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South Carolina -- Fiction Books
Best books
Marie Conway Oemler
Slippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly Man
"Slippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly Man" by Marie Conway Oemler is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a small town called Appleboro, South Carolina, and follows the experiences of Father Armand De Rancé, a Catholic priest, as he navigates his calling and the vibrant community around him. Central to the narrative is the character John Flint, also known as Slippy McGee, a noted burglar whose life takes a turn after a devastating accident. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the quaint town of Appleboro and its inhabitants through the eyes of Father De Rancé. His reflections on the town's traditions, as well as on the nature of his ministry and the people he serves, add depth to the setting. The opening portion reveals the arrival of John Flint, who is found severely injured near the railroad tracks. In the Parish House, Father De Rancé and the kind-hearted Dr. Westmoreland work to save Flint, resulting in the traumatic amputation of his leg. As Flint begins his recovery, we see glimpses of his past life, and the tensions between his criminal identity and the compassionate community that surrounds him, setting the stage for a transformative journey through pain, redemption, and the discovery of his true self.
Thomas Dixon
The Clansman: An Historical Romance of the Ku Klux Klan
"The Clansman: An Historical Romance of the Ku Klux Klan" by Thomas Dixon Jr. is a novel published in 1905. Set during the Civil War and Reconstruction, it portrays the rise of the Ku Klux Klan from a pro-Confederate perspective. The story follows Northern and Southern families whose lives intertwine amid political upheaval, as the novel depicts Reconstruction as oppressive and presents the Klan as defenders of white Southerners. This controversial work sparked immediate outrage and was later adapted into the infamous film "The Birth of a Nation."
Marie Conway Oemler
The Purple Heights
"The Purple Heights" by Marie Conway Oemler is a novel set in the early 20th century, likely around the 1920s. The story follows Peter Champneys, a boy from the impoverished remnants of a once-prominent Southern family, as he navigates life in Riverton, South Carolina. The themes of poverty, family legacy, and the quest for identity are woven throughout Peter's development and formative years, particularly in the context of his relationship with his loving mother and the African American community surrounding him. At the start of "The Purple Heights," we are introduced to Peter's humble home and his day-to-day life filled with vivid sensory experiences that shape his character. The narrative focuses on Peter's early childhood, his impression of the world around him, and the major figures in his life, including his mother, Maria, and Emma Campbell, a colored woman who plays a significant role in his upbringing. Despite his poverty, Peter finds joy in drawing, a talent that his mother nurtures, as well as in his bond with the natural environment. The narrative touches upon the struggles of growing up without a father, the remnants of his family's social status, and the friendships he forms, including a love-hate relationship with his mischievous cat, whom he names Martin Luther. The opening sets up Peter's inner world and hints at the challenges he will face as he seeks to reconcile his past with his ambitions for a brighter future.
F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) Adams
Manuel Pereira; Or, The Sovereign Rule of South Carolina
"Manuel Pereira; Or, The Sovereign Rule of South Carolina" by F. Colburn Adams is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story likely explores themes of maritime life, racial dynamics, and the legal injustices present in Southern society as the narrative unfolds on the context of a ship at sea and its ill-fated journey. The protagonist, Manuel Pereira, emerges as a significant character, a steward of mixed heritage, whose story signifies the struggles of free people of color against oppressive laws in South Carolina. The opening of the book introduces the British brig Janson, captained by Thompson, as it encounters tumultuous weather at sea, shaping the backdrop for Manuel's character. Amidst the chaos, we see a focus on Manuel's bravery and determination to assist the crew, showcasing his commitment to their welfare even during dire circumstances. The captain and crew face their fears of impending disaster, bringing out the superstitions prevalent among sailors. Additionally, there is an exploration of the racial intricacies and prejudices as the characters discuss the implications of being a person of color in a region marked by strict social hierarchies. As the ship makes its way to Charleston, it becomes apparent that Manuel's fate is intertwined with the broader societal issues that will challenge him upon the vessel's arrival.
Marie Conway Oemler
A Woman Named Smith
"A Woman Named Smith" by Marie Conway Oemler is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the life of Sophronisba "Sophy" Smith, who unexpectedly inherits Hynds House in South Carolina from her Great-Aunt Sophronisba Scarlett, an aging woman with a fierce reputation. The narrative touches on themes of family legacy, societal expectations, and personal identity, as Sophy, alongside her friend Alicia Gaines, navigates the complexities of her new home and their place within the conservative community of Hyndsville. The opening of the book sets the stage for Sophy's journey as she grapples with her unexpected inheritance. It introduces the character of Sophy as a pragmatic woman with a history in business, highlighting her reluctance to embrace her new role in a quaint yet hostile town. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Hynds House, its grandeur now dimmed by neglect, and the lingering shadows of her aunt’s harsh legacy. As she and Alicia prepare to move into the house, they sense not only the challenges ahead but also the potential for transformation, hinting at the magical elements intertwined with their new life, encapsulating a blend of realism and mystique in their adventure.
