Subject
United States -- Social conditions -- 1865-1918 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Brand Whitlock
The Turn of the Balance
"The Turn of the Balance" by Brand Whitlock is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of Elizabeth Ward and the Koerner family, exploring themes of social class, justice, and personal responsibility within the context of a snow-laden winter in a small town. As we delve into Elizabeth's world of privilege, we also encounter Gusta, a maid whose father's recent accident serves as a poignant contrast to Elizabeth's comfortable life. The opening of the novel introduces Elizabeth Ward, who delights in the beauty of the first snowfall while dealing with the mundanity of her daily responsibilities. As she navigates her privileged life, the narrative shifts to Gusta Koerner, who faces the harsh realities of her family's struggles following her father's injury in a railroad accident. The contrasting experiences between Elizabeth, with her light-hearted outlook, and Gusta, burdened by familial responsibilities and societal expectations, set the stage for poignant developments that explore broader themes of justice and morality in the face of personal turmoil.
Reginald Wright Kauffman
The Spider's Web
"The Spider's Web" by Reginald Wright Kauffman is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Luke Huber, a recent law school graduate, who embarks on a mission to make a difference in society through his work in the legal system, driven by a desire to combat corruption. As he navigates the complexities of New York City's political and social landscape, he encounters powerful figures and the moral dilemmas of justice that shape his understanding of right and wrong. At the start of the book, Luke Huber is filled with ambition as he stands at a train station, ready to start his career as an assistant to the District Attorney in New York. He is excited about the prospect of "cleaning up" the city, bringing his idealism and youthful spirit into a corrupt system. He has a supportive father who is a Congressman, but their differing views on politics and morality set the stage for Luke's internal struggles as he confronts the reality of his job. As Luke begins to delve into his work, he starts to see the challenges of combating corruption and the societal issues that plague the city, setting up the central conflict of his journey through the narrative.
William Dean Howells
Through the Eye of the Needle: A Romance
"Through the Eye of the Needle: A Romance" by William Dean Howells is a utopian novel published in 1907. The final volume in Howells's Altrurian trilogy, it follows Aristides Homos as he navigates New York City's stark contrasts with his pastoral utopian homeland. Through letters to a friend, Homos chronicles his romance with Evelith Strange, a wealthy widow torn between her privileged life and her conscience. She must decide whether to abandon her fortune and follow him to Altruria, where a simpler society awaits.
Marietta Holley
Samantha in Europe
"Samantha in Europe" by Marietta Holley is a humorous novel written in the late 19th century. This whimsical tale follows the adventures of Samantha, a lively and outspoken woman, as she embarks on a journey to Europe with her husband, Josiah. The story promises to explore the couple's experiences abroad, filled with Samantha's reflections on their life, travels, and the various eccentric characters they encounter along the way. At the start of the narrative, Samantha finds herself on an ocean voyage, deep in thought about her previous life in Jonesville. As she takes in the vastness of the Atlantic and reflects on the changes that brought her here, she reminisces about her family and their relationships, particularly with her cousin, P. Martyn Smythe. The preface features a playful dialogue between Samantha and Josiah, showcasing their dynamic and hinting at the humorous tone of the book. Their backstory is woven into the opening as they prepare for their trip to Europe, all while charmingly navigating domestic life and the challenges of travel.
William Dean Howells
A Traveler from Altruria: Romance
"A Traveler from Altruria: Romance" by William Dean Howells is a utopian novel published in 1894. When a mysterious visitor from the island nation of Altruria arrives at a fashionable American resort, he challenges everything the privileged guests believe about democracy and equality. Through his innocent questions and unsettling behavior—helping servants, performing manual labor—Mr. Homos gradually reveals that his homeland far surpasses America in justice and morality. This pointed critique exposes the greed and social divisions of Gilded Age capitalism.
Lydia Maria Child
A Romance of the Republic
"A Romance of the Republic" by Lydia Maria Child is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in New Orleans and follows the lives of two young sisters, Rosabella and Floracita, who are confronted with issues of race, identity, and societal prejudice as they navigate complex family dynamics after their father's death. The story weaves themes of love, beauty, and the harsh realities of their status as children born to a quadroon mother, bringing forth exploration of social injustices tied to race in America. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Alfred King, a young man from Boston, who visits the home of Mr. Royal, a merchant in New Orleans. This visit leads to delightful interactions with Mr. Royal's daughters, Rosabella and Floracita, both rich in beauty and charm. The narrative quickly shifts to a more somber tone as it unfolds the sisters' hidden lineage and the failures of their father to secure their freedom, ultimately revealing the precariousness of their existence as slaves due to the laws of Louisiana. The opening sets the stage for dramatic revelations and decisions that will shape the characters' futures, hinting at the clash between their dreams and the brutal realities of their lives as their world begins to unravel.
Frederick Orin Bartlett
One way out : $b A middle-class New-Englander emigrates to America
"One Way Out: A Middle-class New-Englander Emigrates to America" by William Carleton is a memoir written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the author's journey from a middling existence in New England to a bold new life in America, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that come with such a transition. The central figure, referred to as Carleton, navigates the complexities of day-to-day life, shedding light on his family's history and the societal pressures of his upbringing, all while seeking a better future for himself and his loved ones. The opening of the memoir establishes Carleton's deep roots in New England, detailing his lineage of service to the country through wars, yet it also reveals his sense of entrapment within the middle class. After the death of his father and feeling burdened by financial constraints, Carleton's soul-searching culminates in the decision to emigrate to America, an idea fueled by inspirational letters from others seeking a way out. He recounts moments of personal hardship, reflecting on the heavy emotions surrounding his father's death and the struggle to carve out a successful path amidst the constraints of his middle-class upbringing. As he considers the prospect of change, readers sense his resolve to reclaim his narrative and seek opportunities beyond the limitations of his past.
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