Subject
Virginia -- Fiction Books
Best books
Hallie Erminie Rives
The Valiants of Virginia
"The Valiants of Virginia" by Hallie Erminie Rives is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around John Valiant, a young man who experiences a dramatic shift in fortune following the collapse of the Valiant Corporation, founded by his late father. As the narrative unfolds, Valiant grapples with feelings of failure and a growing sense of responsibility towards his family's legacy, particularly as he inherits an estate in Virginia known as Damory Court. The opening of the book introduces John Valiant in his moment of crisis, expressing shock and confusion over the unexpected downfall of the corporation that had defined his life. Characterized as a man of privilege, Valiant begins to confront the consequences of his laid-back lifestyle as he faces a precarious future and considers returning to the roots of his family heritage in Virginia. John’s internal turmoil is further compounded by the social reactions to his fall from grace, which adds an element of societal critique to his personal journey. As he navigates the tumultuous waters of his new reality, the opening chapters set the stage for themes of identity, redemption, and the exploration of familial connections.
Daniel Defoe
The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders
"The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders" by Daniel Defoe is a novel published in 1722. Born in prison to a convict mother, Moll navigates survival through a series of marriages, deceptions, and reinventions. As circumstances strip away her security time and again, she transforms from hopeful young woman to skilled con artist to accomplished thief. Through cunning and charm, Moll pursues the one thing that eludes her: lasting prosperity and peace in a world that offers women few honest paths to independence.
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.
Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow
Barren Ground
"Barren Ground" by Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow is a novel published in 1925. It follows Dorinda Oakley through thirty years in rural Virginia as she transforms from a vibrant young woman shattered by romantic betrayal into a determined farmer who reclaims her family's failing land. After fleeing heartbreak for New York City, she returns home with knowledge of scientific agriculture, gradually turning barren soil into a prosperous dairy farm while confronting the ghosts of her past.
Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow
Life and Gabriella: The Story of a Woman's Courage
"Life and Gabriella: The Story of a Woman's Courage" by Ellen Glasgow is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Gabriella, a strong and determined young woman, as she navigates the complexities of familial obligations and personal desires in a society that often confines women's roles. The opening chapters set the stage for the familial struggles involving Gabriella's sister Jane, who is trapped in a failing marriage, and their mother, Mrs. Carr, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, duty, and the quest for independence. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the Carr family dynamics, highlighting the tension between Gabriella's progressive views and Jane's passive acceptance of her troubled marriage to Charley. Jane's struggles are further complicated by Mrs. Carr's insistence on societal norms and appearances. As Jane grapples with her troubled marriage, Gabriella vows to help her sister find a way out of her predicament, showcasing her courage and willingness to take on the burden of responsibility for Jane's children. This emotional struggle sets the tone for Gabriella's journey towards self-discovery and independence, marking her determination to break free from societal constraints and familial expectations.
Alex. McVeigh Miller
The Senator's Bride
"The Senator's Bride" by Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative focuses on the intertwining lives of its central characters, particularly Bruce Conway, who is caught in the throes of love and societal expectations, and Grace Grey, a beautiful and innocent young woman whose heart may be doomed by circumstances beyond her control. The story appears to delve into themes of love, sacrifice, and the impact of societal status on personal relationships. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to a serene spring evening in Norfolk, Virginia, where Bruce Conway and his friend Captain Clendenon observe Grace Grey gathering flowers in a stunning garden. Bruce grapples with his admiration for Grace, but is encumbered by his aunt's stern wishes against pursuing her due to family pressures and impending wealth. As he prepares to leave for Europe, their mutual feelings become apparent, leading to emotional turmoil when Bruce decides to distance himself to protect them both. The opening sets up a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the consequences of choices, hinting at complications that will unfold as their lives intersect with societal expectations and personal desires.
Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow
The Deliverance: A Romance of the Virginia Tobacco Fields
"The Deliverance: A Romance of the Virginia Tobacco Fields" by Ellen Glasgow is a novel published in 1904. Christopher Blake, descendant of a once-wealthy Virginia family, toils as a laborer on the estate his ancestors owned. For fifteen years, he works to shield his blind mother from their ruin while nursing a bitter hatred for the dishonest man who stole their home. When opportunity for revenge arrives, Christopher must face the devastating consequences of his actions.
