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Society of Friends -- Fiction Books
Best books
Gilbert Parker
The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Complete
"The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Complete" by Gilbert Parker is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. It revolves around the life of David Claridge, a young Quaker navigating the complexities of his heritage and personal struggles, which are deeply intertwined with historical events and cultural tensions stemming from both English and Egyptian contexts. The opening of the novel introduces the serene village of Hamley and its significant buildings, including a Quaker Meeting-house, which serves as the setting for David's internal conflicts and societal expectations. The narrative highlights his tumultuous trial before the Elders, reflecting his rebellious spirit against the rigid traditions of his community. Key characters such as Faith, David's sister, and Luke Claridge, his grandfather, are introduced amidst the backdrop of Quaker society, establishing a personal stake in David's fate following a series of youthful indiscretions. As he faces censure from the Elders, David's story unfolds against themes of love, identity, and the clash of personal ambition and communal duty. This beginning sets the stage for David's eventual journey to Egypt and a deeper exploration of themes of morality, justice, and the quest for personal authenticity.
Charles Frederic Goss
The Redemption of David Corson
"The Redemption of David Corson" by Charles Frederic Goss is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a tranquil valley in Ohio during the mid-19th century, focusing on David Corson, a young Quaker with mystical qualities, who grapples with profound spiritual experiences and the struggles that arise from his faith and encounters with contrasting worldviews. The opening portion of the novel introduces a picturesque setting where David Corson is immersed in the beauty of the natural world. The narrative captures a quiet moment in his life as he is interrupted by a call to dinner from a nearby farmhouse, highlighting the serene yet complex life he leads. David is depicted as a mystic who experiences vivid visions of divine communication, drawing the attention of a curious young boy, Stephen. The comfort of his pastoral existence is juxtaposed with the looming reality of temptation and external influences, foreshadowing the personal and spiritual challenges that David is destined to face. As he navigates his daily life filled with simple joys and profound encounters, the reader is drawn into the foundation of his character and the depth of his upcoming trials.
Gilbert Parker
The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 2
"The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 2" by Gilbert Parker is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The story intricately weaves together the lives of characters in England and Egypt, exploring themes of love, responsibility, and societal expectations. In the opening chapters, we meet Faith and Soolsby, whose dialogue reveals their deep connection to an Egyptian man named David, as well as the complexities of their feelings about love and duty. At the start of the narrative, we find Faith contemplating her past choices and current life circumstances, particularly regarding her dedication to caring for her father and her relationship with David, who has been absent for three years. The exchange between Faith and Soolsby touches upon potential suitors and her reluctance to marry while remaining devoted to her father and David, who she believes will return and need her. As the chapters progress, the arrival of a new political figure, Lord Eglington, brings tension and deeper connections as characters navigate their intertwined fates. Notably, themes of personal sacrifice, loyalty, and the impact of societal roles emerge, setting the stage for further developments in their lives as they confront their past and decisions about the future.
Gilbert Parker
The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 4
"The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 4" by Gilbert Parker is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds amidst the intricate socio-political dynamics of Egypt and Britain, focusing on the character David, who is embroiled in the complexities of trust, betrayal, and national identity as he navigates the challenges posed by local factions and his own allies. The opening of this volume introduces us to a tense atmosphere where intrigues and deception are rife. Characters like Higli Pasha and Nahoum Pasha are depicted, each grappling with ambition and personal vendettas. As they interact, discussions of past betrayals, recent calamities affecting cotton mills, and the looming threat of rebellion in the Soudan set the stage for conflict. David appears resolute in his mission to bring progress to Egypt, yet he must contend with the growing hostility around him—an enemy within that seeks to dismantle his achievements. This prologue illustrates a world rich with political maneuvering and the personal stakes at play, drawing readers into a web of suspense and anticipation.