Francis Lynde
The Master of Appleby A Novel Tale Concerning Itself in Part with the Great Struggle in the Two Carolinas; but Chiefly with the Adventures Therein of Two Gentlemen Who Loved One and the Same Lady
"The Master of Appleby" by Francis Lynde is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. This tale revolves around Captain John Ireton, who returns to Carolina after years in military service only to find his family's estate usurped and caught in the chaos of the American Revolutionary War. The narrative unfolds a complex web of love, rivalry, and conflict, particularly framed around Ireton's duel with Sir Francis Falconnet, a pressing figure in both his past and present struggles. At the start of the novel, the protagonist, John Ireton, receives a challenge to a duel from Captain Falconnet, which is delivered by Richard Jennifer, a childhood friend. The chapter intricately describes Ireton's feelings of anger and determination as he prepares for the impending fight, while also providing a backstory of personal loss and the social tension of the time. Ireton's return to Carolina ignites old memories and rivalries, particularly involving a lady named Margery Stair, whose connection with Falconnet adds further complication to the unfolding drama. The opening establishes a rich historical backdrop intertwined with personal stakes, setting the stage for themes of honor, love, and the carnage of war.
Meredith Nicholson
The war of the Carolinas
"The War of the Carolinas" by Meredith Nicholson is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative appears to revolve around the tensions and conflicts between North Carolina and South Carolina, focusing on the lives and interactions of key characters including Thomas Ardmore, a wealthy young man on a quest for adventure, and Henry Griswold, a law professor with a keen interest in piracy and marine law. The storyline seems to blend themes of personal discovery and social interactions with the backdrop of governmental and historical events. The opening of "The War of the Carolinas" sets the stage at a railway station in Atlanta, where we meet Ardmore and Griswold engaged in a conversation about their somewhat stagnant lives and desire for adventure. Ardmore confesses he is looking for a young woman he saw on a train, hinting at a romantic motivation behind his journey. Meanwhile, newspaper reports reveal a brewing conflict between the governors of the two Carolinas, suggesting that political tensions will intersect with the personal quests of the characters. This mix of personal pursuit and historical context promises readers a rich narrative full of intrigue, humor, and the exploration of relationships against a backdrop of regional rivalry.
Meredith Nicholson
The Little Brown Jug at Kildare
"The Little Brown Jug at Kildare" by Meredith Nicholson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story primarily revolves around Thomas Ardmore, a wealthy New Yorker who is characterized by his search for adventure and purpose beyond his affluence. Dissatisfied with the monotony of his life and his family's notoriety, Ardmore embarks on a quest that intertwines his fate with political intrigue, as he inadvertently becomes embroiled in the conflicts between two southern governors. At the start of the novel, we meet Ardmore at a railway station, expressing his frustration with life and longing for excitement. After a reflective conversation with his friend Griswold, Ardmore reveals that he is pursuing a mysterious girl he saw on a recent train journey. Meanwhile, tensions are hinted at between the governors of South and North Carolina, as a brewing conflict over an outlaw named Appleweight unfolds. Readers are introduced to a mix of humor and serious themes as Ardmore's whimsical quest leads him toward involvements that promise to shake the very foundations of his existence. The beginning sets the stage for both his personal journey and the broader political drama, promising an engaging blend of romance, satire, and social commentary.
Julia Peterkin
Black April
"Black April" by Julia Peterkin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story intricately weaves the lives of Black characters on Sandy Island, focusing on themes of family, tradition, and the complexities of rural life in the South. The opening introduces us to Breeze, an elderly black man anxious about the childbirth of his daughter amid deep fears and superstition, setting the tone for a narrative steeped in folklore and genuine emotion. The beginning of "Black April" reveals Breeze's anxiety as his daughter struggles in childbirth, highlighting the generational dynamics between him and the elder midwife, Granny. Breeze reflects on the family history and the potential ramifications of his daughter’s situation, including concerns about the father of her child. As he searches for help, calling upon Maum Hannah, a midwife known for her special "birthin’ beads," the narrative delves into themes of maternal struggle and local beliefs surrounding childbirth. The vivid descriptions of the natural environment around Sandy Island enhance the emotional landscape, connecting the characters' fates to the rhythms of the earth and the passage of seasons.
William R. (William Reynolds) Eyster
Wild Nat, the Trooper; or, The Cedar Swamp Brigade
"Wild Nat, the Trooper; or, The Cedar Swamp Brigade" by William R. Eyster is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story takes place during the American Revolutionary War, focusing on the struggles of patriotism and the complexities of character amidst the turbulence of war. The central characters, Nathaniel "Wild Nat" Ernshaw and John Vale, embody the youthful determination to fight for their country, while Catherine Vale adds a layer of personal conflict regarding love and loyalty." "At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the somber backdrop of despair during a critical time in American history, filled with doubts about the revolution's success. The story shares the intimate dynamics between Catherine Vale, her mother, and their discussions about the questionable character of Nat Ernshaw, who is a friend to the family but holds a notorious reputation in their community. As the tale unfolds, Ernshaw rallies support for the American cause, while suspicions of betrayal loom in the air, hinting at conflicts that will arise in future chapters. The scene sets the stage for both personal and wartime struggles, hinting at escalating tensions and adventures that await the characters."
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