Subject
United States -- History -- Constitutional period, 1789-1809 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mary Johnston
Lewis Rand
"Lewis Rand" by Mary Johnston is a novel written during the early 20th century that explores themes of ambition, identity, and the socio-political landscape of post-Revolutionary America. The story follows the life of Lewis Rand, a young boy from a humble background, who dreams of becoming a lawyer despite his father's wishes for him to follow in the family tradition of tobacco-rolling. The opening of the book establishes the setting and introduces key characters, specifically Lewis Rand and his father, Gideon, who are traveling to Richmond with a tobacco cask. Through vivid descriptions of nature and the nuances of their daily lives, it highlights Lewis's inner conflict between his aspirations and his father's expectations. As he meets Adam Gaudylock, a hunter who embodies a carefree lifestyle, Lewis dreams of adventure beyond his father's tobacco fields. The interactions between Lewis, his father, and the hunter set the stage for the boy’s transformative journey, revealing his struggles against familial pressure and his desire to pursue a life of knowledge and influence.
S. Weir (Silas Weir) Mitchell
The Red City: A Novel of the Second Administration of President Washington
"The Red City: A Novel of the Second Administration of President Washington" by S. Weir Mitchell is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set during the early years of American democracy, focusing on the lives of émigrés from France amidst the backdrop of President Washington's administration. The main characters include René de Courval, a young French nobleman, and his mother, Madame de Courval, as they navigate their tumultuous past while seeking a new life in America. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to René and his mother aboard the brig "Morning Star", arriving in Delaware in May 1792 after fleeing the turmoil of revolutionary France. The captain of the ship and René share a light-hearted conversation about their travels. However, upon reaching land, the story takes a more serious turn as Madame de Courval reflects on their tragic past, particularly the death of her husband. This emotional revelation prompts René to recount the harrowing details that led to their escape. They arrive in Pennsylvania, filled with hopes and fears about their future in this new world, even as they are confronted with the prejudices and complexities of American society, representing both the promise and the challenges of their new beginning.
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