Subject
Sussex (England) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Alfred Ollivant
One Woman: Being the Second Part of a Romance of Sussex
"One Woman: Being the Second Part of a Romance of Sussex" by Alfred Ollivant is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the lives and relationships of Ruth Boam and Ernie Caspar, a young couple recently married, as they navigate the challenges of love, family, and societal expectations in Sussex. Central to the story is their joy as newlyweds, contrasted with the complexities of their pasts and the shadowy figures that linger in their lives. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of Ruth and Ernie's quiet wedding day and the simple journey they undertake in a carrier's cart. As they settle into their new life together, the narrative introduces key figures like Alf, Ernie's brother, whose lurking presence hints at deeper tensions. The richness of the Sussex setting is highlighted, and the couple’s joy brings a sense of hope to their future. However, underlying currents of past troubles, family dynamics, and social challenges begin to weave into the story, suggesting a blend of romance and personal struggle that will likely unfold as the novel progresses.
Edgar Wallace
The Black Abbot
"The Black Abbot" by Edgar Wallace is a mystery novel written in the late 1920s. Set in an English estate, the story opens with the Earl of Chelford, who is embroiled in a discussion surrounding the myth of the Black Abbot, a ghost said to haunt Fossaway Manor. As the plot unfolds, themes of family secrets, treasure hunting, and romance intertwine, particularly involving Harry Alford and his brother Dick, along with the enigmatic figure of Leslie Gwyn. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Lord Chelford and his footman Thomas as they discuss the sending of treasury notes, along with the eerie legend of the Black Abbot, which visibly agitates Chelford. He sternly warns Thomas against discussing the ghost and reveals his own fears, indicating that there might be more than just superstition at play. Meanwhile, the presence of the disgruntled former secretary, Miss Wenner, introduces a layer of romantic tension and intrigue, especially concerning the Earl’s upcoming marriage and the potential for hidden treasures within the manor's lore. The beginning deftly sets up a blend of mystery, personal drama, and supernatural elements that will surely engage readers intrigued by tales of haunted estates and the complexities of familial relationships.
Jane Austen
Fragment of a novel written by Jane Austen, January-March 1817 : $b Now first printed from the manuscript
"Fragment of a novel written by Jane Austen, January-March 1817" is an unfinished novel written in early 1817. The story follows Charlotte Heywood as she visits Sanditon, a small fishing village being transformed into a fashionable seaside resort. There she encounters an eccentric cast of characters: hypochondriac siblings, fortune-seeking relatives, a wealthy heiress, and the charming Sidney Parker. Austen completed only twelve chapters before illness forced her to stop writing, leaving readers to wonder about the romantic entanglements and social intrigues she had begun to weave.
Alfred Ollivant
Boy Woodburn: A Story of the Sussex Downs
"Boy Woodburn: A Story of the Sussex Downs" by Alfred Ollivant is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is centered around Boy Woodburn, the spirited daughter of a horse trainer named Old Mat, as she navigates life in the Sussex Downs, which blends themes of passion, adventure, and the world of horse racing. The novel paints a vivid picture of the rural environment and introduces readers to a cast of colorful characters connected to the horse training profession. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Old Mat, a well-respected horse trainer known for his unconventional methods and charming personality. As he prepares for the Spring Meeting at Polefax, we see glimpses of his daughter Boy, who is portrayed as a strong-willed and determined young girl, engaged in the world of racing and its accompanying challenges. The opening chapters establish a lively setting filled with local sportsmen and cheerful chaos, while subtly hinting at Boy's dreams and ambitions, which are influenced by her upbringing and her father's legacy. We also meet a variety of characters that contribute to both the excitement of the races and personal narratives that intertwine with Boy's journey.
Sheila Kaye-Smith
Sussex Gorse: The Story of a Fight
"Sussex Gorse: The Story of a Fight" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a historical novel set in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around a rural community in the 1830s and captures the tension stemming from the Inclosure Act, which threatens traditional ways of life. The central character, Reuben Backfield, emerges as a passionate and ambitious young man determined to reclaim and cultivate the land known as Boarzell, which has significant personal and communal value. At the start of the story, we witness the Boarzell Fair, a critical social event that highlights the community’s struggles against the backdrop of the impending Inclosure. As discussions unfold, the fairgoers express their anger towards Sir John Bardon, the local squire, for attempting to enclose their communal lands, a move that threatens their livelihoods. Reuben, a fifteen-year-old boy, feels the burden of these changes especially deeply as he grapples with his family dynamics and his father's passive acceptance of their situation. His fiery desire for land ownership becomes evident as he dreams of subduing Boarzell, making it flourish, and ensuring it is not lost to encroaching developments. The opening lays a foundation for themes of ambition, community resistance, and the struggle against oppressive change.
Sheila Kaye-Smith
The Four Roads
"The Four Roads" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book is set in a rural Sussex community, where it explores the lives of characters caught in the turmoil of World War I. The primary focus in the opening chapters is on Tom Beatup, a young farmer who is grappling with the impending realities of war and the responsibilities he will leave behind at his family farm. At the start of the story, the setting is vividly established through descriptions of the Sussex landscape intersected by four roads, which serve as both a physical and metaphorical framework. We meet Reverend Mr. Sumption, who is deeply troubled by the enlistment of his son Jerry, and we see Tom Beatup reluctantly preparing to leave his farm for the army. The burdens of familial responsibility weigh heavily on Tom as he navigates the conflicting emotions of duty and the desire to protect his home. This initial portion of the novel suggests themes of sacrifice, the harsh realities of rural life, and the impact of war on personal and communal identities.
