Subject
Ohio -- Social life and customs -- Fiction Books
Best books
Sherwood Anderson
Winesburg, Ohio: A Group of Tales of Ohio Small Town Life
"Winesburg, Ohio: A Group of Tales of Ohio Small Town Life" by Sherwood Anderson is a short story cycle published in 1919. Set in the fictional town of Winesburg, Ohio, the work follows George Willard from childhood to young adulthood as he prepares to leave his hometown. Through twenty-two interconnected stories, Anderson explores the inner lives of various townspeople, each struggling with loneliness and isolation in pre-industrial small-town America. Known for its psychological depth and plainspoken prose, the work is considered an early example of Modernist literature.
William Dean Howells
The Kentons
"The Kentons" by William Dean Howells is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story focuses on the lives of the Kenton family, particularly Judge Kenton and his children, as they navigate personal relationships, societal expectations, and their individual aspirations in a small Midwestern town. Themes of familial loyalty, the struggle between tradition and modernity, and the complexities of youthful love emerge as central elements throughout the narrative. The opening of "The Kentons" introduces the reader to the Kenton family and their comfortable life in Tuskingum. Judge Kenton is portrayed as a man who is proud of his family and their community, reflected in his long-standing connections and his past as a soldier. The narrative details the dynamics between him, his wife, and their children, highlighting the tensions and affections that characterize their relationships. As their daughter Ellen becomes involved with a young man named Bittridge, the family faces a crisis that forces them to confront their values and the influence of societal expectations on their lives. The complexities of love, duty, and personal desires begin to unfold against the backdrop of family life.
Mary S. (Mary Stanbery) Watts
The Tenants: An Episode of the '80s
"The Tenants: An Episode of the '80s" by Mary S. Watts is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in a small Midwestern town as it chronicles the fate of the old Gwynne house, a once-grand residence now facing demolition. The story explores themes of nostalgia, change, and the decline of a family legacy through the eyes of various characters, notably the heirs of the Gwynne family and their tumultuous history. At the beginning of the novel, the protagonist reflects on the demolition of the historical Gwynne house, which has transitioned from a grand mansion to a dilapidated tenement. The narrative recounts the house's storied past, detailing its origins and the prominent figures associated with it, particularly Governor Gwynne. The focus shifts to the current state of the house and its last residents, including Harriet Peters and her family, who possess a mix of reverence and sadness for their ancestral home. Through vivid descriptions and anecdotes, the opening sets the stage for the exploration of the Gwynne family's legacy, their complicated relationships, and the house’s impending transformation.
Sherwood Anderson
Triumph of the Egg, and Other Stories
"Triumph of the Egg, and Other Stories" by Sherwood Anderson is a collection of short stories likely written in the early 20th century, reflecting the complexities of American life during this period. The stories delve into the nuances of human relationships, personal aspirations, and the often stark contrast between expectation and reality, using rich, symbolic imagery to convey deeper emotional and psychological themes. The opening of the collection presents a vivid exploration of the author's mind as he grapples with the tales that inhabit it. The narrator describes how various stories linger in his thoughts like characters waiting at his doorstep, conveying a sense of urgency to share their experiences. One particular story describes three men in a house and a woman upstairs, highlighting themes of longing and the desperate human need for connection. This opening sets the stage for a journey through American life, filled with rich imagery and emotional depth, promising readers introspection and a poignant look at the struggles of ordinary people.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher
The Squirrel-Cage
"The Squirrel-Cage" by Dorothy Canfield Fisher is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Emery family, particularly focusing on the youngest daughter, Lydia, as she returns home after a year in Europe, eager to embark on her societal debut. The narrative explores themes of social ambition, personal identity, and the intricate dynamics within the family. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Emery family, who take immense pride in their home and social standings, achieved through hard work and aspiration. The opening chapters detail the complex emotions surrounding Lydia's return from Europe, her mother's anticipatory excitement, and the societal pressures they face. Lydia's homecoming is marked by nostalgia and the challenges of reconciling her experiences abroad with the familiar yet restrained life in Endbury, leading to deeper inquiries into social expectations and personal fulfillment. The initial interactions hint at potential tensions between Lydia’s romantic ideals and the pragmatic values of her family, setting the stage for her journey and growth throughout the story.
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