Books matching: early 19th century
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- #1
Save:'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke is a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set in an alternate version of nineteenth century England. The story follows two magicians, Mr. Norrell and Jonathan Strange, as they delve into the restoration of magic in England and eventually aid in the country's victory in the Napoleonic Wars. The book intricately weaves together intricate world-building, fascinating characters, and a plot that unfolds slowly but steadily, keeping readers engaged through its detailed descriptions and rich storytelling style.
The writing style of 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' is described as dense, detailed, and somewhat long-winded, reminiscent of nineteenth-century literature. The author, Susanna Clarke, creates a world that is both captivating and immersive, with elements of humor, pointed digs, and a cynical outlook on the usefulness of magic. The book is known for its historical accuracy, extensive footnotes that add depth to the narrative, and its ability to transport readers to a world where magic and reality intertwine seamlessly.
They were gentleman-magicians, which is to say they had never harmed any one by magic – nor ever done any one the slightest good. In fact, to own the truth, not one of these magicians had ever cast th... - #2
Save:'The Maul and the Pear Tree' by P.D. James is a historical true crime book that delves into the gruesome Ratcliffe Highway murders that shook London in 1811. The book provides a detailed and informative account of the murders, the investigation process, and the social conditions of the time. Through a mix of historical facts, analysis, and speculation, the authors reconstruct the events surrounding the killings and shed light on the primitive methods of crime detection and law enforcement in early 19th-century London. The narrative captures the atmosphere of Wapping in 1811, painting a vivid picture of the era and the challenges faced by the authorities in solving the crimes.
- #3
Save:'Lotte in Weimar: The Beloved Returns' by Thomas Mann is a historical novel that delves into the later life of Lotte as she returns to Weimar and reunites with Goethe after 44 years. Through intricate dialogues and inner monologues, the novel explores the relationships between Lotte, Goethe, Goethe's family, and the society of Weimar in the early 19th century. Mann's writing style, reminiscent of early 19th-century idioms and grammatical forms, adds depth to the portrayal of characters and the setting, providing a unique reading experience.
- #4
Save:The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard is a historical mystery novel set in the early 19th century at West Point Academy. The story follows retired NYC police detective Augustus Landor as he investigates a gruesome murder of a cadet with the help of a young cadet named Edgar Allan Poe. The book captures the essence of the macabre and noir detective genre, intertwining the voices of the main characters to unravel a case possibly involving devil worship. The plot is filled with twists and turns, set in a detailed and well-defined historical backdrop, creating a different and delightful mystery experience.
I mention it because it puts things in a certain perspective. My fingers, for instance, have become interesting to me of late. Also the lowermost slat in the Venetian blinds, a bit askew. And outside ... - #5
Save:"Pride and Prometheus" by John Kessel is a unique blend of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." Set more than a decade after the events of "Pride and Prejudice," the story follows the two youngest Bennett sisters, Mary and Kitty, who encounter Victor Frankenstein and his creature. The narrative is told from multiple points of view, including Mary, Victor, and the creature, seamlessly weaving together elements of romance, Gothic horror, and science fiction. The book explores themes of love, ambition, and the consequences of playing god, all while staying true to the writing styles of Austen and Shelley.
When she was nineteen, Miss Mary Bennet had believed three things that were not true. She believed that, despite her awkwardness, she might become interesting through her accomplishments. She believed... - #6Emmaby:
Save:Emma Woodhouse, a young and single woman, takes on the role of a matchmaker for her friends, showcasing the day-to-day life of women in the Regency period. The story delves into Emma's attempts at matchmaking, her character development, and the consequences of her meddling in others' romantic lives. Despite the various misunderstandings and challenges faced by the characters, the book presents a classic tale filled with humor, wit, and social commentary, all wrapped in Jane Austen's distinct writing style.
- #7
Save:'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian is the first book in the Aubrey & Maturin series, set in the British Navy during the early 19th century. The story follows Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin, as they navigate naval warfare, battles, and adventures in the Age of Sail. The writing style is rich in historical detail, particularly focusing on nautical terminology, naval battles, and life aboard a warship, providing an authentic portrayal of the era.
The plot of 'Master and Commander' revolves around the friendship between Aubrey and Maturin, their interactions, and their respective roles on the ship. The book offers a mix of action-packed sequences, character development, and insights into the dynamics of naval life during the Napoleonic era. While some readers appreciate the historical accuracy and detailed descriptions, others find the heavy focus on nautical terms and lack of a clear overarching plot challenging to engage with.
The music-room in the Governor's House at Port Mahon, a tall, handsome, pillared octagon, was filled with the triumphant first movement of Locatelli's C major quartet. The players, Italians pinned aga... - #8
Save:'The Naturalist' by Christina Dudley is a traditional Regency novel about a non-traditional young woman named Alice Hapgood who is passionate about studying natural history science. Despite the societal norms of the time, Alice educates herself and disguises as a boy to assist a visiting naturalist, Joseph Tierney, in exploring the local flora and fauna. Their innocent friendship soon becomes complicated as deception, misunderstandings, and social expectations threaten their happiness. The plot unfolds with fun, frolic, social disasters, and eventual resolution, showcasing a sweet and chaste romantic comedy set in the early 19th century.
- #9
Save:'The Red and the Black' by Stendhal follows the story of Julien Sorel, a young ambitious Frenchman from a humble background, navigating the complexities of post-Napoleonic French society. The novel delves into themes of social climbing, love, ambition, and hypocrisy, portraying the capriciousness and changing hearts of its characters. Stendhal's writing style is described as sharp, dark satire with a touch of droll humor, reflecting the history and societal tensions of the time.
THE small town of Verrières may be regarded as one of the prettiest in the Franche-Comté. Its white houses with their steeply pitched roofs of red tile are spread over a hillside where clumps of sturd... - #10
Save:In "Death Comes to Pemberley" by P.D. James, the story revolves around a murder mystery set near Pemberley Hall, where Elizabeth and Darcy from "Pride and Prejudice" reside. The plot unfolds as a coach arrives with Lydia claiming her husband Wickham has been killed, leading to a complex investigation involving Captain Denny's murder. P.D. James skillfully blends elements of Jane Austen's style with a murder mystery, providing a continuation of beloved characters while introducing new challenges and surprises.
The writing style in "Death Comes to Pemberley" has received mixed reviews, with some readers praising P.D. James for successfully channeling Jane Austen's tone and creating a compelling narrative that delves into the lives of well-known characters post-"Pride and Prejudice." However, others have criticized the book for its lackluster plot development, weak mystery elements, and deviations from Austen's original characterizations, leading to a polarized reception among fans of both authors.
At eleven in the morning of Friday 14th October 1803 Elizabeth Darcy sat at the table in her sitting room on the first floor of Pemberley House. The room was not large but the proportions were particu...
