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