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Widowers -- Fiction Books
Best books
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Christina Alberta's father
"Christina Alberta's Father" by H. G. Wells is a novel published in 1925. Set in post-World War I London, it follows Albert Edward Preemby, a dreamy laundry assistant who becomes convinced he is the reincarnation of an ancient Sumerian king, and his determined daughter Christina Alberta. What begins as social comedy transforms into a critique of mental health institutions and society itself. Wells explores themes of identity, independence, and individual freedom versus social duty, departing from conventional happy endings to deliver something more provocative and unresolved.
Anthony Trollope
The Duke's Children
"The Duke's Children" by Anthony Trollope is a novel first published between 1879 and 1880. The Duke of Omnium faces devastating loss when his wife dies unexpectedly and his government falls. Left to manage his grown children alone, he confronts unexpected challenges: his daughter's love for a modest gentleman, his eldest son's political defection and romance with an American heiress, and his younger son's academic troubles. As family tensions mount over forbidden romances and diverging paths, the Duke must navigate unfamiliar emotional terrain and reconsider his expectations.
Anthony Trollope
Phineas Redux
"Phineas Redux" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published between 1873 and 1874. After his wife's death, Phineas Finn returns to British politics, risking his secure position for another chance at Parliament. When a political rival who questioned his loyalty is murdered, circumstantial evidence points directly at Finn. As he faces trial in a sensational case that grips the public, his freedom and future hang in the balance. This fourth installment of the Palliser series explores ambition, scandal, and justice in Victorian political life.
Beatrice Harraden
Katharine Frensham: A Novel
"Katharine Frensham: A Novel" by Beatrice Harraden is a late 19th-century novel that explores complex family dynamics, love, and personal identity. The story primarily revolves around the characters of Clifford and Marianne Thornton, along with their son Alan, as they navigate the turbulent waters of their faltering marriage. As tensions rise and tragedy strikes, the book delves into themes of regret and the consequences of unfulfilled aspirations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Clifford and Alan, who discuss the unhappy state of Clifford's marriage with Marianne. The emotional weight of their confrontation reveals the strains within the family, culminating in the abrupt and tragic death of Marianne after a heated exchange. Following this devastating loss, the focus shifts to both father and son grappling with their grief and guilt. Alongside this, we see the tender moments of their companionship, the interventions of their old Danish governess, Knutty, and the emotional void left by Marianne's passing, setting the stage for potential change and healing in their lives as they embark on a journey to Japan.
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez
Woman Triumphant (La Maja Desnuda)
"Woman Triumphant (La Maja Desnuda)" by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mariano Renovales, a celebrated painter grappling with his artistic path, societal expectations, and complex relationships, particularly with his wife, Josephina, who embodies the triumph of womanhood. Set against a backdrop rich in artistic culture and historical references, the novel explores themes of desire, identity, and the struggles of an artist within conformist society. The opening of the novel introduces Renovales as he revisits the Museo del Prado, reflecting on his past and the evolution of his art. He encounters the legacy of great masters such as Velásquez and Goya, which inspires both admiration and self-doubt. As he navigates his memories and current artistic ambitions, we also glimpse his relationships, particularly his connection with Tekli, a fellow artist, and later his wife, Josephina. This beginning sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Renovales' inner conflicts and the role of women in his life and art. The narrative hints at a transformative journey for both Renovales and Josephina, foreshadowing themes of conflict between personal desire and societal expectations.
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez
La maja desnuda
"La maja desnuda" by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez is a novel published in 1906. It follows the life of a humble blacksmith's son who becomes a famous painter, chronicling his adventures with the women in his life across Rome, Paris, and Madrid. The title references Goya's famous painting, and the story features scenes of the painter's visits to the Prado Museum. The novel achieved considerable success and caused scandal, as readers recognized real figures from Madrid society in its pages.
Jerry Sohl
Death in Transit
"Death in Transit" by Jerry Sohl is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the themes of love, loss, and the challenges of isolation, set aboard a starship in transit to a distant colony. The narrative explores both the psychological depth of its characters and the implications of advanced technology in human relationships. The plot follows Clifton, the captain of the ship, who faces the devastating loss of his wife, Karen, after a tragic accident. Struggling with loneliness and grief during the long journey to the colony of Ostarpa, he awakens a young woman named Portia Lavester from cryogenic sleep to find companionship. However, as he attempts to forge a new bond with Portia, he grapples with memories of Karen and the reality of his situation. The story takes a dark turn as Clifton's emotional turmoil culminates in a desperate act, revealing the complexities of love and the consequences of trying to escape one's grief. Ultimately, "Death in Transit" delves into the nature of human connection and the haunting presence of those we have lost.
Hamlin Garland
Rose of Dutcher's Coolly
"Rose of Dutcher's Coolly" by Hamlin Garland is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the life of Rose, a unique and precocious child growing up in the rural Midwest, dealing with themes of childhood, loss, and the search for identity as she transitions into adolescence and contemplates her future. The story intricately examines her relationship with her father, John Dutcher, and explores her early experiences that shape her character. The opening of the book introduces Rose as an odd and curious child who shows an early aptitude for language and a strong desire for knowledge. After the death of her mother, she becomes even more attached to her father, who struggles to adapt to his daughter’s inquisitive nature and the impending challenges of her growing womanhood. Rose engages in imaginative play while grappling with her understanding of life, death, and the complex realities of her rural surroundings, ultimately leading to her aspirations for education and a broader life in Madison. This rich beginning sets the stage for her journey, emphasizing both her innocence and the weight of expectations placed upon her as she navigates the tender, often tumultuous, path of growing up.
Georges Rodenbach
Bruges-la-Morte
"Bruges-la-Morte" by Georges Rodenbach is a short novel published in 1892. This archetypal Symbolist work tells the story of Hugues Viane, a grief-stricken widower who retreats to the decaying city of Bruges, living among his dead wife's relics. When he encounters a dancer who resembles her, he becomes dangerously obsessed. Notable for its poetic evocation of the melancholy city and its innovative use of photographs as illustrations, this groundbreaking novel explores themes of loss, obsession, and the blurred boundaries between past and present.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Kuninkaitten kuningas
"Kuninkaitten kuningas" by H. G. Wells is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the life of Albert Edward Preemby, a former laundry owner and widower, as he navigates his existence in a changing world filled with societal shifts and personal trials. The narrative blends elements of modernity and history, showcasing Preemby’s relationships, particularly with women, as he grapples with his dreams and the expectations placed upon him. The opening of the story introduces us to Preemby's life as he steps away from the laundry business after his wife’s death, reflecting on his past and the peculiar events that have shaped his life leading to 1920. The narrative explores his early years, his serious yet whimsical nature, and his interactions with characters like Christina Hossett and Meeta Pinkey, which foreshadow the complex dynamics of love, ambition, and societal roles he will encounter. In these initial chapters, Wells lays the foundation for Preemby's development as he embarks on his journey, hinting at the challenges and transformations that await him within the tapestry of the early 20th century society.
Georges Rodenbach
Kuollut Brügge : $b Romaani
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