Subject
Riots -- Fiction Books
Best books
Charles W. (Charles Waddell) Chesnutt
The Marrow of Tradition
"The Marrow of Tradition" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a novel published in 1901. Set in the fictional town of Wellington, it portrays the 1898 Wilmington Insurrection, when white supremacists violently overthrew a legitimately elected government. The story follows interweaving plots across racial lines: a newspaper owner conspiring to seize political control, a Black physician facing Jim Crow segregation, half-sisters divided by race, and a son seeking revenge for his father's murder. All converge in election-day violence that forces each character toward a reckoning.
Vance Aandahl
1,492,633 Marlon Brandos
"1,492,633 Marlon Brandos" by Vance Aandahl is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative unfolds in a city permeated by dark, restless energies, where a chaotic night leads to an unexpected confrontation among various characters driven by primal urges and desires. The story explores themes of identity, desire, and societal order, reflecting the turbulence of human nature when stripped of societal constraints. The plot centers around three primary characters — Chester McRae, Bartholomew Oliver, and Oswald Williams — who, driven by an inexplicable need during the night, emerge into the streets filled with a restless mob of men. As they roam the city, their desires and frustrations bubble to the surface, culminating in an anger-fueled frenzy sparked by the appearance of a girl on a balcony. The presence of a man controlling the situation above transforms the scene, reminding the characters of their mundane existences that await them. Ultimately, the story leaves a lingering sense of existential questioning as the characters return to their lives, having briefly tasted a chaotic freedom that starkly contrasts with their daily routines.
Robert Scott
Misrule
"Misrule" by Robert Scott is a science fiction novella published in the early 1960s. The story is set in a dystopian society where the government exercises strict control over its citizens, culminating in a bizarre annual event known as People's Day, where the populace is allowed to express their pent-up frustrations through violence and destruction. The narrative follows Glen Wheatley, a lower-level civil servant, as he navigates the chaotic atmosphere of this day and its implications on personal freedom and societal order. As the events unfold, Glen finds himself amidst a frenzied mob intent on wreaking havoc within the Government House. Alongside his colleague Joan, he grapples with their fear as they seek safety from the oncoming chaos. Their attempts to find shelter are thwarted by the brutality of the People, who resent their subservient roles despite the security provided by the government. The story culminates in a dramatic clash between the characters and the mob, emphasizing the underlying themes of control, rebellion, and the stark contrast between the ruling class and the masses. Ultimately, "Misrule" serves as a thought-provoking exploration of societal stability and the human condition when faced with systemic oppression and chaos.
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