Subject
Vacations -- Fiction Books
Best books
Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge
The Long Vacation
"The Long Vacation" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Underwood family and their companions, exploring themes of family dynamics, personal growth, and the complexities of adult responsibilities as the characters navigate the passage of time and the events that shape their lives. At the start of "The Long Vacation," we are introduced to a range of characters from the Underwood family, including Gerald Underwood, who shares a warm reunion with his aunt, and their mutual connections with various family members and friends. The narrative sets the stage for their individual struggles and relationships, as they ponder over local issues such as land use and industrialization that threaten their tranquil existence. The chapter also hints at broader themes of societal change, with references to generational shifts in attitudes toward family and duty, alongside the impact of personal histories on the current circumstances of the characters. Overall, the opening suggests a rich exploration of domestic life, compelling character interactions, and the inevitable march of time within a close-knit community.
Hugh Walpole
Maradick at Forty: A Transition
"Maradick at Forty: A Transition" by Hugh Walpole is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around James Maradick, a middle-aged man who appears to be grappling with the mundanity of married life, raising children, and reflecting on the choices that have led him to a life of routine and quiet discontent. The narrative promises a journey through Maradick's internal struggles as he navigates his relationships and the longing for something more fulfilling, standing at the cusp of a potential transition in his life. The opening of the narrative establishes a picturesque setting as the Maradicks embark on a familiar vacation to Treliss, a charming coastal town. Through the lens of the train journey, the Reader meets Maradick and his wife, Emmy, who is excited about the holiday while Maradick feels a sense of detachment and weariness. The contrast between Mrs. Maradick's spirited demeanor and Mr. Maradick's increasing sense of isolation and reflection hints at deeper themes of marital discontent, existential crises, and the inevitable passage of time that shapes their lives. The journey is not just physical; it serves as a metaphor for Maradick’s state of mind as he confronts the limitations of his present existence and contemplates the ghost of the adventurous life he once envisioned.
Mary Ellen Chase
Virginia of Elk Creek Valley
"Virginia of Elk Creek Valley" by Mary Ellen Chase is a novel written in the early 20th century. This fictional work explores the lives and adventures of a group of young women and men as they navigate the landscapes and challenges of the Big Horn Country in Wyoming during the pioneer days. The central character, Virginia, is characterized by her enthusiasm and emotional depth, particularly as she prepares for the arrival of her friends and family to her homestead. The opening of the novel introduces us to the breathtaking beauty of Elk Creek Valley on a mid-summer morning, where Virginia and her friend Donald are filled with excitement about their plans. Virginia expresses her joy and eagerness as she anticipates the arrival of her friends, envisioning the adventures they will have together. Through lively dialogue, we see Virginia's vibrant personality juxtaposed with her companion's more calm demeanor, hinting at the dynamics that will unfold among the group. As they travel toward the station to greet their friends, Virginia is portrayed as an eager, imaginative young woman, devoted to the natural wonders surrounding her and the connections with her peers. This sets the stage for a narrative rich in camaraderie, exploration, and growth in the new American landscape.
Will Mohler
Two Whole Glorious Weeks
"Two Whole Glorious Weeks" by Will Worthington is a satirical science fiction story published in the late 1950s. The narrative centers around a couple, Bertha and the protagonist, as they experience a summer camp run as a sinister and harsh regime. The book provides a humorous yet critical look at the notion of leisure and escapism in a future where such experiences take a twisted turn towards labor and discomfort. The story follows Bertha and her husband as they arrive at "Morton's Misery Farm" for what they expect to be a relaxing retreat but soon realize is a grim environment marked by oppressive labor and bizarre rules. After signing releases that trap them into this harrowing experience, they endure menial tasks like transporting manure and breaking rocks under the strict scrutiny of guards. As they navigate their harsh reality, they have limited contact with each other, yet they manage to find humor amidst despair. The harsh conditions of the camp paradoxically awaken a deeper understanding of life and contrast to their luxurious existence back home, leading to a reflection on the nature of pleasure and fulfillment. Ultimately, the absurdity of their situation serves as a commentary on societal values surrounding leisure and satisfaction.
Frank M. Robinson
Two Weeks in August
"Two Weeks in August" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. This lighthearted narrative revolves around the daily experiences of office workers and their interactions, particularly focusing on the protagonist's disdain for his boastful colleague, McCleary. The story humorously explores themes of imagination versus reality, with a satire on vacation aspirations and the human tendency to exaggerate personal experiences. The plot centers on the protagonist, who is resigned to spending his vacation at home due to financial constraints. He engages in playful banter with colleagues, leading them to believe he is going on an extravagant journey to Mars, just to counter McCleary's incessant bragging. However, after the vacation, McCleary surprises everyone by returning from an actual trip to Mars, complete with photographic evidence and souvenirs. The twist challenges perceptions of belief and reality, as it reflects on how far people will go to assert their experiences, lightheartedly leaving the reader to ponder the possibilities of space travel and the wonder of imagination.
