Subject
Wales -- Fiction Books
Best books
R. D. (Richard Doddridge) Blackmore
The Maid of Sker
"The Maid of Sker" by R. D. Blackmore is a three-volume novel published in 1872. Set in late 18th-century Wales, the story follows an elderly fisherman who discovers a mysterious two-year-old girl washed ashore in a boat. As he watches over the child named Bardie, he becomes convinced his fortune is tied to hers. His quest to unravel her origins leads him to Devon, where he encounters suspicious characters holding secrets about missing heirs and family intrigue.
Rhoda Broughton
Red as a Rose is She: A Novel
"Red as a Rose is She: A Novel" by Rhoda Broughton is a romantic novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives and loves of characters in a Welsh valley, with a particular focus on Esther Craven, a young woman navigating the complexities of affection and societal expectations. As the narrative begins, readers are invited into the lives of Esther and those around her, exploring themes of love, desire, and the trials of youth. At the start of the novel, the author sets the stage with a charming and humorous tone, introducing Esther Craven, who reflects on life in Wales and her recent proposal from Robert Brandon, a local suitor. Although initially taken aback, she navigates her feelings with a mix of amusement and irritation, revealing her strong attachment to her brother Jack. The dialogue showcases Esther's wit and reluctance toward traditional romance, as she enjoys the freedom of her young adulthood while grappling with the expectations of love. This opening chapter establishes a light-hearted yet poignant exploration of romance and character dynamics, engaging readers to ponder Esther's journey ahead.
Virgil Markham
Death in the dusk
"Death in the Dusk" by Virgil Markham is a fictional novel written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around Alfred Bannerlee, who recounts a series of unsettling events that transpired during a wedding celebration in Wales at Highglen House, an old estate surrounded by dark legends and peculiar occurrences. As the narrative unfolds, themes of mystery, supernatural phenomena, and human folly emerge, along with a diverse cast of intriguing characters, including a mad parson and a veil of ominous secrets. At the start of the novel, we find Alfred Bannerlee in Highglen House, filled with anxiety and a sense of impending dread as he navigates the chaotic atmosphere of a wedding party. Amidst the festivities, he becomes aware of various tensions among the guests, particularly revolving around the mysterious absence of Sir Brooke Mortimer. As the night progresses, strange occurrences begin to unfold, including disconcerting cries from outside that draw the attention of all present, further heightening the suspense. As Bannerlee attempts to make sense of the chaos around him, the looming figure of Parson Lolly, a character shrouded in enigma, sets a tone of foreboding that suggests perilous adventures yet to come.
Mary Gladys Meredith Webb
Gone to Earth
"Gone to Earth" by Mary Webb is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically in 1917. The story revolves around a young girl named Hazel Woodus, who is portrayed with a wild, untamed spirit that connects her deeply to nature and the world around her. The narrative unfolds in a rural landscape laden with mystical elements and explores themes of identity, freedom, and the struggle against societal constraints. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of the cold, untouched beauty of the Callow, immersing readers in a poetic depiction of nature and introducing Hazel as a unique character who finds solace among the woods and animals. Hazel, whose mother was a Welsh gypsy, inherits a sense of wanderlust and a connection to the mystical traditions through a manuscript of spells left to her after her mother's death. As she interacts with her father Abel, displaying indifference towards each other, we see glimpses of their complex relationship. The chapter captures Hazel’s youthful innocence and longing for adventure, as well as her deep bond with a small fox, which highlights her connection to the wild. Through this opening, Webb establishes a sense of foreboding, hinting at the struggles Hazel will face as she seeks to navigate her place in a world that often feels threatening and restrictive.
William Godwin
Imogen: A Pastoral Romance
"Imogen: A Pastoral Romance" by William Godwin is a novel likely written in the early 19th century. This work presents themes of love and virtue, centering around the characters Imogen and Edwin, two innocent lovers navigating a story set against a backdrop of pastoral beauty and adversity. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the idyllic valley of Clwyd, where the simplicity of rural life fosters a sense of tranquility among its inhabitants. Edwin, a handsome and gentle shepherd, has a deep-rooted affection for Imogen, a pure-hearted shepherdess. Their bond, dating back to childhood, grows as they experience the frivolities and trials of youth. However, as the narrative unfolds, Edwin and Imogen find themselves in the midst of supernatural occurrences with the intrusion of dark forces, notably the nefarious Roderic, who seeks to claim Imogen for himself. This initial portion establishes both the charm of pastoral life and the impending tensions that foreshadow conflict and adventure, setting the stage for the lovers’ trials ahead.
S. (Sabine) Baring-Gould
In a Quiet Village
"In a Quiet Village" by S. Baring-Gould is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book features a series of sketches that revolve around the lives of various villagers, depicting their personalities, quirks, and everyday struggles in a rural setting. Through vivid characterizations, the work captures the charm and complexity of village life, highlighting themes of humanity, kindness, and the occasional folly of its inhabitants. The opening of the collection introduces readers to Old Dan’l Coombe, a mysterious tailor who becomes a subject of fascination for his neighbors due to his reclusive nature and curious nightly activities. The villagers speculate about Coombe's secret projects, leading to wild theories about his abilities as a healer. As his life unfolds, we learn that after thirty-five years of diligence, his life's work—a comprehensive dictionary of biblical words—turns out to be unnecessary, as a similar resource already exists. This poignant moment reflects on the themes of ambition, the search for meaning, and the bittersweet nature of life’s endeavors, setting a contemplative tone for the stories to follow.
