Subject
Southern States -- History -- 1865-1877 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Thomas Nelson Page
Gordon Keith
"Gordon Keith" by Thomas Nelson Page is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story begins with Gordon Keith, the son of a general and gentleman who struggles with the ramifications of losing his family's plantation after the Civil War. As Gordon navigates the challenges of his new life, he reflects on the past, his father's ideals of gentility, and the contrast between their former wealth and the current struggles. The opening of the novel introduces us to Gordon's life before and during the upheaval caused by the war. It paints a vivid picture of the plantation life at Elphinstone, detailing Gordon's relationships with his parents and his childhood memories. The narrative explores themes of loss and resilience, illustrating both his father's steadfastness and the boy's youthful yearnings for adventure and military glory. As the story unfolds, it sets the stage for Gordon's transition from an idyllic upbringing to confronting the harsh realities of life after the war, foreshadowing his quest for purpose and identity amidst the remnants of a once-grand legacy.
Molly Elliot Seawell
Throckmorton: A Novel
"Throckmorton: A Novel" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a fictional work written in the late 19th century. Set in a secluded Virginia neighborhood, the narrative revolves around the lives of the Temple family and their interactions with the newly returned George Throckmorton, a former soldier deemed a traitor for fighting against the Confederacy during the Civil War. The book intricately explores themes of loss, social tensions in a recovering post-war South, and the complexities of love and familial devotion through its characters, particularly focusing on Judith Temple and Jacqueline Temple, along with the general and Mrs. Temple. The opening of the novel introduces the picturesque lowland Virginia setting, highlighting its charming stillness and the quaint idiosyncrasies of its residents. It vividly describes the Temple family dynamics, exploring the effects of their son Beverley's death and the lingering shadow it casts over their lives, especially on Judith, who is left as a young widow. General Temple is depicted as a grand yet flawed figure, while Mrs. Temple is consumed with the memory of her lost son. The arrival of George Throckmorton, both a figure of nostalgia and controversy, sets the stage for a complex interplay of emotions as the characters navigate their past and the societal judgment they face, particularly regarding the war’s painful legacy. The opening intricately describes the characters' relationships and sets up the anticipated societal challenges as they confront their history and possible future connections with Throckmorton and his son, Jack.
Charles King
Kitty's Conquest
"Kitty's Conquest" by Charles King is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the post-Civil War American South, following the experiences of Kitty Carrington, a young Southern woman, as she navigates a world still rife with the tensions and prejudices stemming from the war. The narrative centers around her interactions with a group of characters, including a Yankee officer named Lieutenant Amory, adding a layer of conflict and romance to the unfolding events. At the start of the novel, the narrator, a lawyer named Mr. Brandon, boards a train traveling through the Southern states after leaving behind the comforts of New Orleans. During the journey, he becomes intrigued by a young woman, Kitty, who captivates him with her beauty. As they converse, it becomes clear that Kitty harbors deep-seated animosities against Yankees, stemming from her family's tumultuous experiences during the war. The tension escalates when their train is halted by the discovery of a robbery attempt linked to a notorious group, the Ku-Klux, leading to a chaotic confrontation that intertwines their fates. As the story unfolds against a backdrop of personal struggles and societal upheaval, it lays the groundwork for potential romance, danger, and the exploration of regional prejudices.
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