Subject
Riviera (France) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edith Wharton
The mother's recompense
"The Mother's Recompense" by Edith Wharton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Kate Clephane, a woman in her early forties who reflects on her past and current life while navigating her relationship with her estranged daughter, Anne. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, societal expectations, and the quest for identity, ultimately delving into the emotional complexities of motherhood and reconciliation. At the start of the novel, Kate is introduced waking up in her modest hotel room on the Riviera, reminiscing about her past experiences filled with joy and disappointment. As she receives unexpected news about her former mother-in-law's death, she begins to consider the implications for her relationship with her daughter, from whom she has been separated for many years. The opening depicts her internal struggles with self-image, isolation, and a longing for connection, setting the stage for her eventual return to New York and the challenges that lie ahead in rekindling her role as a mother. The portrayal of Kate's character, alongside her maid Aline and the fleeting interactions with her past, paints a vivid picture of her emotional landscape as she contemplates her life choices and the potential for a new beginning with Anne.
Burton Egbert Stevenson
The Kingmakers
"The Kingmakers" by Burton Egbert Stevenson is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a post-war European landscape, the book revolves around themes of political intrigue, royal restoration, and the complexities of love and ambition, centering on the character Selden, a journalist with deep insights into the socio-political changes of the time. The narrative unfolds through the encounters of Selden with notable characters such as Countess Rémond and Baron Lappo, who navigate the tumultuous world of newfound republics and returning monarchies. At the start of the story, the protagonist, Selden, finds himself in the luxurious lounge of a Monte Carlo hotel, where he is approached by Countess Rémond, an enigmatic figure with memories of turmoil linked to a past assassination connected to her. Their conversation hints at deeper ambitions involving the recently liberated states of Central Europe and suggests that various players, including a former king and new revolutionary leaders, are interwoven in a web of personal and political aspirations. With the world around them filled with wealthy elites and faded nobility, the opening sets the stage for a tale of alliances and betrayals, firmly positioning Selden in a story where he becomes intricately involved with the characters’ dualities of virtue and deception.
John Galsworthy
Jocelyn
"Jocelyn" by John Sinjohn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative introduces us to the emotionally complex character of Giles Legard, who grapples with feelings of isolation and longing in his life, especially amidst his interactions with the vibrant and youthful Jocelyn. As themes of love, companionship, and the struggles of self-identity unfold, the backdrop of the Italian Riviera enhances the sense of longing and the contrast between the tranquil yet stagnant life he shares with his ailing wife and the invigorating presence of Jocelyn. At the start of the story, we find Giles Legard in a contemplative mood while sitting on a terrace, reflecting on his life and marriage to Irma, a Polish woman confined to the role of an invalid. As he engages with her at their hotel, he is reminded of his feelings towards the lively young woman, Jocelyn, who brings a rush of emotions to the surface. The narrative delves into the complexities of Giles's relationships, painting a vivid picture of his internal struggles and the intense emotional backdrop as he finds himself drawn to Jocelyn amidst the struggles of his marriage. The feeling of yearning for something more and the push and pull between duty and desire create a rich, evocative atmosphere, setting the stage for the development of their relationship.
Maxwell Gray
The suspicions of Ermengarde
"The Suspicions of Ermengarde" by Maxwell Gray is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Ermengarde Allonby, a woman grappling with the complications of her marriage to Arthur, who exhibits a rather indifferent attitude toward her concerns and feelings, particularly regarding household expenditures and her social aspirations. Through her eyes, readers witness not just the nuances of her domestic struggles but also the broader themes of love, neglect, and the quest for identity. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is set with a gloomy fog enveloping Kensington Gardens, reflecting Ermengarde's own feelings of despondency. She reflects on her husband Arthur's dismissive demeanor regarding their financial difficulties, particularly concerning the expensive hats she has purchased. Following a series of introspective thoughts about her doomed marriage and the unfulfilled dreams that plague her, Ermengarde decides to travel to the Riviera to seek solace and possibly a fresh start. As she embarks on this journey, the narrative introduces various characters she encounters, and hints at deeper conflicts, including suspicions about her husband, leading readers to ponder how her travels will impact her understanding of love and self-worth.
William Le Queux
The Sign of the Seven Sins
The Sign of the Seven Sins by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. It appears to be a romantic-sensation mystery set on the Riviera, where Monte Carlo’s glitter conceals a web of crime, secrets, and temptation. Narrated by the young American-Italian Carmela Rosselli, the story entwines her travels with her worldly friend Ulrica Yorke, a sudden murder, an enigmatic millionaire, and a masked figure called “The Owl,” hinting that love, money, and danger will collide. The opening of the novel follows Carmela from Washington to London, Paris, and finally Nice, where she and Ulrica fall into the Monte Carlo orbit with two American acquaintances, Gerald Keppel and Reginald Thorne. After a lucky afternoon at roulette and a glittering dinner at Ciro’s—during which Carmela glimpses her former lover Ernest Cameron with another woman—Reggie wins a fortune, steps away to change his notes, and is later found dead in the women’s hotel sitting-room, the cash gone and the cause unclear. The police inquiry yields nothing but suspicion and press sniping, while Carmela and Ulrica draw closer to Gerald’s austere, eccentric father, the millionaire Benjamin Keppel, who secretly turns ivory and proposes a yacht cruise. As Carnival peaks, a masked “Owl” dances with Carmela and seeks a private audience, declaring he knows the truth about Reggie’s death and insisting robbery was not the motive.
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