Subject
Orient -- Fiction Books
Best books
Henry Iliowizi
The Weird Orient: Nine Mystic Tales
"The Weird Orient: Nine Mystic Tales" by Henry Iliowizi is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The tales draw from the rich tapestry of Eastern folklore, particularly focusing on mystical themes and legends that explore the intersection of life, spirituality, and moral lessons rooted in Orient culture. The author's background as a member of a mystical sect provides authenticity and depth to the narratives, echoing the influence of his experiences in Morocco and his encounters with the people and their tales. The opening of the work introduces the mystical landscape of the Orient and the inspiration behind the stories, explaining that the author gathered material during his years in Tetuan, Morocco, where he interacted with local storytellers. He sets the tone for the collection by discussing the allure and mystery of the East, suggesting that the tales encapsulate the subtle spiritual essence of the region. The characters featured in this collection vary widely but are unified by their exploration of supernatural and philosophical themes, as illustrated in the opening tale, "The Doom of Al Zameri," which sets forth a legendary narrative about the wandering figure cursed for idolatry and explores the burden of guilt and redemption across ages.
L. Adams (Lily Adams) Beck
Dreams and delights
"Dreams and Delights" by L. Adams Beck is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This literary work transports readers across diverse landscapes, exploring themes of longing, spirituality, and the human experience as envisioned through the delicate interplay of dreams and reality. The preface hints at a mystical exploration of the feminine spirit and connection to the divine, suggesting that the narratives will delve into the hearts and minds of women influenced by transcendent forces. The opening of the collection introduces us to Beatrice Veronica Law Leslie, who adopts the pen name "V. Lydiat" to carve out her identity in the literary world. Torn between her unfulfilled desires for adventure and creativity, she ultimately seeks solace in writing while forging a mysterious connection with a shadowy figure who inspires her work. Through dream sequences and vivid imagery, the story hints at deeper layers of consciousness and the quest for self-discovery, as Beatrice navigates her path from a life constrained by societal expectations to one rich with purpose and passion for artistic expression. This intriguing premise sets the stage for the enchanting stories that follow, captivating readers with its layers of meaning and poetic reflections.
E. M. (Edith Maude) Hull
The shadow of the East
"The Shadow of the East" by E. M. Hull is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds primarily in the exotic backdrop of Japan, following Jermyn Atherton, an American millionaire, and his interactions with his English friend Barry Craven, who has a complex relationship with a Japanese girl named O Hara San. The narrative explores themes of love, cultural clash, and the repercussions of choices made in the pursuit of happiness. The opening of the novel introduces a glamorous scene set on a yacht off the coast of Yokohama, where Atherton is joined by Craven and his brother Leslie. They engage in witty banter, revealing Craven’s deep connection to Japan and its culture, while also providing insights into Atherton's troubled marriage and his longing to reconnect with his wife. As the story progresses, tensions surrounding love and identity emerge, especially in the interactions between Craven and O Hara San, highlighting both the allure and complexities of their relationship. Craven's internal conflict becomes more pronounced as he grapples with his feelings for O Hara and the implications of their cultural differences.
Thomas Moore
Lalla Rookh : $b An Oriental romance
"Lalla Rookh: An Oriental romance" by Thomas Moore is a romantic work first published in 1817. The poem follows Princess Lalla Rookh, daughter of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, as she journeys to marry the King of Bukhara. Along the way, she falls in love with Feramorz, a poet in her entourage who entertains her with four enchanting tales. The work blends a frame narrative with interpolated poems set in sumptuous Eastern settings, exploring themes of love, disguise, and identity in a world of Persian splendor.
Unknown
Eastern Tales by Many Story Tellers
"Eastern Tales by Many Story Tellers" by L. Valentine is a collection of enchanting stories drawn from various ancient and modern sources, likely compiled in the late 19th century. This anthology is designed to captivate youthful readers with its diverse narratives, which include tales of adventure, moral lessons, and whimsical characters. The collection begins with the story of Jalaladdeen, a young man from Bagdad, highlighting his journey of self-discovery and the perils of indulgence." "At the start of the book, we are introduced to Jalaladdeen, who learns profound lessons from his father on frugality and self-control shortly before his passing. After discovering a hidden treasure in his father's house, Jalaladdeen is drawn into a lavish lifestyle filled with friends that leads him to neglect his father's wise advice. The narrative follows his descent into extravagance as he strives to please his new companions, ultimately leading him to lose all his wealth and confront the consequences of his actions. The opening sets the stage for a moral tale that weaves themes of temptation, responsibility, and redemption through a fantastical lens, setting up an engaging journey for readers."
E. M. (Edith Maude) Hull
Entisyyden varjo
"Entisyyden varjo" by E. M. Hull is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in Yokohama, Japan, where the wealthy American businessman Jermyn Atherton is conversing with his friend Barry Craven aboard a luxurious yacht illuminated by a full moon. The narrative hints at the complexities of relationships and personal struggles, particularly involving Jermyn's sudden departure from his wife, Nina, and Barry's deeper ties to Japan, setting up a backdrop of Western intrigue and Eastern allure. The opening of the book introduces a serene yet vibrant night in Yokohama, where Jermyn Atherton and Barry Craven engage in conversation on the deck of a yacht. They discuss Jermyn's impulsive decision to escape his hectic life and the misunderstandings with his wife, as well as Barry's experiences and local relationships. The atmosphere becomes more intricate as Barry's connection to Japan and hints of a romantic past begin to surface, particularly with reference to a girl named O Hara San. As their discussion continues, themes of love, cultural differences, and personal identity are established, especially as Barry grapples with his feelings for O Hara San, creating a tantalizing tension in the storyline.
Recently surfaced classics