Subject
Uncles -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jane Austen
Mansfield Park
"Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen is a novel first published in 1814. Ten-year-old Fanny Price is sent from her impoverished home to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle at Mansfield Park, where she endures years of mistreatment. As she grows into adulthood, Fanny navigates complex family dynamics, romantic entanglements, and moral dilemmas. When the charming Henry Crawford pursues her, Fanny must decide between social advancement and her own principles, while those around her make choices that will test their values and reshape their lives.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Uncle Silas: A Tale of Bartram-Haugh
"Uncle Silas: A Tale of Bartram-Haugh" by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a Victorian Gothic mystery-thriller novel published in 1864. Young heiress Maud Ruthyn finds herself orphaned and placed under the guardianship of her mysterious uncle Silas, whose reputation was darkened by a suspicious death at his isolated mansion, Bartram-Haugh. As strange events unfold and escape becomes impossible, Maud must navigate a web of sinister relatives, suspicious servants, and the frightening realization that her inheritance may put her life in danger.
Montrose Author of the Observant pedestrian
Uncle Tweazy and his quizzical neighbours, vol. 1 of 3 : $b a comi-satiric novel
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Robert Louis Stevenson
The Wrong Box
"The Wrong Box" by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne is a black comedy novel published in 1889. Two elderly brothers are the last survivors of a tontine—a financial scheme where the final survivor claims everything. When one brother appears to have died in a train crash, his nephews desperately attempt to conceal a body to protect their inheritance. Meanwhile, a corpse gets shipped in the wrong container, triggering a farcical chain of mistaken identities and panicked cover-ups as multiple characters scramble to dispose of evidence they fear will implicate them in murder.
Norman Duncan
The Cruise of the Shining Light
"The Cruise of the Shining Light" by Norman Duncan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Dannie, who is raised by his eccentric uncle, Nicholas Top, in the coastal community of Twist Tickle. It explores themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human nature as Nick attempts to instill values of gentility and self-worth in Dannie, despite his own questionable character and the shadows of his past. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Uncle Nicholas, a physically scarred and somewhat grotesque man, who has a complicated relationship with his past and his nephew. The narrative reveals their life together, filled with moments of both affection and confusion. As they navigate their peculiar existence, Uncle Nick imparts lessons about life, wealth, and morality, all while grappling with his own flaws and a sense of duty as a guardian. The beginning sets the stage for an evocative exploration of their bond and the adventures that lie ahead amidst the rugged beauty of their coastal surroundings.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
A Prefect's Uncle
"A Prefect's Uncle" by P. G. Wodehouse is a school story novel published in 1903. At Beckford College boarding school, respected prefect Gethryn faces an unusual dilemma when his mischievous uncle Farnie arrives as a student—four years younger than himself. When Farnie's rebellious behavior leads to stolen money and broken rules, Gethryn must choose between his duty as Head-prefect and family loyalty. His mysterious actions during a crucial cricket match threaten his reputation and position, sparking scandal throughout the school.
Hilaire Belloc
The Mercy of Allah
"The Mercy of Allah" by Hilaire Belloc is a narrative work, likely composed in the early 20th century. The book tells an intriguing tale of a wealthy merchant named Mahmoud, who, despite his affluence, is portrayed as having complex perspectives on wealth, fortune, and divine providence. It appears to explore themes around the nature of riches, personal accountability, and the enigmatic workings of fate, possibly rooted in a Middle Eastern cultural context. The beginning of the narrative introduces Mahmoud, a successful merchant in Baghdad during the days of Abd-er-Rahman. As he recounts his life story to his seven nephews, he shares insights on the nature of fortune and misfortune, confessing that wealth is not easily attainable and is often dependent on "the Mercy of Allah." As he narrates, Mahmoud reflects on his humble beginnings and narrates the whims of luck that have shaped his journey, hinting at lessons learned from his experiences with greed and providence. The opening sets the stage for a series of adventures that promise to blend humor with deeper philosophical reflections on wealth and moral integrity.
Catherine Sinclair
Modern Flirtations: A Novel
"Modern Flirtations: A Novel" by Catherine Sinclair is a fictional narrative likely written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around characters from various walks of life, touching on themes of romance, social dynamics, and moral dilemmas. Central to the plot are Sir Arthur Dunbar, a retired admiral grappling with the complexities of family and society, and his young relative, Louis De Crespigny, who embodies the light-hearted but reckless spirit of youthful flirtations and social intrigues. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene a world filled with social commentary and rich character interactions. It begins with Sir Arthur looking bemused at a newspaper announcement celebrating his life, sparking a humorous dialogue with his nephew Louis about fame and reputation. Sinclair cleverly introduces the themes of reputation, societal expectations, and familial ties through the dynamics between Sir Arthur and Louis, alongside hints of darker plots involving love and murder that unfold later in the narrative. The complex relationships and societal observations promise a rich exploration of both personal and moral conflicts as the characters navigate their ambitions and desires.
