Subject
West Indies -- Fiction Books
Best books
H. A. (Henry Augustus) Wise
Captain Brand of the "Centipede" A Pirate of Eminence in the West Indies: His Love and Exploits, Together with Some Account of the Singular Manner by Which He Departed This Life
"Captain Brand of the 'Centipede'" by H. A. Wise is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story follows Captain Jacob Blunt, a seasoned seaman, as he navigates the treacherous waters of the Caribbean, filled with danger, love, and piracy. As the narrative unfolds, Captain Blunt is faced with the considerable challenges of keeping his crew and passengers safe from marauding pirates and navigating through stormy seas while ensuring a reunion with loved ones waiting on shore. At the start of the tale, the brig named "Martha Blunt," captained by Jacob Blunt, is preparing to leave Bordeaux for Kingston, filled with emotional farewells and hopeful anticipation from its passengers, particularly two young mothers, Rosalie and Nathalie. As they sail, the crew engages in camaraderie and routine tasks, while increasing tension looms as Beau's past and the sensitive themes of piracy and danger begin to creep into their voyage. This opening sets the stage for an adventure that promises conflict, rich character development, and a vivid depiction of life on the high seas, making it an engaging read for fans of nautical fiction and tales of swashbuckling heroism.
Heinrich von Kleist
Ausgewählte Schriften
"Ausgewählte Schriften" by Heinrich von Kleist is a collection of selected works written in the early 19th century. This anthology includes various short stories, showcasing themes of human experience such as suffering, conflict, and the supernatural, with notable pieces like "Das Bettelweib von Locarno" and "Das Erdbeben in Chili" highlighting moral dilemmas and societal critique. The opening of the collection introduces the first story, "Das Bettelweib von Locarno," set against the backdrop of an ancient castle near Locarno in the Italian Alps. The narrative begins with a sickly beggar woman who, out of compassion, is taken in by a Marchese’s family but tragically dies after being ordered to move. Years later, as the Marchese faces financial ruin and attempts to sell the castle, a knight staying in the same room reports terrifying ghostly occurrences related to the beggar woman's death. The Marchese, skeptical at first, soon undergoes a chilling experience that compels him and his wife to confront the frightening truth of their castle's tragic past, culminating in disaster as he sets the castle ablaze in despair. This opening sets the tone for Kleist's exploration of fate, societal norms, and the human psyche.
Eden Phillpotts
The Poacher's Wife
"The Poacher's Wife" by Eden Phillpotts is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Daniel Sweetland, a young miner with a penchant for poaching game, and his upcoming marriage to Minnie Marshall. Daniel's dual life as a poacher and a loving fiancé creates a complex narrative filled with themes of love, law, and moral dilemmas, particularly as he faces accusations that could ruin his future. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the local dynamics at the "White Hart," a pub where Daniel Sweetland's character and his troubled relationship with his father, Matthew Sweetland, are established. The headgamekeeper is plagued with concern over his son’s penchant for poaching, a habit he has come to adopt despite his father's expectations. As tension builds within this familial setup, the narrative hints at a brewing storm involving rumors of a burglary and growing hostility towards Daniel. The opening not only sets the stage for a love story but also introduces elements of mystery and impending tragedy, leaving readers eager to uncover the fate of both Daniel and Minnie against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal choices.
Schuyler Crowninshield
Latitude 19° A Romance of the West Indies in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Twenty
"Latitude 19°" by Mrs. Schuyler Crowninshield is a romantic adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the voyages and escapades of the protagonist Hiram Jones, his crewmates, and a young woman named Cynthia Archer as they encounter danger and excitement in the West Indies during the year 1820. The narrative promises to delve into themes of bravery, survival, and the complexities of human relationships amid challenging circumstances. At the start of the tale, Hiram Jones writes a letter to his son, recounting his youthful misadventures at sea. The narrative quickly shifts to a scene on the ship, the Yankee Blade, where Hiram interacts with Cynthia as they spot Christophe's Castle in the distance, igniting flirtatious banter. The tension mounts as they encounter problems at sea and potential threats, including pirates. The opening segment establishes character dynamics, particularly the budding relationship between Hiram and Cynthia, while foreshadowing the impending trials they will face together on their journey.
