Subject
Twins -- Fiction Books
Best books
Arthur Hornblow
The Mask: A Story of Love and Adventure
"The Mask: A Story of Love and Adventure" by Arthur Hornblow is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story revolves around Kenneth Traynor, a successful Wall Street promoter, who embarks on a perilous trip to South Africa to secure a valuable diamond, causing tension between him and his anxious wife, Helen. The narrative delves into themes of love, ambition, and the dangers associated with wealth, setting the stage for a captivating mix of romance and adventure. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Kenneth and Helen Traynor during a breakfast fraught with tension as Kenneth prepares for a trip to South Africa to secure the ownership of a newly discovered diamond. Their conversation reveals Helen’s deep-rooted fears for Kenneth’s safety and their emotional connection, while his excitement about potential wealth contrasts with her anxiety. The atmosphere is further complicated by the presence of their enigmatic fencing master, Signor Keralio, who elicits Helen's disquiet. As the chapter unfolds, it becomes apparent that the high stakes of Kenneth’s journey to fetch the diamond will introduce both external threats and internal conflicts, setting the narrative into motion.
William Makepeace Thackeray
The Virginians
"The Virginians" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a historical novel published in 1857–59. This sequel to "Henry Esmond" follows twin grandsons George and Henry Warrington through turbulent times in both England and colonial Virginia. When George disappears during the Seven Years' War, Henry travels to England as sole heir, only to face scheming relatives and gambling debts. George's miraculous return changes everything, setting the brothers on divergent paths that lead them to opposite sides of the American Revolution—yet their bond endures.
Harry Leon Wilson
The Wrong Twin
"The Wrong Twin" by Harry Leon Wilson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the misadventures of twin brothers, Wilbur and Merle Cowan, set against the backdrop of a changing small town. The narrative introduces a whimsical and adventurous spirit, primarily focusing on the boys as they navigate the complexities of childhood, daring exploits, and encounters with local characters. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Cowan twins and their life in Newbern Center, a quaint town in the throes of modernization. The setting leads them to a graveyard where they attempt to pick blackberries, setting off a chain of events that highlight their innocence and imaginative thinking. This excursion soon brings them into contact with Patricia Whipple, a young girl of their social circle who yearns for adventure and wishes to run away from home. The ensuing interactions between the children reflect the charm of their youthful escapades, blending humor and a hint of mischief that promises a delightful exploration of childhood dreams and realities as the story unfolds.
William De Morgan
When Ghost Meets Ghost
"When Ghost Meets Ghost" by William De Morgan is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a cast of characters living in a quaint London court as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and the supernatural, infused with humor and commentary on societal norms of the time. Key figures include siblings Dave and Dolly Wardle, who are raised by their quirky Uncle Moses and Aunt M'riar, setting the stage for a narrative rich in character studies and whimsical events. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Sapps Court, a quaint yet faded location in London, where the youthful Dave and his sister Dolly live with their unconventional family. The story begins with a humorous exploration of the court's physical characteristics and the everyday lives of its residents, particularly highlighting the imaginative antics of the children. As the narrative unfolds, we learn about their relationship with their Uncle Moses, his amusingly eccentric past as a prizefighter, and the small challenges and adventures of growing up in a tight-knit community. The tone captures a blend of nostalgia and warmth, promising an engaging exploration of both the mundane and the mystical.
Wilkie Collins
Poor Miss Finch
"Poor Miss Finch" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1872. It follows Lucilla Finch, a young blind woman who falls in love with Oscar Dubourg, her reclusive neighbor. When Oscar's medical treatment leaves him permanently disfigured with blue-grey skin—triggering Lucilla's phobia of dark colors—his charming twin brother Nugent arrives from America. As Lucilla undergoes surgery that may restore her sight, a dangerous deception unfolds involving mistaken identity, manipulation, and a race against time to prevent a disastrous marriage.
Mary Jane Holmes
Doctor Hathern's daughters : $b A story of Virginia, in four parts
"Doctor Hathern's Daughters: A Story of Virginia, in Four Parts" by Mrs. Mary J. Holmes is a novel written in the late 19th century. It explores the lives of the Hathern family, focusing on the three daughters—Fanny, Annie, and Katy—against the backdrop of post-Civil War Virginia. The story delves into themes of family dynamics, social change, and the impact of war on personal relationships. The opening of the story introduces the characters and sets the stage for familial and societal challenges faced by the Hathern sisters after the Civil War. Fanny and Annie, twins with distinct personalities, become guardians of their half-sister Katy after their mother’s passing. As the war ravages their home, the sisters grapple with their father’s unique parenting approach, societal expectations, and their own emotional turmoil as they cope with loss and the arrival of new changes. Through a blend of warmth and conflict, the narrative hints at anticipated developments in their lives, including their father’s mysterious new engagement, foreshadowing both challenges and opportunities for growth within the family.
