Subject
Teachers -- Fiction Books
Best books
L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery
Anne of Avonlea
"Anne of Avonlea" by L. M. Montgomery is a novel published in 1909. This sequel follows Anne Shirley from ages sixteen to eighteen as she becomes Avonlea's schoolteacher on Prince Edward Island. Anne navigates the challenges of teaching, helps raise two orphaned twins, and co-founds the Village Improvement Society with mixed results. Along the way, she befriends an imaginative student and reunites a lonely woman with her long-lost love, all while preparing for college alongside her friend Gilbert.
Paul Bourget
Le disciple
No description available.
E. M. (Edward Morgan) Forster
The Longest Journey
"The Longest Journey" by E. M. Forster is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the lives of its central characters, primarily a thoughtful and introspective young man named Rickie Elliot, as he navigates his way through the complexities of relationships, philosophy, and society during his time at Cambridge University. The narrative delves into themes of identity, existential thought, and the contrast between intellectual pursuits and the realities of human emotion. The opening of the novel introduces a lively philosophical debate among Rickie and his friends, centering around the existence of a cow as a metaphor for objectivity versus subjectivity. While the others engage actively in this discussion, Rickie feels overwhelmed and chooses to observe rather than participate. We also meet Agnes Pembroke, a young woman who arrives at Rickie's room unannounced, disrupting the philosophical gathering. The initial interactions hint at the complexities of relationships and the social dynamics among students at Cambridge. The atmosphere is infused with warmth and humor, yet underscored by Rickie's inner struggles with his sense of belonging and understanding of his own identity as he confronts both personal and societal expectations. Through vivid descriptions and character dynamics, the opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Rickie's journey toward self-discovery and the challenges he will face along the way.
Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben
The Desired Woman
"The Desired Woman" by Will N. Harben is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in the bustling atmosphere of Atlanta, offering a glimpse into the lives of its characters primarily set within and around a local bank, where business dealings and personal relationships intertwine. The opening of the book introduces us to Jarvis Saunders and his partner, Dick Mostyn, who are embroiled in the pressures of the banking world. Mostyn appears to be suffering from the intense stress related to recent business dealings, hinting at his personal struggles. As Saunders navigates workplace dynamics and external pressures, such as an irate client with claims against Mostyn, we begin to witness the tension and challenges the characters face. Additionally, Mostyn's longing for a simpler life is foreshadowed as he contemplates a much-needed retreat to the mountains to escape the confines of his business obligations. The opening chapters set the stage for the complex interplay of ambition, social relationships, and romantic aspirations that will likely unfold throughout the novel.
Peter Rosegger
The Forest Schoolmaster
"The Forest Schoolmaster" by Peter Rosegger is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the experiences of a new schoolmaster in a remote village in the Austrian Alps, where the narrative delves into the intricacies of rural life, the challenges he faces in educating the local children, and the diverse personalities of the villagers. The backdrop of the forest and the simplicity of village life serve as essential elements that shape the narrative. At the start of "The Forest Schoolmaster," the reader is introduced to the enchanting yet rugged natural surroundings of Winkelsteg, a small village enveloped by towering pines and rocky terrain. The protagonist arrives in this tranquil yet stark environment after a tumultuous journey, reflecting on the loneliness and transformation he feels. As he settles into the schoolhouse, he learns about the mysterious disappearance of the previous schoolmaster, gaining insights from the villagers who express their mixed feelings about him. The opening sets a contemplative tone as the new schoolmaster grapples with his purpose amidst the rustic charm and challenges of his new life, intertwining themes of introspection, duty, and community.
Fyodor Sologub
The Little Demon
"The Little Demon" by Fyodor Sologub is a Symbolist novel published in 1907. In an unnamed Russian provincial town, sadistic schoolteacher Peredonov descends into paranoia and madness while desperately seeking promotion to government inspector. Haunted by a hallucinatory demon called Nedotykomka and consumed by hatred for the world around him, Peredonov embodies evil and banality in this satirical yet deeply symbolic portrait of Russian provincial life. His journey culminates in murder and insanity, creating one of Russian literature's most memorable characters.
Edward Eggleston
The Hoosier Schoolmaster: A Story of Backwoods Life in Indiana
"The Hoosier Schoolmaster: A Story of Backwoods Life in Indiana" by Edward Eggleston is a novel published in 1871. Based on the author's brother's experiences as a schoolteacher, it depicts rural Indiana life through vivid scenes of country schools, spelling bees, and frontier communities. The story weaves romance and conflict against authentic portrayals of pioneer customs, from battles between schoolmasters and unruly students to illiterate preachers and crude court proceedings, all rendered in authentic local dialect.