J. B. (John Boynton) Priestley
Benighted
"Benighted" by J. B. Priestley is a novel published in 1927. When travelers seek refuge in an old Welsh country house during a storm, they encounter a family harboring dark secrets. Set in post-First World War Britain, the novel explores the era's pervasive disillusionment through characters Priestley described as "forms of postwar pessimism pretending to be people." Drawing on gothic literary traditions and inspired by "Jane Eyre," this atmospheric tale places ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances where hidden truths await discovery.
S. (Sabine) Baring-Gould
Pabo, the Priest: A Novel
"Pabo, the Priest: A Novel" by S. Baring-Gould is a historical fiction narrative written in the late 19th century. This novel is set against the backdrop of 12th-century Wales, where the conflict between the Norman invaders and the native Welsh is explored through the lenses of political intrigue, personal ambition, and the interplay of power and faith. The story revolves around characters such as King Henry, the beautiful Nest, and the determined Pabo, the Archpriest, who grapple with the consequences of the Norman domination and decisions that threaten their people’s fate. The opening of the novel introduces King Henry, who is in ill health and surrounded by advisors as he contemplates his political maneuvers, particularly relating to Wales. He summons Gerald de Windsor and his wife, Nest, a Welsh noblewoman, to discuss strategies for subjugating the native people. As the dialogue unfolds, it becomes clear that Nest is caught in a complex web of loyalty and betrayal, as she struggles with her identification with her people and her role as Gerald's wife. The tension heightens with the introduction of Gerald's desire for support against the Welsh and the pending appointment of a new bishop, which could spell disaster for the Welsh culture and their way of life. This section sets the stage for a rich exploration of themes such as power, identity, and resistance within the broader narrative.
Blanche Devereux
Star of Mercia : $b historical tales of Wales and the Marches
"Star of Mercia: Historical Tales of Wales and the Marches" by Blanche Devereux is a historical fiction work written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the complex lives and relationships of characters set against the backdrop of ancient Welsh and Anglo-Saxon culture, exploring themes of love, politics, and the personal struggles of various figures, including Ethelfrith and Ethelbert. The intertwining stories reflect both the historical and mythical aspects of early Britain, portraying a rich tapestry of human experience. At the start of the tale, we are introduced to Ethelfrith, the young daughter of King Offa of Mercia, who is grappling with her emotions about an arranged marriage to Ethelbert of East Anglia. The day is vibrant with the beauty of nature, yet Ethelfrith feels a deep sense of isolation and internal pain as the weight of her future looms over her. She observes the arrival of Ethelbert, whose kind nature initially intrigues her. As the court gathers and the characters interact, Ethelfrith's conflict between duty and desire becomes apparent, setting the stage for the unfolding of her story amid the contrasting expectations of her royal lineage.
Allen Raine
Torn Sails: A Tale of a Welsh Village
"Torn Sails: A Tale of a Welsh Village" by Allen Raine is a novel written in the late 19th century. This narrative unfolds in the quaint Welsh village of Mwntseison, where the daily lives and relationships of its inhabitants intersect with themes of love, social standing, and the challenges of rural life. The main characters include Hugh Morgan, the respected master of the sail-making business, and Ivor Parry, his devoted manager, alongside the beautiful Gwladys Price, whose affections are sought amidst the intricacies of village dynamics. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to Mwntseison, characterized by its rugged hills and the Gwendraeth river that runs through the village. Through vivid descriptions, we learn about the daily activities of the villagers, including the communal washing along the river and the sail-making industry that supports them. Love and emotional tensions begin to surface, particularly as Ivor grapples with his feelings for Gwladys, while she remains oblivious to his affections. In this initial section, the foundation for interpersonal relationships and the backdrop of village life is artfully established, setting the stage for deeper exploration of love and community conflicts.
Anthony Trollope
Cousin Henry
"Cousin Henry" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1879. When an elderly Welsh squire dies without revealing his final wishes, his unsuitable nephew Henry inherits the grand estate of Llanfeare—though suspicions swirl that the beloved niece Isabel should be the rightful heir. Henry harbors a terrible secret that torments him daily, yet he lacks both the courage to reveal it and the ruthlessness to destroy it. As a crusading newspaper editor and determined lawyer close in, Henry must face an impossible choice that will determine his fate.
Arthur Machen
The Great Return
"The Great Return" by Arthur Machen is a supernatural novella written in the early 20th century, specifically during the 1910s. This mystical narrative explores themes of spiritual awakening and extraordinary occurrences in the small Welsh town of Llantrisant. Through a blend of folklore and the mysterious, Machen illustrates a world where the boundary between the ordinary and the divine blurs, inviting readers to ponder existential questions about faith, beauty, and the nature of reality. The story centers around a series of miraculous events that unfold in Llantrisant during a time of war, starting from the curious ringing of a bell heard by a deaf old woman, which heralds a profound transformation in the town's inhabitants. As various characters experience anomalies—including a young girl’s miraculous recovery from tuberculosis and a lawyer's humbling reconciliation with a farmer—Machen weaves together elements of the fantastical and the sublime. The narrative culminates in a transcendent church service where the aroma of paradise fills the air, leading to a collective renewal of spirit among the townsfolk. Ultimately, "The Great Return" serves as an exploration of the mysteries of existence, suggesting that the divine can manifest in the most unexpected ways, resonating deeply with the themes of hope and redemption during tumultuous times.
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