Romans i literatura obyczajowa
Edith Wharton
Published in 1902, The Valley of Decision is Edith Whartons first full length novel set in late 18th century Italy. In it, Odo Valsecca, a young Italian raised by peasants, is plucked from poverty and dropped into the lap of luxury as the newly named heir to his cousin, a duke. It is the time leading up to the French revolution, and Europe swirls with conflicting factions and ideologies, some trying to prop up the feudal and religious traditions that empowered them, and others seeking a new way. Meanwhile, in France, a revolution is brewing... Forced to choose between conflicting loyalties those to the forces of social reform with which he allied himself before he came to power, or those of the feudal tradition to which he belongs by blood Odo must define himself.
The Vintage. A Romance of the Greek War of Independence
E.F. Benson
This is a historical novel. The plot of the struggle of the Greek people against the Turks for independence. All actions revolve around the clan Maniot, Mavromihalov, who are central to the revolution. The action especially focuses on Nicholas Vidalis, a revolutionary leader, and his nephew, Mitsos, who is 18 years old at the beginning of the book, and becomes a fierce fighter.
Louise Jordan Miln
The novel is about a young woman of both English and Chinese descent, who must choose between lovers of both races, between East and West. Neither effort, nor suffering, nor experience can give perfection to any person, nor any race. Humanity, individual or herd, can only strive never fully triumph or to fulfill. But there are separate people, there are different people: vintage masculinity, vintage nation.
The Voice of the City. Further Stories of the Four Million
O. Henry
O. Henry is most widely recognized for his stories dry wit, plot twists and surprise ending. But another major element in his fiction is his love of the American urban environment, as well as a keen appreciation of the rapid diversification that occurred in many cities in the early twentieth century. In The Voice of the City, O. Henry uses excellently written short stories and high vocabulary to convey a sense on New York. This collection brings together an array of tales about humble people trying to survive in a major metropolis. The author has created a myriad of heroes and heroines to serve as guides to this large city. It is full of some funny, some far reaching, and some heartwarming stories of life that make you smile.
Monika Rutka
Czasami musimy robić złe rzeczy, aby przetrwać. Ale czy to oznacza, że jesteśmy złymi ludźmi? Brighton, Wielka Brytania, rok 1950 Młody weteran wojenny Herman Jones postanawia kontynuować służbę dla kraju i decyduje się wstąpić do brytyjskiej policji. W stawianiu pierwszych kroków na nowej ścieżce zawodowej może mu pomóc wpływowy znajomy ojca, Clarence Langford. Biznesmen zaprasza obu Jonesów na kolację do swojego domu, by pomówić o jego ewentualnym wsparciu. Tam Herman poznaje córki Clarence’a, Janette i Florence. Rozmowy układają się po myśli przyszłego stróża prawa. Wieczór zapowiada się przyjemnie. Wszystko się jednak zmienia, gdy do uszu mężczyzn dobiega krzyk żony gospodarza. W tamtym momencie jeszcze nie wiedziałem, że będę musiał podjąć najtrudniejszą decyzję w całym swoim życiu. Że to ja będę musiał zadecydować o losie młodej dziewczyny. Wtedy jeszcze nie wiedziałem, że od tej jednej decyzji zależy cała moja przyszłość.
Ethel M. Dell
The Way of an Eagle novel (1919) opens in India, as scapegrace Nick Ratcliffe rescues Muriel, the generals daughter, from dire peril. Between starvation and attack, death is almost certain. Nick is small, odd-looking, and unpredictable. But he has somehow won the generals unconditional confidence. Not so with Muriel. Repelled yet fascinated by his mockery and ferocity his way of an eagle she agrees to a betrothal, then breaks it off for clean-cut Blake Grange. Back in England, Muriel gradually learns the truth of her feelings and of Blakes. But when she returns to India Nick, now maimed in his countrys service, is nowhere to be seen until new peril strikes. True love prevails. This is an old-fashioned adventure/romance and its impossible to put down.
The Well-Beloved. A Sketch of a Temperament
Thomas Hardy
"The Well-Beloved" complete the series of Hardys great novels, repeating his favorite themes of mans eternal pursuit of excellence both in love and in art, and the ensuing suffering, Jocelyn Pearston, a famous sculptor, tries to create the image of his ideal woman - his imagined Beloved - in stone, just as he tries to find her in the flesh. Powerful symbolism marks this romantic fantasy, which Hardy firmly substantiated in reality with a characteristic authentic display of the location, the Slinger Islands or Portland.
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
In this story, the couple can not find a common language. After all, the wife does not agree with the point of view of her husband. She is capricious and does not want to solve their problems. But then we find hints of a deeper history of their relationship, which can prove that it is more reasonable than we suspect. This is a simple story, but with a very deep meaning.