Albert Ross
A New Sensation
"A New Sensation" by Albert Ross is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the main character, Donald Camran, who is recovering from an illness and contemplating a journey to the Caribbean. Seeking company, he decides to hire a female typewriter to assist with his writing and serve as a traveling companion, leading him to navigate the complexities of personal relationships and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, Donald is engaged in a conversation with his friends, who suggest he needs a "new sensation" to rejuvenate his spirit. After a failed marriage proposal, he resolves to take a trip and advertise for a typewriter to accompany him. The opening portion introduces his humorous and candid determination to embark on this unconventional journey while setting the stage for the exploration of his interactions with women, specifically the potential companions responding to his advertisement, including the intriguing letters he receives. The narrative establishes a blend of light-heartedness and introspection as Donald grapples with his past and the uncertainties of the impending journey.
L. Cope (Leslie Cope) Cornford
The last buccaneer : $b or, The trustees of Mrs A.
"The Last Buccaneer: or, The Trustees of Mrs A" by L. Cope Cornford is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of early 18th-century maritime adventures, the story revolves around the lives of several characters, including Brandon Pomfrett, a young clerk with dreams of adventure, and Captain Dawkins, a man with a mysterious past and seafaring prowess. The narrative explores themes of piracy, treasure hunting, and the moral dilemmas faced by those entangled in these pursuits. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Brandon Pomfrett, a clerk yearning for excitement beyond his mundane life in Bristol. As he meets Captain Dawkins, a burly mariner, the two are drawn into an adventure revolving around a long-lost treasure map ignited by a mysterious bottle. They soon find themselves embroiled in schemes that point toward buccaneering exploits, navigating the complex motivations of various characters, including the unscrupulous Mr. Gamaliel. The tone is infused with a sense of foreboding and intrigue, hinting at the consequences of their quests for fortune amid the treacherous currents of the sea and the darker elements of human ambition.
Florence Marryat
A crown of shame, volume 2 (of 3)
"A Crown of Shame, Volume 2" by Florence Marryat is a novel written during the late 19th century. This volume continues the story of Lizzie, who is grappling with the sudden death of her father and the burden of caring for an infant left in their charge, amid growing suspicions from the community that she is the child's mother. The narrative extends themes of honor, reputation, and the complexities of female friendships as Lizzie's life becomes ensnared in scandal. The opening of this volume finds Lizzie in a profound state of grief over her father's passing while also facing the troubling rumors circulating about her relationship to the child she has taken in. As she interacts with Quita, her adopted sister, Liz reveals the weight of her secret, a binding oath taken in silence over their shared past. As she contemplates asking Quita to confess the child’s true parentage, tension arises as Quita grapples with her own fears and desires, leading to a complex interplay of loyalty, love, and the desire to protect one another even amidst a precarious situation. The strong emotional currents and moral dilemmas set up a gripping narrative that invites readers to reflect on societal pressures and personal integrity.
Florence Marryat
A crown of shame, volume 1 (of 3)
"A Crown of Shame, Volume 1" by Florence Marryat is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in San Diego during a time of disease and turmoil, focusing on the life of Elizabeth "Liz" Fellows, the devoted daughter of a doctor, as she navigates the challenges of her profession amidst a deadly epidemic. Liz is portrayed as a compassionate and capable woman, dedicating herself to caring for the sick and confronting issues of social stigma, especially as she witnesses the struggles of the local community. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Liz as she contemplates the oppressive heat and mounting despair in her surroundings. As she interacts with the local population—particularly the grieving mothers affected by the fever—Liz's resilience and empathy shine through. Her relationship with her father, Dr. Fellows, is both supportive and complicated by his own melancholy. The tension escalates further when Liz is confronted with scandal and the secrets of her father's past, hinting at a deeper theme of shame that intertwines with the personal and societal struggles present in their lives. As Liz grapples with love and loyalty amidst turmoil, the narrative sets the stage for a rich exploration of personal sacrifice and societal judgment.
Florence Marryat
A crown of shame, volume 3 (of 3)
"A Crown of Shame, Volume 3" by Florence Marryat is a novel written in the late 19th century. This concluding volume follows the intertwining lives of several characters within a plantation society, focusing particularly on Rosa, who is left behind on Maraquita's wedding day, and Maraquita herself, who grapples with the consequences of her choices amidst rising tensions and conflicts in San Diego. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, love, and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, Rosa is seen discontented and reluctant to care for Maraquita's baby while all others, including her love interest Juan, attend the wedding festivities. The scene introduces a complex backdrop where characters like Judy, who conspires with Henri de Courcelles, and Lizzie, who acts as a caretaker, emerge into focus. As Rosa relinquishes her ambitions for a semblance of social acknowledgment, parallel tensions evolve with Maraquita's marriage that promises both glory and regret. This section sets the stage for deeper explorations of love, identity, and rebellion as the lives of these characters are further intertwined against the backdrop of impending upheaval in their community.
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