St. George Rathborne
Miss Fairfax of Virginia: A Romance of Love and Adventure Under the Palmettos
"Miss Fairfax of Virginia: A Romance of Love and Adventure Under the Palmettos" by St. George Rathborne is a romantic novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Roderic Owen, an American diplomatic agent embroiled in the complexities of international politics during the Hispano-American War while also navigating personal relationships. The narrative begins with Owen arriving in Dublin and encountering a mysterious woman, which sets the stage for themes of love, intrigue, and hidden identities. The opening of the novel introduces Roderic Owen, who is in Dublin on a mission connected to the war. He anxiously awaits a meeting with a woman who warns him of an impending danger orchestrated by a jealous rival named Jerome Wellington. This woman, disguised as a nun, reveals to Owen that Wellington aims to ruin him, particularly because of his connection to Cleo Fairfax, Roderic’s wealthy cousin who harbors her own feelings for him. As the plot unfolds, the dynamics between Roderic, Cleo, and the enigmatic woman deepen, introducing elements of deception and romance that promise adventure and emotional turmoil.
Joseph Hergesheimer
Mountain Blood: A Novel
"Mountain Blood: A Novel" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on Gordon Makimmon, a stage driver living in the isolated community of Greenstream, as he grapples with personal struggles and the changing dynamics in his life, particularly in relation to his wealthy neighbors and the alluring, yet complex, figure of Lettice Hollidew. Themes of poverty, power, and the harsh realities of life unfold against a backdrop of rugged mountain scenery and a close-knit, often judgmental community. The opening of the novel introduces us to the quiet town of Stenton, where Gordon Makimmon is preparing to drive a stagecoach to Greenstream. We learn about the passengers he transports, including the confident Buckley Simmons and the reserved Lettice Hollidew, each embodying different social standing within their community. As they journey over the landscape, tensions arise, especially surrounding the dynamics between Gordon and Buckley, suggesting an underlying conflict driven by class and social expectations. Gordon's protective instincts emerge towards Lettice, hinting at both a burgeoning awareness of her womanhood and a sense of looming personal conflict tied to their familial and societal roles. As their paths intertwine, the atmosphere grows charged with unspoken emotions and the potential for turmoil amid the beauty of their surroundings.
George Cary Eggleston
Dorothy South: A Love Story of Virginia Just Before the War
"Dorothy South: A Love Story of Virginia Just Before the War" by George Cary Eggleston is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Virginia during a transformative period leading up to the Civil War, introducing readers to complex themes of love, duty, and societal expectations. The narrative revolves around the titular character, Dorothy South, a young girl navigating her emerging identity and relationships against the backdrop of her family's plantation. The opening of the novel presents a vivid landscape of south side Virginia and sets the stage for the complex dynamics that will unfold. We meet Dr. Arthur Brent, the new master of Wyanoke, who is returning to the family estate after years away. His encounter with a local young boy named Dick hints at the tensions of the era, while a meeting with Dorothy South introduces her intriguing character—a mixture of childlike innocence and developing maturity. As Arthur grapples with his responsibilities and the unwritten rules of plantation life, the stage is set for a deeper exploration of his relationship with Dorothy, who is portrayed with both grace and strength amidst the constraints imposed by society.
Molly Elliot Seawell
Betty's Virginia Christmas
"Betty's Virginia Christmas" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Betty Beverley, a spirited young woman living with her grandfather, Colonel Beverley, in a modest home called Holly Lodge after they lost their ancestral estate, Rosehill. As they prepare to celebrate Christmas, the characters grapple with themes of nostalgia, familial love, and a touch of romance amid the holiday festivities. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Betty’s vibrant personality as she decorates their humble home for the Christmas holiday, determined to make it joyful despite their changed circumstances. The narrative sets a picturesque scene of a cold Virginia Christmas Eve, capturing the warmth of the characters' Christmas spirit. Betty's interactions with her grandfather reveal their close bond, as well as her upbringing in a life of grandeur that contrasts sharply with their current reality. The arrival of Lieutenant John Fortescue, a young officer from Rosehill, adds intrigue and romantic tension, as Betty navigates her feelings for him while preserving her family dignity and traditions. Overall, the opening chapters establish Betty's charm and resilience, paving the way for a heartwarming holiday tale.
Robert E. (Robert Edward) Knowles
The Attic Guest: A Novel
"The Attic Guest" by Robert E. Knowles is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story opens in a quaint Southern town, focusing primarily on the life of Helen Randall, an eighteen-year-old girl who is navigating her first experiences with love and societal expectations, all set against the backdrop of an upcoming visit from a minister. The narrative weaves together themes of youthful innocence, burgeoning romance, and the complexities of family dynamics in a traditional Southern setting. The opening of the novel presents a lively dialogue among Helen's family members as they prepare for the arrival of their guest, expected to be a minister from the Presbytery meeting. Helen's mother and uncle engage in humorous debates about the accommodations for the incoming elder, while Helen herself is more preoccupied with attending a dance and her growing feelings for Charlie Giddens, a young man who visits her often. The chapter effectively sets the stage for Helen’s inner turmoil and excitement, hinting at the romantic entanglements and personal growth she is likely to face as the story unfolds.
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