Subject
South America -- Fiction Books
Best books
Arthur Conan Doyle
The Lost World
"The Lost World" by Arthur Conan Doyle is an adventure and science fiction novel published in 1912. When journalist Edward Malone seeks a dangerous assignment to prove himself, he joins the formidable Professor Challenger on an expedition to a remote South American plateau. There, the team encounters living dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures, and hostile ape-men in a hidden world lost to time. Stranded by treachery and facing unknown dangers, the explorers must survive in this extraordinary land where ancient life still thrives.
Jules Verne
In Search of the Castaways; Or, The Children of Captain Grant
"In Search of the Castaways; Or, The Children of Captain Grant" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1867–68. When a mysterious bottle reveals fragments of Captain Grant's location after his shipwreck, Lord and Lady Glenarvan embark on an extraordinary rescue mission with the captain's children. With only partial coordinates pointing to the 37th parallel south, they must circumnavigate the globe through South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Accompanied by an absent-minded French geographer and facing treacherous betrayals, the expedition races to solve cryptic clues and find the missing captain.
Jules Verne
In Search of the Castaways A Romantic Narrative of the Loss of Captain Grant of the Brig Britannia and of the Adventures of His Children and Friends in His Discovery and Rescue
"In Search of the Castaways" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1867–68. When Lord and Lady Glenarvan discover a message in a bottle from the shipwrecked Captain Grant, they embark on a daring rescue mission with his children. With only partial coordinates indicating the 37th parallel south, the expedition must circumnavigate the globe through South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Joined by an eccentric French geographer and facing treacherous terrain, hostile encounters, and betrayal, they race to find the missing captain before it's too late.
W. H. (William Henry) Hudson
Green Mansions: A Romance of the Tropical Forest
"Green Mansions: A Romance of the Tropical Forest" by W. H. Hudson is a novel published in 1904. Abel, a young Venezuelan revolutionary, flees into the uncharted Guyana jungle where he encounters Rima, a mysterious forest-dwelling girl who communicates with birds in an unknown language. As Abel falls in love with her, he learns she seeks her origins among a lost people. Their quest leads them through treacherous terrain and reveals Rima's tragic uniqueness in a world that may not accept her existence.
Heinrich von Kleist
Ausgewählte Schriften
"Ausgewählte Schriften" by Heinrich von Kleist is a collection of selected works written in the early 19th century. This anthology includes various short stories, showcasing themes of human experience such as suffering, conflict, and the supernatural, with notable pieces like "Das Bettelweib von Locarno" and "Das Erdbeben in Chili" highlighting moral dilemmas and societal critique. The opening of the collection introduces the first story, "Das Bettelweib von Locarno," set against the backdrop of an ancient castle near Locarno in the Italian Alps. The narrative begins with a sickly beggar woman who, out of compassion, is taken in by a Marchese’s family but tragically dies after being ordered to move. Years later, as the Marchese faces financial ruin and attempts to sell the castle, a knight staying in the same room reports terrifying ghostly occurrences related to the beggar woman's death. The Marchese, skeptical at first, soon undergoes a chilling experience that compels him and his wife to confront the frightening truth of their castle's tragic past, culminating in disaster as he sets the castle ablaze in despair. This opening sets the tone for Kleist's exploration of fate, societal norms, and the human psyche.
Richard Harding Davis
Soldiers of Fortune
"Soldiers of Fortune" by Richard Harding Davis is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of high society in New York City, focusing on the intersecting lives of Alice Langham, a strong-willed woman seeking emotional depth beyond social expectations, and Robert Clay, a rugged cowboy come from the West, who introspects on the lives of ordinary workers versus the advantages of the wealthy elite. Their interactions suggest themes of authenticity, societal roles, and the yearning for genuine connection. At the start of the novel, we meet Alice Langham, who is caught in the convolutions of social dining, ultimately feeling distanced from her suitor, Reginald King, who she believes views her as a prize rather than an equal. Clay, introduced as a new character at dinner, piques her interest with his fresh perspective. The narrative delves into Alice's internal conflict regarding her longing for a partner who truly understands her, contrasted with the superficial engagements of her social circle. Through a series of conversations at the dinner, including discussions of civil engineering and the adventurous lives that it entails, the groundwork for the connection between Alice and Clay is laid, suggesting that their paths will weave together in unexpected ways in the narrative to unfold.
T. T. (Thomas Tendron) Jeans
On Foreign Service; Or, The Santa Cruz Revolution
"On Foreign Service; Or, The Santa Cruz Revolution" by T. T. Jeans is a naval fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the experiences of Sub-Lieutenant William Wilson and his fellow midshipmen aboard British warships as they navigate the complexities of a South American revolution while also dealing with the chaotic social dynamics, camaraderie, and rivalries inherent to life at sea. The characters are deeply enmeshed in their duties, eagerly facing the potential for conflict in a foreign land. At the start of the narrative, the reader is introduced to the daily lives of midshipmen onboard the British armoured cruisers "Hector" and "Hercules". The plot kicks off with an impending crisis in Santa Cruz, where tensions mount as the President's wife dies, which incites fears of revolution. The reader witnesses the antics and camaraderie of Wilson and his peers, as well as the naval customs and training they undergo. As they prepare to set sail, hints of political unrest surface, and Wilson learns about his brother Gerald's involvement in the situation on land. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for the outbreak of revolution and the subsequent events to unfold in Santa Cruz.
