Subject
Women travelers -- Fiction Books
Best books
Virginia Woolf
The Voyage Out
"The Voyage Out" by Virginia Woolf is a novel published in 1915. Rachel Vinrace embarks on a sea voyage to South America aboard her father's ship, launching a journey of self-discovery among a mismatched group of Edwardian passengers. As Rachel travels from her sheltered London life toward intellectual freedom and awakening consciousness, Woolf satirizes society while exploring themes of feminine identity, sexuality, and mortality. This debut novel contains the seeds of Woolf's later innovative style and introduced the character Clarissa Dalloway, who would become central to a future masterpiece.
Walter Scott
The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Complete
"The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Complete" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1818. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh's violent Porteous Riots of 1736, this tale follows Jeanie Deans, a devout young woman who undertakes an extraordinary journey on foot from Scotland to London. Her mission: to secure a royal pardon for her sister Effie, condemned to death for alleged infanticide. Navigating dangerous encounters and moral dilemmas, Jeanie must rely on her faith, courage, and eloquence to save her sister's life.
Marietta Holley
Around the World with Josiah Allen's Wife
"Around the World with Josiah Allen's Wife" by Marietta Holley is a humorous travel narrative likely written in the late 19th century. The book follows the character Samantha, the wife of Josiah Allen, as she embarks on a journey abroad with her grandson Tommy, addressing themes of family duty, personal sacrifice, and social observation. Central to the story is Samantha's deep affection for her husband and her struggle to balance her responsibilities as a caregiver with her desire for adventure and new experiences. At the start of the work, Samantha is filled with concern for her grandson Tommy's health, as he is gravely ill and in need of a warm climate for recovery. Despite her reluctance to leave her husband Josiah, who adamantly refuses to accompany them on the journey, Samantha resolves to support her family. The narrative paints a vivid picture of their emotional farewells and the struggles she faces as she prepares to travel, reflecting on her husband’s devotion and her attachment to home. As the journey begins, the reader is introduced to various characters that will accompany Samantha and Tommy, providing a rich backdrop for their international adventure.
Walter Scott
The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 2
"The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 2" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1818. This gripping tale follows Jeanie Deans, a devout young woman who faces an agonizing moral choice when her sister Effie is condemned to death for alleged infanticide. Unable to lie in court to save her, Jeanie embarks on an epic journey by foot from Edinburgh to London, seeking a royal pardon. Along the way, she encounters danger, discovers shocking truths about her sister's missing baby, and must appeal directly to Queen Caroline for mercy.
Walter Scott
The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 1
"The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 1" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1818. Set against the backdrop of the 1736 Porteous Riots in Edinburgh, this tale follows two sisters whose lives take dramatically different paths. When Effie Deans faces execution for alleged infanticide, her steadfast sister Jeanie embarks on an epic journey to London to plead for royal mercy. The story weaves together historical upheaval, family loyalty, and moral conviction as Jeanie confronts dangerous obstacles in her desperate mission to save her sister from the gallows.
Mary Jane Holmes
Lucy Harding : $b a romance of Russia
"Lucy Harding: A Romance of Russia" by Mary J. Holmes is a historical romance novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Lucy Harding, a determined American woman from Massachusetts, who embarks on a journey to St. Petersburg amidst her fascination with Russian culture and her memories of a captivating language teacher named Nicol Patoff. As she navigates the complexities of Russian society and potential political unrest, Lucy becomes entangled in personal and larger societal conflicts, creating a rich tapestry of romance and adventure. The opening of the novel introduces Lucy as part of a group of American female tourists on their way to St. Petersburg, highlighting her character as independent and resourceful. She reflects on her educational background with Nicol Patoff, her charismatic teacher whose enigmatic past ignites her curiosity. As she arrives in Russia, Lucy's experiences with local customs and her encounters with various characters, including a stern gendarme and the vibrant streets, foreshadow the challenges she will face in this foreign land. Within these initial pages, the tension builds around Nicol's mysterious circumstances and the potential dangers of living in a politically charged environment, setting the stage for Lucy's adventures and growing emotions.
Recently surfaced classics