Subject
Psychotherapy patients -- Fiction Books
Best books
Oliver Wendell Holmes
The Guardian Angel
"The Guardian Angel" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a novel written during the late 19th century. It explores themes of heredity, moral responsibility, and the complexities of human character through the story of Myrtle Hazard, who is depicted as a young girl navigating the tensions of her upbringing amid familial and societal expectations. At the start of the narrative, an advertisement appears in the local newspaper announcing the mysterious disappearance of Myrtle Hazard, drawing concern and speculation from the community. The opening chapters introduce various characters, including Myrtle's guardians, Miss Silence Withers and her aunt, who exemplify conflicting attitudes towards discipline and freedom. As the search for Myrtle unfolds, the chapters delve into the dynamics of the Withers family, their history, and the significant impact of heredity on Myrtle's character—a major theme that is hinted at in the author's preface. Holmes sets a tone of intrigue and complexity, laying the foundation for a deeper exploration of Myrtle’s struggles and the inherited traits that influence her fate.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
A Mortal Antipathy
"A Mortal Antipathy" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a novel that likely originated in the late 19th century. The narrative explores the peculiar phenomenon of personal antipathy, particularly as it relates to the psychological and physiological responses of its characters. The main characters hinted at in the opening portion include Lurida Vincent, a brilliant but physically uninspired advocate for women's rights, and Euthymia Tower, a physically adept and exceptionally talented young woman leading a crew in a rowing competition. The opening of the book sets the stage for this exploration by discussing the interesting atmosphere of Arrowhead Village, where various characters are introduced, including curious villagers and the enigmatic Maurice Kirkwood, who is known for his reclusive nature and a mysterious “antipathy.” The narrator prepares the reader for a tale that challenges their beliefs, touching upon curious themes of strong character contrasts, gender discussions, and an intriguing boat race between the male and female rowing crews of local institutions which serves as a backdrop for personal drama and societal commentary. Thus, the early chapters establish both setting and character dynamics, hinting at deeper explorations of identity, societal norms, and interpersonal relationships throughout the story.
Josephine Daskam Bacon
The Strange Cases of Dr. Stanchon
"The Strange Cases of Dr. Stanchon" by Josephine Daskam Bacon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Dr. Stanchon, a physician who encounters complex emotional and psychological situations as he attends to his patients, particularly a woman named Miss Mary, who appears deeply troubled. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal struggles, hinting at themes of mental health and identity. The opening of the novel sets the stage as Dr. Stanchon arrives at the residence of the Allen family to attend to Miss Mary, who has been unwell. His initial interactions reveal a tense family dynamic, as they seem distressed by Miss Mary's condition and caught between compassion and frustration. Dr. Stanchon's internal musings expose his concern for Miss Mary and the burden of his professional responsibilities, as he prepares to confront the emotional complexities of her case. The atmosphere is filled with apprehension, with hints of deeper issues at play, foreshadowing the challenges he will face in trying to help her.
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