George Manville Fenn
Sweet Mace: A Sussex Legend of the Iron Times
"Sweet Mace: A Sussex Legend of the Iron Times" by George Manville Fenn is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. Set in Sussex during the Iron Age, the story introduces the main characters Gil Carr and Sweet Mace, entwined in a narrative that explores themes of love, nature, and conflict against the backdrop of a picturesque English countryside. The book promises a vivid depiction of rural life amid the iron industry that flourished during that time. The opening of the book presents a beautifully descriptive scene where Gil Carr reflects on nature while picking flowers for Sweet Mace, showcasing both his affection for her and the prismatic beauty of the landscape around him. The atmosphere is filled with the symphony of springtime—a concert of birdsong that heightens his sense of nostalgia and longing. Soon after, the narrative shifts to introduce other characters, including Sir Mark Leslie and Jeremiah Cobbe, who navigate the societal and romantic complexities that arise in their interactions, all while hints of conflict and intrigue develop. This opening portion sets the stage for a rich interplay of personal emotions against a historical backdrop, promising to engage readers with its lyrical prose and relatable themes of love and rivalry.
Fred E. Wynne
A Mediterranean mystery
"A Mediterranean Mystery" by Fred E. Wynne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative begins with the protagonist, a middle-aged parson named Davoren, leading a comfortable yet routine life at his Sussex vicarage, which is soon disrupted by an unexpected telegram from his adventurous younger brother, Edmund. The plot seems to weave together elements of family dynamics, adventure, and the exploration of personal aspirations as the two brothers navigate their contrasting lives. The opening of this novel introduces us to the main character, Davoren, who is characterized by his scholarly tendencies and a quiet life, interspersed with his hobby of breeding homing pigeons. His tranquil existence is interrupted by the arrival of a telegram announcing the return of his brother, Edmund, who has a reputation for mischief and a tendency to live life on the edge. Davoren reflects on his family background and his complicated feelings towards Edmund, revealing a blend of concern, frustration, and familial affection. As the brothers reunite, they discuss Edmund’s recent escapades at sea and his partnership with a character named Captain Welfare, hinting at an adventure that intertwines with endearing moments and family tensions, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery.
Alice Vansittart Strettel Carr
Margaret Maliphant
"Margaret Maliphant" by Mrs. Comyn Carr is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on Margaret, a young woman navigating the complexities of her family's legacy and her sister Joyce's beauty in rural Sussex. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, social status, and the aspiration for upward mobility while focusing on the relationships between its characters, particularly the sisters and the gentleman interested in Joyce. The opening of "Margaret Maliphant" sets a vivid scene of the marshy landscape, introducing readers to the quieter life of the Maliphant family, who have lived at Knellestone Grange for generations. The narration unfolds through Margaret's perspective, shedding light on her strong connection to the land and her sister Joyce's delicate beauty, which captures the eye of Captain Forrester, a friend of Squire Broderick. As Margaret observes the interactions between her family, the squire, and their aspirations for marital happiness, the stage is set for tensions between tradition and ambition, as well as the roles expected of women in their society.
Ada Barnett
The man on the other side
"The Man on the Other Side" by Ada Barnett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Ruth Courthope Seer, a woman in her forties who has finally achieved ownership of Thorpe Farm after a hard life of struggle. As she finds solace in her new home, she begins to feel a connection to the land and its previous owner, leading to themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The opening of the novel introduces Ruth as she luxuriates in the beauty and ownership of her farm, reflecting on her solitary life without family. Dogs Sarah and Selina accompany her, highlighting her nurturing nature. Ruth encounters a mysterious stray dog, whose arrival shifts her introspection to thoughts of a previous owner, setting the stage for deeper connections, both with the land and the man who once cherished it. The dynamic of her meeting with Roger North, a man connected to the farm's past, hints at the intertwining of their lives and the unfolding narrative of grief and healing set against the backdrop of rural peace.
Alfred Ollivant
Two Men: A Romance of Sussex
"Two Men: A Romance of Sussex" by Alfred Ollivant is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of familial dynamics, personal struggles, and the contrast between tradition and modernity against the picturesque backdrop of Sussex. The story introduces us to Edward Caspar, a reluctant heir, and his father Hans Caspar, a powerful railway contractor who grapples with the complexities of raising a son like Edward, who embodies sensitivity and artistic aspirations in a world that demands toughness and resilience. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the setting of Beachbourne and the reverberating influence of the sea and the landscape on its inhabitants. The opening portrays a picturesque scene at Beau-nez, eventually shifting focus to the relationship between Hans and Edward. We witness a stark contrast in their characters and their lives; Hans, a confident and authoritative figure, stands in stark opposition to Edward, who struggles with self-doubt and a stutter. As the narrative unfolds, we find hints of deeper personal conflicts within their family with the introduction of Edward's wife, Anne, and their children. This opening segment captures the essence of evolving identities against the backdrop of establishment and the inherent struggles of their intertwined destinies.
Sheila Kaye-Smith
Joanna Godden
"Joanna Godden" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on Joanna Godden, a strong-willed young woman who takes over the management of Little Ansdore Farm after her father's death. Set against the backdrop of the marshes in Sussex and Kent, the novel explores themes of gender roles, independence, and the challenges of rural life. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Joanna as she deals with the aftermath of her father's funeral, showcasing her spirited personality, especially in her interactions with her younger sister, Ellen. Joanna is determined to run the farm herself, countering societal expectations of women at the time, and she quickly finds herself at odds with local opinion and her own farm workers. The opening chapters set the stage for Joanna's struggle not only against traditional gender roles but also against the practical challenges of managing a farm, hinting at the growth and experiences she will encounter as she asserts her independence.
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