Frank Aubrey
The Devil-Tree of El Dorado: A Novel
"The Devil-Tree of El Dorado: A Novel" by Frank Aubrey is a work of fiction likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds around themes of exploration and adventure, as it follows the main character, Leonard Elwood, and his companion, Jack Templemore, on a quest to uncover the secrets of the mythical mountain Roraima. This journey is driven by Leonard's fascination with the unexplored wilderness and the intertwined legends of El Dorado. At the start of the novel, we meet Leonard Elwood, a young man captivated by the idea of exploring Roraima, a mountain shrouded in mystery and legend. His hopes are ignited when a stranger named Monella, who holds information about the site of El Dorado, arrives in Georgetown. Despite Jack’s skepticism regarding the feasibility of their adventure, Leonard's enthusiasm prevails, leading them to join Monella on an expedition into the perilous jungles of British Guiana. As they prepare for the challenging journey ahead, tension and uncertainty arise not only from the dangers of exploration but also from the fears surrounding the mysterious forest that protects Roraima and its secrets.
Richard Harding Davis
The White Mice
"The White Mice" by Richard Harding Davis is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows young Americans Rodman "Roddy" Forrester and Peter de Peyster as they navigate adventures in Venezuela, where they aim to free General Don Miguel Rojas, a political prisoner, from a grim fate. The book blends themes of friendship, valor, and the complexities of political intrigue against a vibrant backdrop. The opening of the novel sets the stage with a whimsical fable that parallels the protagonists' journey, emphasizing the notion that even the smallest actions can lead to significant changes. We are introduced to Roddy Forrester, whose father has tasked him with inspecting a lighthouse project in Venezuela. Along with his clever friend Peter, Roddy learns of General Rojas, a beloved figure wrongfully imprisoned by the tyrannical President Alvarez. As they brainstorm ways to rescue Rojas, they form the "Order of the White Mice," a lighthearted society dedicated to heroic actions. Their adventure dives deeper into the political turmoil of Venezuela and hints at the dangers that await them as they engage with revolutionaries and the oppressive regime.
Jules Verne
De kinderen van Kapitein Grant, eerste deel (van 3) Zuid-Amerika
"De kinderen van Kapitein Grant, eerste deel (van 3)" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1867–68. When Lord and Lady Glenarvan discover a message in a bottle from the shipwrecked Captain Grant, they embark on a daring rescue mission with the captain's children. With only fragmentary clues and a single coordinate to guide them, the expedition must circumnavigate the entire 37th parallel south. Their journey takes them across continents, where they encounter unexpected allies, dangerous betrayals, and countless adventures in their determined quest.
Henry Richardson Chamberlain
6,000 Tons of Gold
"6,000 Tons of Gold" by Henry Richardson Chamberlain is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two men, Robert Brent and Duncan Fraser, who form an unlikely friendship aboard the steamship "Elbe" as they travel to Buenos Aires. Motivated by financial difficulties and the prospect of riches, they soon embark on a quest to uncover a hidden treasure of gold in Patagonia, which leads them into a series of extraordinary adventures laden with moral complexities. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the ship's passengers, including the American, Brent, who has faced recent financial hardships. His companionship with the older Scottish man, Fraser, quickly deepens as they share their life stories, setting the stage for their collaboration. After a violent storm causes injuries to both men, Fraser reveals to Brent an incredible secret about a vast hidden gold treasure guarded by a group of native Patagonians. Fraser invites Brent to join him on this extraordinary venture, igniting their mutual ambition and curiosity, which will ultimately test their ideals and the very fabric of their friendship as they pursue untold wealth.
C. C. MacApp
All That Earthly Remains
"All That Earthly Remains" by C. C. MacApp is a science fiction novel written during the early 1960s. The book intriguingly explores themes surrounding ancient civilizations, the intersection of science and spirituality, and impending disaster, as a group of characters navigates the aftermath of a mysterious nuclear explosion in a remote Andean region. The story centers around Dr. Luis Craig, a nuclear physicist, who is called to investigate the explosion that has uncovered ancient tunnels and is believed to possibly connect to extraterrestrial forces. The narrative follows Dr. Craig as he joins a diverse group, including a priest, a general, and an indigenous guide, embarking on an expedition to the explosion site. As they delve deeper into the tunnels, they encounter a glowing, intelligent entity that reveals connections to both biblical tales and potentially destructive technology. The exploration leads to philosophical confrontations about faith, power, and morality, especially illustrated through interactions between Craig and the priest, Brulieres. Ultimately, the group is faced with the implications of what they discover, blending elements of science fiction with existential reflections, culminating in a confrontation that tests their beliefs and the very nature of humanity.
Recently surfaced classics