Gilbert Parker
The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 5
"The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 5" by Gilbert Parker is a historical novel that likely originated in the early 20th century. The narrative intertwines themes of love, betrayal, and political intrigue set against the backdrop of British imperialism in Egypt. The book explores the complexities of human relationships and moral dilemmas amid the socio-political landscapes of both England and Egypt during that period. In this volume, the protagonist, Hylda, grapples with deep emotional turmoil as she navigates her troubled marriage to Eglington, who is embroiled in political machinations concerning his half-brother, David, and his role in Egypt. Struggling with feelings of betrayal after discovering Eglington's infidelity, Hylda resolves to confront her circumstances with a newfound determination. The storyline deepens as her sense of duty towards David and her loyalty to her own marital vows collide, prompting her to take decisive action for his safety amidst rising tensions. As the tale unfolds, readers witness Hylda's internal conflict, her interactions with influential figures like the Duchess, and the overarching challenges they face against the backdrop of their respective environments, all while setting the stage for an impactful resolution to the emotional and political chaos surrounding them.
Gilbert Parker
The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 6
"The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 6" by Gilbert Parker is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of tumultuous events in Egypt and England, centering around the character Hylda, who returns to Cairo to seek news about David Claridge, a figure entangled in conflict and politics. At the start of the book, Hylda finds herself in the bustling streets of Cairo, reflective yet determined. Despite the vibrant chaos around her, her mind is focused on a singular mission: to gain information about David, whose fate hangs in uncertainty amidst swirling rumors of danger and heroism. She encounters Nahoum Pasha, who holds critical information about David's circumstances in the desert. Their meeting sets the stage for a high-stakes negotiation as Hylda strives to protect the man she cares about, navigating a web of political intrigues and personal sacrifices. As she interacts with Nahoum, the tension between their motives and the complexities of their past relationship come to the fore, hinting at deeper emotional layers and consequences that will unfold as the narrative progresses.
Gilbert Parker
The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 1
"The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 1" by Gilbert Parker is a historical novel that reflects the themes and dynamics of Anglo-Egyptian society during the late 19th century. The narrative, rich in character and incident, explores intersections of faith, culture, and individual aspiration set against a backdrop of social and political upheaval. The book presents a tapestry of life among the Quaker community in England and juxtaposes it with the complexities of life in Egypt, particularly amidst the turmoil of the time. The story centers on David Claridge, a young man caught between the rigid expectations of his Quaker upbringing and a burgeoning sense of individuality and adventure that calls him to explore the wider world. David's journey begins with a trial before the community for his perceived transgressions, which leads him into a period of banishment and reflection. As David grapples with his identity and familial ties—especially the legacy of his uncle Benn, a traveler in Egypt—the narrative unfolds to reveal themes of love, loss, and the struggle for authenticity in the face of societal constraints. Following an emotional call to duty stemming from family ties, David's path takes a decisive turn towards Egypt, signaling a transformation that intertwines his fate with broader cultural and moral dilemmas.
Gilbert Parker
The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 2
"The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 2" by Gilbert Parker is a historical novel set in the late 19th century. It revolves around the character David Claridge and his experiences navigating life in Cairo, Egypt, during a period rife with personal and political turbulence. The narrative intertwines his past in England with his present circumstances in Egypt, exploring themes such as identity, duty, and the complexities of human relationships. The opening of the second volume introduces us to a letter from Faith Claridge, David's relative, detailing significant developments back in England, including the return of Jasper Kimber and the enigmatic chair-maker Soolsby. David is deeply affected by Faith's news, and he reflects on his own journey as he rides through the bustling streets of Cairo. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the socio-political landscape of the time, with descriptions of the laborers, government officials, and cultural backdrop of Cairo. As David grapples with his troubled past, he confronts a pivotal moment when he rescues an English girl, Hylda Maryon, from danger, unknowingly linking their fates in a tragic turn of events. This sequence sets off a chain of introspection and moral questioning for David, who feels the weight of his actions in a foreign land amid the turbulent currents of history.
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