Bret Harte
Cressy
"Cressy" by Bret Harte is a work of fiction, likely written during the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in a rural California schoolhouse, focusing on the dynamics between the young schoolmaster, Mr. Jack Ford, and his pupils. Central to the story is Cressy McKinstry, a sixteen-year-old girl who has returned to school after a broken engagement, navigating her newfound freedom amidst the whimsical and chaotic life of her classmates. The opening of the story introduces the master’s rather serious demeanor as he prepares for a day of teaching, highlighting his youthful struggle with authority and the innocence of his students. As the children gather, their comical interruptions and vivid personalities come to life, including their fixation on Cressy, who is now a focal point of curiosity. Particularly notable is Cressy's re-entry into the school environment, which prompts various reactions and sets the stage for future interactions, including the lingering tension surrounding her past engagement with Seth Davis. The master’s reflections about his responsibilities along with his observations of Cressy's effects on the other pupils establish the groundwork for exploring themes of love, youth, and societal expectations in this frontier setting.
Grace Livingston Hill
A Voice in the Wilderness
"A Voice in the Wilderness" by Grace Livingston Hill is a novel written in the early 20th century." The story follows a young woman named Margaret Earle as she embarks on her journey to become a schoolteacher in Arizona, where she encounters various challenges and dangers, including a harrowing night stranded in the desert and an unsettling meeting with a rough horseman. "The opening of the novel introduces Margaret as she disembarks from a train, only to realize that she has mistakenly exited in the middle of the night at a desolate place far from civilization." Despite her initial excitement, she quickly becomes overwhelmed by fear and isolation, as she grapples with her surroundings of dark sagebrush and the haunting howls of coyotes. After a brief encounter with a drunken man who frightens her, she receives assistance from a kind young man, referred to as the Boy, who offers to escort her to safety. Their interaction hints at an emerging connection, setting the stage for the unfolding story of Margaret's adventures and the relationships she will cultivate in the wilderness.
George Madden Martin
Selina: Her Hopeful Efforts and Her Livelier Failures
"Selina: Her Hopeful Efforts and Her Livelier Failures" by George Madden Martin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on a young American girl named Selina Auboussier Wistar, who is navigating the complexities of life and societal expectations during the late Victorian era. As she grapples with challenges at home, particularly related to her family's financial struggles, the narrative explores her hopes for a better life as well as the inevitable failures that come with her youthful aspirations. The opening of the novel presents Selina in a moment of familial tension, as she listens to her mother and aunt discuss their financial woes. Despite her tender age of seventeen, Selina feels the weight of responsibility and empathy for her family's struggles. Motivated to alleviate their burdens, she decides to take a bold step by offering to teach children in her neighborhood, despite the societal norms that dictate a woman's role during her time. Throughout these initial chapters, readers witness Selina's innocence and determination as she steps into a world that is both new and intimidating, encountering challenges that mirror the broader societal shifts of her generation.
Henry S. (Henry St. Clair) Whitehead
The trap
"The Trap" by Henry S. Whitehead and H. P. Lovecraft is a short story written in the early 20th century. This eerie tale revolves around a mysterious antique mirror that serves as a portal to another dimension, turning what initially appears to be an ordinary object into the foundation for horror and intrigue. The story deals with themes of otherworldly experiences and the consequences of curiosity, as well as the influence of dark forces that dwell within seemingly mundane objects. The narrative follows the protagonist, Canevin, who stumbles upon an antique mirror in an abandoned estate and later brings it to a school where he tutors. Soon after his arrival, one of his students, Robert Grandison, disappears under strange circumstances. As Canevin investigates the mirror and its peculiar effects, he discovers that Robert has become trapped in a trans-dimensional prison inside the mirror, where time and physical attributes are distorted. Through telepathic communication, Robert reveals the existence of other trapped souls and the malevolent force of Axel Holm, the mirror's creator, who had sought immortality through dark magic. Ultimately, Canevin devises a risky plan to free Robert and destroy the malevolent mirror, leading to a dramatic escape and the revelation of lingering side effects from their surreal ordeal.
James Hilton
The passionate year
"The Passionate Year" by James Hilton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a young man named Kenneth Speed, who has recently graduated from Cambridge and takes on a position as an Art Master at Millstead School. The novel delves into Speed's experiences as he navigates his new role, explores the relationships with the school staff, and develops an interest in the headmaster’s daughter, Helen Ervine. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Kenneth Speed as he arrives at Millstead School, feeling both nervous and excited about his new role. The atmosphere of the opening scenes is depicted through his interactions with the headmaster, Reverend Bruce Ervine, and his first impressions of the school environment. Speed encounters various characters, including fellow staff members and the enigmatic Miss Ervine, revealing a world filled with layered emotions, from apprehension to budding affection. As he unpacks in his modest quarters, he reflects on his aspirations and the challenges ahead, setting the stage for his journey of self-discovery and connection amidst the backdrop of the school.
Recently surfaced classics