Ruth Belmore Endicott
Carolyn of the Corners
"Carolyn of the Corners" by Ruth Belmore Endicott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Carolyn May Cameron, a young girl who has just lost her parents and is sent to live with her uncle, Joseph Stagg, in a small town called Sunrise Cove. The narrative explores themes of family, loss, and the adjustment to a new home, as Carolyn navigates her relationship with her stern uncle and the enchanting yet challenging world of rural life. At the start of the book, Carolyn arrives at her Uncle Joe's hardware store, accompanied by her beloved dog, Prince. As she meets her uncle for the first time, there is an awkwardness stemming from their unfamiliarity, which is contrasted with the warmth of her genuine affection for Prince. Carolyn's introduction to the town and her uncle's home life unfolds with moments that reveal her innocent perspective. She begins to adjust to her new environment, encountering characters like the aloof Aunty Rose and the rather stern Mr. Stagg, providing the groundwork for the relationships and adventures that will develop throughout the novel. Carolyn's resilience and hope serve as a bright contrast to the sadness of her past, setting the stage for a charming yet poignant tale of healing and belonging.
Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge
A Reputed Changeling; Or, Three Seventh Years Two Centuries Ago
"A Reputed Changeling; Or, Three Seventh Years Two Centuries Ago" by C. M. Yonge is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the 17th century, it explores themes of supernatural beliefs through the life of a boy named Peregrine Oakshott, who is believed by those around him to be a changeling, or an elf swapped for a human child. The story delves into the social dynamics of the time, particularly the fears and superstitions that plague families like Peregrine’s, as well as the contrasting innocence of childhood friendship and adventure amidst societal expectations. The opening portion of the novel introduces us to two young girls, Anne Jacobina Woodford and Lucy Archfield, who are intrigued by Peregrine's reputation as a changeling. Following a series of mischievous pranks attributed to Peregrine, the narrative reveals the complexities of his character—he's portrayed as both a victim of circumstance and a source of irritation for his peers. As the girls discuss the changeling folklore, they exhibit a mixture of fear and fascination towards Peregrine, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of social alienation and childhood innocence. The interactions among the children present a vivid picture of their world, layered with the tensions of belief in the supernatural and the harsh realities of their lives.
Agnes Giberne
The Andersons : $b Brother and sister
"The Andersons: Brother and Sister" by Agnes Giberne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a struggling family, the Andersons, particularly focusing on the brother-sister duo, Felix and Lettice, who are facing dire circumstances after the illness of their mother, Cecilia. The narrative hints at themes of familial love and personal challenges as they navigate the complexities of seeking help and finding a new home with a previously estranged uncle, as well as the overarching struggle against the challenges posed by their current hardships. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Felix Anderson, a determined young man charged with the responsibility of supporting his family amid his mother’s declining health. The opening chapter captures a candid conversation between Felix and Cecilia, highlighting their resilient yet unyielding spirits. While Felix aims to rise above their current struggles, he encounters thoughts about their uncertain future as the family prepares for a transition to live with his uncle. The narrative quickly establishes the dynamics among the siblings, the looming threat of separation, and the tension brought about by their mother’s illness, setting the stage for the emotional and physical journey ahead.
Bernard Capes
The secret in the hill
"The Secret in the Hill" by Bernard Capes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on a young boy named Dicky Bowen, who faces the loss of his mother and later his father, a barrister, and subsequently embarks on a journey filled with intrigue and adventure. As Dicky navigates his new life with his quirky Uncle Jenico, the narrative promises elements of mystery, particularly surrounding the titular hill and its buried secrets. The opening of the book introduces Dicky's life after his mother's death and his father's eventual demise, setting the emotional backdrop for the story. After his father’s passing, Dicky is taken under the care of Uncle Jenico Paxton, who has grand ideas and a treasure-hunting spirit, particularly fascinated by the hill near their new home in Dunberry. The narrative unfolds with Dicky's reflections on loss, his travels, and exploration of both the physical landscape and the mysteries surrounding his father’s legal career, especially the case involving the suspicious Joshua Pilbrow. This first part of the book establishes themes of loss, adventure, and the quest for truth amidst the layers of family secrets and the remnants of a once-flourishing community.
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