Subject
Youth -- Conduct of life -- Fiction Books
Best books
Stewart Edward White
The Riverman
"The Riverman" by Stewart Edward White is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story is set in 1872 on a river bend near a dam, focusing on the lives of rivermen who drive logs downstream, emphasizing their rugged lifestyle and camaraderie. The narrative explores the challenges they face, including conflicts with the dam owner, Simeon Reed, as they strive to manage the river's flow and navigate obstacles that threaten their livelihood. The opening of "The Riverman" paints a vivid picture of a bustling camp of rivermen preparing for their daily work on the river. A lively crew of men, diverse in age and character, gathers around fires, exchanging banter as they deal with an unexpected wind that hampers their progress. The central character, Jack Orde, emerges as a capable and humorous leader, attempting to rally his crew to address the issues posed by the dam's sluice-gate. The tension escalates as conflicts arise with Reed, who is staunchly protective of his property. Through detailed descriptions of the camp dynamics and the men's interactions, the narrative sets the stage for a gripping tale of resilience against nature and authority in the rough-and-tumble world of river driving.
Mary C. (Mary Churchill) Hungerford
The Friendly Five: A Story
"The Friendly Five: A Story" by Mary C. Hungerford is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a group of schoolgirls at Coventry Institute, focusing on themes of friendship, acceptance, and personal growth. The narrative introduces the main characters, including the spirited Lily Dart, and examines their interactions, particularly with a new student named Mary Ann Stubbs, who comes from a humble background. At the start of the tale, the girls at Coventry Institute prepare for the end of the school year, during which Mr. Bellamy makes a heartfelt appeal to the students to embrace his young granddaughter, Elfie, who is joining them at school. While the girls eagerly anticipate Elfie's arrival, the story hints at the dynamic that will unfold between them all, particularly with the later introduction of Mary Ann Stubbs. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for the themes of kindness and social class, setting in motion the relationships and conflicts that will develop as the girls navigate their school life together.
J. M. (James Matthew) Barrie
Tommy and Grizel
"Tommy and Grizel" by J. M. Barrie is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book centers around the experiences of Tommy Sandys, a young boy arriving in London with his sister, Elspeth, who aspires to become a writer under the guidance of O.P. Pym, a reclusive author. As Tommy navigates the complexities of life in the bustling city, he also grapples with the themes of friendship, identity, and the intellectual and emotional intricacies of growing up. The opening of "Tommy and Grizel" introduces the central character Tommy Sandys, a serious yet naive lad, as he arrives in London. He is accompanied by his sister Elspeth and is determined to take on various jobs to escape their past life on a farm. The narrative begins with a focus on Tommy's initial meeting with the larger-than-life author O.P. Pym, who is struggling with his writing. Pym, initially unimpressed with Tommy, becomes curious about him, particularly considering the boy’s ambition and earnestness despite his youthful innocence. This initial encounter sets the stage for Tommy's journey, both as an aspiring writer and as he navigates his relationships and the looming presence of Grizel, a mysterious figure from his past that influences his emotional landscape.
Regina Maria Roche
The Children of the Abbey: A Tale
"The Children of the Abbey: A Tale" by Regina Maria Roche is a novel published in 1796. This Irish romantic tale follows siblings Amanda and Oscar Fitzalan, who are cheated out of their rightful inheritance by a forged will. Blending Gothic elements like haunted abbeys and old mansions with sentimental storytelling, the novel became a major commercial success that remained in print throughout the nineteenth century. Its popularity inspired references in works by Jane Austen and others, and reportedly sparked a wave of Amandas named after its heroine.
Emma Marshall
Salome
"Salome" by Emma Marshall is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Salome who lives with her family at a comfortable estate called Maplestone Court. As the narrative unfolds, the Wilton family's seemingly serene life is disrupted by financial ruin and personal tragedy, forcing Salome to confront the harsh realities of adulthood and assume greater responsibilities for her family. At the start of the novel, Salome is portrayed as a reflective and sensitive fifteen-year-old, often lost in her thoughts while observing her surroundings, especially by the lake in their garden. The chapter introduces the carefree lives of Salome and her siblings, alongside hints of growing troubles, particularly concerning their father. As the narrative progresses, the story takes a sudden turn with their father's unexpected financial collapse, plunging the family into uncertainty. Salome's innocence is stripped away as she learns of their dire circumstances, compelling her to step up and think for others rather than herself, setting the stage for her character's development against a backdrop of emotional turmoil and loss.
Amy Le Feuvre
A girl and her ways
"A Girl and Her Ways" by Amy Le Feuvre is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the main character, Gentian, a spirited young woman navigating her newfound independence after her mother's death. As she settles into her life in England, she must confront societal expectations, her personal ambitions, and her relationships with men who wish to manage her life. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Thorold Holt, a somewhat solitary man dealing with the aftermath of his cousin's death. He is approached by Miss Ward, a woman who seeks his assistance for Gentian, the daughter of a late friend, who is left without means after her mother's passing. Gentian is depicted as determined and fiercely independent, preferring to forge her own path in life. As Thorold learns more about Gentian's ambitions and her idea of driving a car for hire, he grapples with both concern for her future and his own feelings about taking on the responsibilities of familial ties. The stage is set for a dynamic exploration of Gentian's journey towards self-sufficiency and her relationships with those around her.
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