Subject
Quarantine -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mary Roberts Rinehart
When a Man Marries
“When a Man Marries” by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a humorous novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around complicated social interactions and mishaps in a dinner setting that is intended to be festive but quickly spirals into chaos due to misunderstandings and peculiar circumstances. The protagonist, Kit, finds herself at the center of these troubles, forced to juggle her relationships with other characters like Jimmy Wilson, his ex-wife Bella, and a Japanese butler named Takahiro, all while navigating the absurdities of their social circle. The opening of the book sets the stage for a comedic whirlwind. It begins with Kit expressing her frustration over being blamed for a disastrous dinner event that she organized but could not control due to unforeseen incidents, including the unexpected arrival of an aunt and a lost butler. Kit reflects on the various characters' quirks, particularly Jimmy, whose attempts at seriousness are often undermined by his jovial nature. As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to Bella's jealousies and Jimmy's lingering affections, alongside the mounting tension of a mysterious illness impacting the household, culminating in a series of events that hint at further chaos and humorous entanglements ahead.
Murray Leinster
Pariah Planet
"Pariah Planet" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around a medical officer named Calhoun and his tormal companion, Murgatroyd, who embark on a journey to a troubled planet facing a health crisis and deep-seated prejudices. The underlying themes focus on fear, paranoia, and the consequences of misunderstanding, especially pertaining to a group labeled as "blueskins," people who survived a plague and are now seen as a threat. The opening of the novel introduces Calhoun as he pilots the Med Ship Aesclipus Twenty towards the planet Weald, which is gripped by fear of the blueskins, a group hailing from the nearby planet Dara. As he makes preparations for landing and descends into the atmosphere, he grapples with the challenges of navigating a society that has allowed its apprehensions to shape xenophobic policies. When he arrives, he discovers that a recent tragedy, possibly linked to the blueskins, has escalated fears and tensions. Through Calhoun's interactions, the narrative develops a complex observation of how quickly fear can lead to scapegoating and societal unrest, setting the stage for a confrontation between humanity's better nature and its darker instincts.
Murray Leinster
This World Is Taboo
"This World Is Taboo" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story features Calhoun, a medic aboard a ship tasked with health inspections throughout various planets in a distant sector. As Calhoun arrives at Weald Three for a medical inspection, he discovers underlying tensions related to the inhabitants of Dara, labeled "blueskins," who have been ostracized due to their appearance that stems from a historical plague. At the start of the novel, Calhoun's Med Ship emerges from overdrive travel, and he prepares for a health inspection on Weald. He interacts with his companion, Murgatroyd, a small creature called a tormal, as they navigate the challenges of landing and communicating with local authorities. The narrative introduces a fraught atmosphere filled with fear and prejudice against blueskins, described as beings with blue skin due to a hereditary condition. Tension escalates as Calhoun learns about the political climate and the significant paranoia surrounding blueskins. His journey is set against the backdrop of an impending health crisis, revealing complex themes of discrimination, misunderstanding, and the ramifications of a society's collective fears.
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