Alexandre Dumas
La dama de las camelias; Una familia corsa
"La dama de las camelias; Una familia corsa" by Alexandre Dumas is a classic novel written in the mid-19th century. The narrative unfolds around the tragic and poignant story of Margarita Gautier, a beautiful courtesan, and her ill-fated romance with Armando Duval, delving into themes of love, sacrifice, and societal judgment. The opening sets the stage for a deep exploration of human emotion and the consequences of a life intertwined with both beauty and tragedy. At the start of the novel, the narrator reflects on the life and death of Margarita Gautier, drawing the reader into her world as he visits the estate sale following her passing. The scene is filled with rich descriptions, revealing not only the luxurious items that belonged to Margarita but also the social dynamics that surround her life and death. The narrator’s observations unveil Margarita as a figure of fascination and pity, critiquing societal perceptions of courtesans while hinting at her complex past. As he learns about her previous relationships and the loneliness of her final days, the groundwork for the emotional depth of the love story is laid, setting up the inevitable heartbreak that defines both Margarita and Armando’s lives.
Baillie Reynolds
The Lonely Stronghold
"The Lonely Stronghold" by Mrs. Baillie Reynolds is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century England, this story explores the life of Olwen Innes, a young woman dissatisfied with her clerical job at a bank in a small town. As she yearns for adventure and a more fulfilling life, her journey leads her to unexpected circumstances and relationships, revealing her struggle between societal expectations and personal aspirations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Olwen working at the Palatine Bank, where the dreary weather and her uneventful life provoke feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction. When she visits the Holroyd family, she engages in conversations that reflect her longing for something beyond her current mundane existence. The opening chapters highlight her thoughts on potential change, fueled by an advertisement she placed seeking new opportunities. As the weather turns forbidding, Olwen finally sets off on a journey to the remote Guysewyke Pele, where she encounters Ninian Guyse, the son of the household, setting the stage for further adventures and challenges as she attempts to carve out her own identity.
Alexandre Dumas
The Corsican Brothers
"The Corsican Brothers" by Alexandre Dumas is a novella published in 1844. It tells the story of Louis and Lucien de Franchi, twin brothers who were conjoined at birth and separated by a surgeon's scalpel. Despite living separate lives—one as a Parisian lawyer, the other rooted in Corsica—they share an extraordinary bond that allows them to feel each other's emotions and physical pain across any distance. When Lucien must mediate a dangerous family vendetta, their supernatural connection becomes increasingly significant.
George Gibbs
The Splendid Outcast
"The Splendid Outcast" by George Gibbs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Jim Horton, a war-injured soldier in a hospital recovering from a successful operation, who grapples with his identity after assuming his cowardly twin brother Harry's name and position. The narrative seems to delve into themes of honor, identity, and deception against the backdrop of World War I, suggesting an exploration of the complexities of brotherhood and moral choices. The opening of the novel presents Jim Horton awakening in a hospital bed, struggling with pain and confusion as he learns that he has taken on the identity of his brother, Harry, a lieutenant thought to be wounded in battle. Jim recalls the events leading to his injuries and taxingly considers his brother’s cowardice and the decisions he made during their time in the war. As Jim pieces together his memories, he contemplates the implications of his actions, including the attendance of both his twin brother's wife, Moira, and her father, Barry Quinlevin, who are oblivious to the ruse. This opening setup establishes a tension-filled scenario filled with potential conflicts regarding identity and honor, and hints at the evolving dynamics as Jim must choose whether to maintain the deception or reveal the truth to Moira and face the consequences.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
Colin
"Colin" by E. F. Benson is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the Staniers, a family steeped in superstition and bound by a sinister legend that dates back to the time of Queen Elizabeth I. The tale centers around Colin Stanier, the youthful and charming shepherd who finds himself involved in a fateful encounter with the Queen that leads to his extraordinary rise within the aristocracy while grappling with the consequences of a dangerous deal made with the devil. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Staniers and their ancestral legend, which involves a young Colin saving Queen Elizabeth from a fall, thereby capturing her favor. A supernatural twist occurs when Colin allegedly makes a pact with Satan, ushering in prosperity for his family at a dire cost. As Colin ascends to prominence, the narrative explores themes of power, ambition, vanity, and the eventual moral and spiritual decay that follows. Through Colin's arc and the subsequent generational dynamics of the Stanier family, the story hints at the unraveling of this once-great lineage, revealing foundational vulnerabilities underneath the gilded facade.
L. Allen (Lizzie Allen) Harker
The Vagaries of Tod and Peter
"The Vagaries of Tod and Peter" by L. Allen Harker is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the mischievous escapades of twin brothers Tod and Peter, whose adventures often lead to comedic chaos, drawing from their vivid imaginations and youthful exuberance. Their antics at home and school showcase a blend of innocence and naughtiness, exploring themes of childhood and the dynamics of family life. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Tod and Peter, described as "those dreadful twins" by their neighbors and school staff. The narrative paints a vibrant picture of their personalities and behaviors, revealing their shared mischievous nature and the trouble they bring to their impoverished household and school environment. Their mother largely views their mischief with amusement, while the boys transform everyday situations into elaborate games, often mimicking characters from their favorite stories. The blend of humor and earnestness in their actions sets the tone for the adventures that are likely to unfold throughout the book.
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