Subject
Ohio -- Fiction Books
Best books
Louis Bromfield
The green bay tree : $b a novel
"The Green Bay Tree" by Louis Bromfield is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds primarily around the life of Julia Shane, a widow, and her relationships with her two daughters, Lily and Irene, as they navigate societal expectations and personal secrets against the backdrop of an industrializing town. The narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and generational conflict, revealing the tension between the characters' desires and societal pressures. The opening portion of the novel presents a vivid scene at a garden party hosted by Julia Shane at her estate, Cypress Hill. As guests mingle amidst the deteriorating beauty of the garden, the narrative introduces Julia, a woman of dignity grappling with her past and present. The dynamics among the guests, including her ambitious daughter Lily and the politically motivated Governor, hint at deeper conflicts, particularly Lily's reluctance to marry him despite his affections. The atmosphere is charged with social intrigue and underlying tensions, as Julia keenly observes the interactions, revealing her cynical and protective nature. The stage is set for a rich exploration of the characters' inner lives and relationships as they confront the realities of their world.
Richard Wilson
And Then the Town Took Off
"And Then the Town Took Off" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers around the town of Superior, Ohio, which unexpectedly rises into the sky, leaving behind chaos and confusion for its residents. The protagonist, Don Cort, finds himself trapped in this airborne town and must navigate a bizarre situation filled with eccentric townspeople, including a crackpot professor who may hold the key to their predicament. The opening of the novel introduces the shocking and surreal event of Superior lifting off the ground, setting a mysterious and humorous tone. The narrative starts with the shock from a truck driver, who discovers the town missing, leading to a chain of events that includes the involvement of the military and local authorities. As the townspeople adapt to their new reality, Cort must confront the challenges of being stranded while unraveling the scientific absurdities behind their levitation, all while developing interrelationships with various intriguing characters, including the mayor and the professor.
T. C. (Thomas Chalmers) Harbaugh
The Girl Avenger; or, The Beautiful Terror of the Maumee
"The Girl Avenger; or, The Beautiful Terror of the Maumee" by T. C. Harbaugh is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Nanette Froisart, who embodies the role of an avenger against the Native American tribes that have wronged her. The opening chapters set a dramatic tone, depicting her fierce and skilled nature as she battles against formidable foes, particularly Joe Girty, a renegade who poses a significant threat to her and those she cares about. The opening of the novel introduces a tense scene along the Maumee River in 1794, where an Indian hunter, having just killed a stag, falls victim to a young girl’s decisive shot, revealing her as a formidable avenger. We learn about her pride in hunting and her quest for vengeance against Native Americans as she collects scalps as trophies. This intense moment unfolds with the emergence of Joe Girty, who captures her after she has successfully taken down another foe. The narrative weaves themes of vengeance, survival, and the complexities of identity amid the turbulent interactions between different cultures. As the story progresses, it hints at past traumas and a web of revenge that invites readers into a world shaped by conflict and resilience.
David Graham Phillips
George Helm
"George Helm" by David Graham Phillips is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on George Helm, a homely young man from a small Ohio river town who becomes a political figure known for his distinctive red beard and his ambition to rise above his humble beginnings. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for his journey, showcasing the absurdity of public perception and the challenges he faces in a political landscape controlled by corruption and established interests. The opening of the book introduces us to George Helm's arrival in Harrison and the immediate scrutiny he faces from the townspeople due to his unusual appearance, particularly his red beard. Despite being the target of jokes and stereotypes, Helm is determined, exhibiting a mix of humor and earnestness. His nomination as a Circuit Judge, initially treated as a joke by local politicians, ignites a spark within him, leading him to take his candidacy seriously. As he embarks on his campaign, he becomes aware of the deceptive nature of politics and the public's expectations, all while forming connections with characters like Eleanor Clearwater, who challenge his perceptions of class and ambition. This dual backdrop of personal growth and political awakening sets the stage for Helm’s struggle against societal norms and his quest for legitimacy in a world that laughs at him.
Robert Silverberg
An enemy of peace
"An Enemy of Peace" by Ralph Burke is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a post-apocalyptic America recovering from the devastation of nuclear war, the story focuses on themes of power, tyranny, and the struggle for peace. It explores the conflict between two cities, Center City and Northburg, and their respective leaders who embody contrasting ideologies regarding governance and survival. The narrative centers around Lloyd Riddell, the determined mayor of Center City, who has worked tirelessly to rebuild his community after the chaos and destruction of war. As tensions rise with Northburg, led by the power-hungry David Barr, Riddell is forced to confront the threat of invasion. Riddell insists on seeking a non-violent resolution, reflecting his commitment to peace despite immense provocation. As he infiltrates Northburg disguised as a soldier, he learns of Barr's oppressive regime that relies on fear and manipulation. Ultimately, the climax of the story reveals Riddell’s grappling with the morality of violence in the pursuit of peace, leading to a decisive confrontation where he takes Barr's life to eliminate the threat, signaling a paradoxical resolution to the struggle between peace and tyranny.
A. G. (Albert Gallatin) Riddle
Bart Ridgeley: A Story of Northern Ohio
"Bart Ridgeley: A Story of Northern Ohio" by A. G. Riddle is a novel published in the mid-19th century. The narrative explores the life and struggles of a young man named Barton Ridgeley as he grapples with feelings of failure, identity, and longing as he navigates his way back to his home in Northern Ohio. Early on, Barton is depicted as a sensitive and introspective character who faces societal and personal challenges that reflect the complexities of rural life in America during this time. The opening of the novel introduces Barton Ridgeley, who arrives at a river to find the bridge gone and realizes he has taken a wrong turn while traveling from Cleveland. Reflecting on his past three months, he feels the weight of his failed ambitions and carries the burden of others' opinions about him. As he waits by the riverbank, his thoughts drift to his childhood, familial connections, and a friendship with Julia Markham, which carries both warmth and tension due to her father's disapproval of him. The initial chapter sets the stage for an exploration of themes such as love, aspiration, and the struggle for acceptance in a rapidly changing frontier society. Barton's encounter with Judge Markham further deepens his sense of alienation, while his longing for connection with Julia hints at potential conflicts that will shape his journey throughout the story.
George Keyports Brady
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