Subject
Yellow fever -- Fiction Books
Best books
Charles Brockden Brown
Arthur Mervyn; Or, Memoirs of the Year 1793
"Arthur Mervyn; Or, Memoirs of the Year 1793" by Charles Brockden Brown is a novel published in 1799. This influential work of American Gothic literature follows a young man who arrives in Philadelphia penniless and becomes entangled with a thief and forger. Set against the backdrop of the city's devastating yellow fever epidemic, the story unfolds as Arthur recounts his past to clear his name. The novel blurs the line between hero and villain, exploring moral ambiguity and psychological complexity in early America.
Lafcadio Hearn
Chita: A Memory of Last Island
"Chita: A Memory of Last Island" by Lafcadio Hearn is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story unfolds on the Louisiana coast, specifically at Last Island, touching upon themes of nature's power and human folly against the backdrop of a catastrophic storm that strikes during a festive gathering. The opening of the book describes the lush and haunting beauty of the Louisiana bayous and the islands along the Gulf, setting a vivid scene of the coastal landscape. Readers are introduced to Last Island, which was once a vibrant and popular resort but now lies in ruin, foreshadowing the tragic events to come. Against this backdrop, the narrative depicts the last moments of revelry at a hotel during a hurricane, where a sense of impending doom contrasts sharply with the gaiety of the guests. As the storm gathers strength, the book immersively recounts the initial tranquility that is soon shattered, hinting at the devastation that will soon unfold.
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.
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