Subject
Sleepwalking -- Fiction Books
Best books
Charles Brockden Brown
Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker
"Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-Walker" by Charles Brockden Brown is a Gothic novel published in 1799. Set in rural Pennsylvania, it follows Edgar Huntly as he investigates his friend's murder. When he discovers a servant sleepwalking near the crime scene, Huntly begins a dangerous pursuit through the wilderness. But Huntly harbors his own dark secret—he too is a sleepwalker. His nocturnal wanderings lead him to awaken in a pitch-black cave, triggering a harrowing struggle for survival involving hostile encounters and shocking revelations.
B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon
A Secret Inheritance (Volume 3 of 3)
"A Secret Inheritance" by B. L. Farjeon is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Gabriel Carew and his complicated relations with his family, particularly surrounding the tragic death of his brother, Eric, and the subsequent accusations against Emilius, who claims he is innocent. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals themes of jealousy, love, guilt, and the weight of familial expectations that lead to dire consequences. The opening of the novel sets up a tense investigation led by a magistrate who interrogates Emilius regarding his brother's death, revealing the complexities of their relationship and the emotional turmoil involved. Through a series of conversations, we learn about the magistrate's firm belief in Emilius's guilt despite being urged by Dr. Louis to consider the man's character and the history between the brothers. The scene is charged with an atmosphere of mystery and foreboding, pointing to deeper secrets within the family that may have tragic implications. Ultimately, the opening portion introduces us to a world fraught with inherited burdens and the shadow of past actions, establishing the foundation for the drama and intrigue that is likely to follow.
B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon
A Secret Inheritance (Volume 2 of 3)
"A Secret Inheritance" by B. L. Farjeon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around themes of love, betrayal, and vengeance, focusing primarily on the lives of brothers Silvain and Kristel, whose relationship becomes irrevocably altered by their actions and the influence of a woman named Avicia. The story hints at a complex entanglement of emotions and fateful events that guide the characters toward their destinies. The opening of the book introduces us to Louis, the narrator, who is reflecting on his past and the bond he shared with his dear friend Silvain. As he searches for Silvain in various locations, he encounters much uncertainty and is compelled by the deep affection he feels for his friend. Through a chance reunion after years of separation in a forest, Louis discovers that Silvain and Avicia are in a desperate situation, evoking compassion and concern. The tension builds as hints of darker developments emerge, including Silvain's troubled relationship with his brother Kristel, underscoring themes of unfulfilled love, impending motherhood, and ominous foreboding that set the stage for the larger drama ahead.
B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon
A Secret Inheritance (Volume 1 of 3)
"A Secret Inheritance" by B. L. Farjeon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces us to Gabriel Carew, a young boy who grows up in a harsh and impoverished environment in London before experiencing a sudden change in fortune after the death of a distant relative who leaves him an inheritance. The narrative hints at the complexities of Gabriel's family background, particularly pertaining to his parents and their mysterious past. The opening of the novel paints a vividly bleak picture of Gabriel's early life, marked by poverty and seclusion. He is isolated both socially and emotionally, with few connections to the outside world, which contributes to a deep sense of introspection. Upon receiving news of his unexpected wealth, Gabriel begins to grapple with his newfound circumstances, yet there are hints of underlying family secrets and emotional struggles, particularly regarding his mother's health and behavior. As he ventures into friendships and acts of kindness, such as aiding the poor, the story explores themes of compassion, duty, and the burden of inherited responsibilities. This contemplative beginning sets the stage for the unfolding of Gabriel's journey toward understanding both his personal identity and the enigmatic dynamics of his family's past.
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