William W. Stuart
Out of Mind
"Out of Mind" by William W. Stuart is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story explores the theme of perception versus reality, delving into the psychological and surreal experiences of its characters. The narrative revolves around the peculiar planet Nirva, a place that seems to fulfill the dreams of those who visit, but harbors hidden dangers tied to its telepathic inhabitants. The plot centers on Secad Screed, an ambitious Galactic Sector Administrator, who reluctantly agrees to go on vacation to the enigmatic Nirva to satisfy his wife and deputy. Screed, who prides himself on his rational mind, intends to expose what he considers a charlatanism surrounding the planet, which is rumored to mesmerize visitors into a dreamlike state where they lose touch with reality. Upon arriving, however, he finds his convictions challenged as he inadvertently steps into the roles and fantasies created by the planet’s inhabitants. While Viola and Garten embrace the dreamlike nature of Nirva, Screed's ironclad sense of control begins to unravel as he realizes the blurred line between reality and illusion, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation about his identity and purpose on Nirva.
František Omelka
Vlci proti Mustangům
"Vlci proti Mustangům" by František Omelka is a fictional novel likely written in the late 20th century. The story follows a group of young boys, led by a dynamic character named Lojza, who embark on an adventurous quest to go camping during their summer vacation. As the group grapples with the challenges of preparing for their trip, including organizing supplies and navigating their friendships, themes of leadership and camaraderie emerge. The opening of the novel introduces us to Lojza and his friends as they lounge by the river Rosava, lamenting that they're not off on summer vacations like other boys. Frustrated with their situation, Lojza devises a plan for them to go camping on a nearby island, which ignites excitement among his friends. The rest of the excerpt captures their preparations, showcasing their personal quirks and the dynamics of their friendships, especially in relation to their rival, Vašek. As they gather supplies and brainstorm ways to make their camping trip a reality, the boys' infectious enthusiasm and determination set the stage for their upcoming adventures.
Forrest Reid
The Spring Song
"The Spring Song" by Forrest Reid is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows Griffith Weston (Grif), a sensitive boy spending the summer with his clergyman grandfather in the countryside, where music, dreams, and the natural world stir his imagination. Eccentric adults—a nocturnal organist and an old sea-captain with his sisters—signal a gentle mystery threaded with hints of the supernatural. The tone is pastoral and inward, suggesting a coming‑of‑age story in which Grif’s inner life and strange encounters shape a quiet adventure. The opening of the novel introduces Grif and his siblings arriving by train to their grandfather’s glebe house under the watch of Miss Johnson and accompanied by Pouncer the bulldog. Grif meets the odd organist Clement Bradley and, choosing a room by the wood, lies awake amid whispering trees and a faint flute‑note that deepens the book’s dreamy mood. A croquet tournament is planned; Edward returns early from school with his clever friend Palmer Dorset, family dynamics spark (including Edward’s resented nickname “Angelina”), and Miss Johnson’s melodramatic manuscript provides comic relief at dinner. Wandering next day through the wood, Grif slips through a garden door to the red‑brick home of Captain Narcissus Batt and his sister Miss Nancy, is kindly received, and hears of the absent Billy Tremaine before drifting to the church, where Bradley startles at a “ghost” and discovers Grif’s sweet voice; when Grif finally returns late, worried adults and a curate await him, and the canon quietly explains that Billy died, darkening the gentle mystery that has begun.
Amy Ella Blanchard
The glad lady
"The glad lady" by Amy Ella Blanchard is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in northern Spain, it follows spirited American Patience “Patty” Blake, her sister Doña Martina, and their Spanish family and friends as they spend a summer in Asturias. Through fiestas, village customs, seaside rambles, and visits to ancient houses, the tale mixes travel color, gentle romance, and cross‑cultural comedy—especially around Patty’s flirtatious banter with Don Tomás and a homesick American engineer, Robert Lisle. It promises a warm, picturesque story of manners, friendship, and light-hearted intrigue rather than high drama. At the start of the story, a small party gathers in San Sebastián: Dr. Juan Estradas and his American wife Martina, his brother Tomás, and Martina’s sister Patty with her schoolmate Paulette. Patty’s teasing charm and halting Spanish lead Tomás to dub her “the glad lady,” and the group moves on to a mountain town, where a clean but primitive inn, the lively plaza, and village routines set the scene. They visit a peasant weaver and a venerable old house, stroll to a cave-fringed beach, and lunch in style at Don Felipe’s antiquity-filled palacio, leaving with souvenir cups and later bouquets. A reserved traveler reappears as Robert Lisle, an American with Kentucky roots, who bonds with Patty over homesickness. The party then settles into the Estrada family home, and St. John’s Eve and Day bring local traditions: decking streams and the fountain with flowers, villagers bringing gifts—including a lamb from Perdita—and preparations for music and dancing as the community arrives singing a song in honor of Don Juan.
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