Books matching: early 20th century england
78 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:A witty, biting, and still relevant classic; perfect for fans of sharp social commentary and strong female characters, but less suited to those wanting straightforward romance or easy answers.
'Pygmalion' by George Bernard Shaw is a play that revolves around the transformation of a lower-class flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a refined lady through the guidance of Professor Henry Higgins. The plot delves into the complexities of British class consciousness in the early 20th century, with sharp commentary on social status and gender roles. Shaw's writing style is witty, charming, and thought-provoking, blending humor with deeper insights into societal norms and individual growth.
1912•131 pages - #2
Save:A charming, relaxing, and clever cozy fantasy - perfect for fans of magical estates, found family, and slow-burn relationships. If you need comfort with your magic, give this one a try!
The Lord of Stariel follows the story of Henrietta Valstar, an illusionist who returns to her family estate for her father's funeral. As she navigates through family politics and mysterious interference, she uncovers a web of suspicious characters with unique agendas. The book introduces a magical land, Stariel, where tradition dictates its ruler through a ritual known as 'The Choosing'. With a blend of historical romance and fae elements, the story unfolds at a steady pace, revealing surprises and secrets that are crucial for the plot's development. The writing style is engaging, with well-built characters and a world filled with magic and intrigue.
Hetta Valstar rummaged through her makeup bag and frowned. Was cherry a sombre enough shade? Or was it too cheerful? Maybe a paler shade would be better. It was easy to visualise a demure rose, which...October 2018•322 pages - #3
Save:A charming, unusual collection blending mysticism and mystery - unexpectedly atmospheric and thought-provoking, especially for Christie fans willing to stray from her usual formula.
'The Mysterious Mr. Quin' by Agatha Christie is a collection of short stories featuring the mysterious Mr. Harley Quin and the observant Mr. Satterthwaite. Each chapter presents a separate mystery that is solved by Mr. Satterthwaite with the help of Mr. Quin, who appears mysteriously whenever an unusual occurrence happens. The stories range from supernatural to romantic to straight puzzle mysteries, with a touch of fantasy and elements of the Harlequin legend woven into the plot.
Mr. Satterthwaite was glad that the young people had gone to bed. He was not fond of young people in herds. He thought them uninteresting and crude. They lacked subtlety and as life went on he had bec...1930•301 pages - #4
Save:A must-read for lovers of occult classics and vintage supernatural thrillers, but it shows its age - read for the chills and adventure, but expect some corniness and old-fashioned attitudes.
'The Devil Rides Out' by Dennis Wheatley is a supernatural thriller that follows the main protagonist, the Duke de Richleau, as he battles against black magicians led by Mocata to save his friend Simon Aron and a young girl named Tanith. The book delves into the world of black magic and the occult, exploring themes of good versus evil with a strong focus on occult lore and rituals. The writing style of the book is described as formal and engaging, drawing readers into a mysterious and tense atmosphere as the characters face supernatural dangers and demonic forces.
An appetite in keeping with his mighty frame had enabled Van Ryn to do ample justice to each well-chosen course and, as was his custom each time the young American arrived in England, the Duke had pro...1934•329 pages - #5
Save:A charming, thoughtful classic with clever mysteries and quirky prose - best enjoyed by fans of classic whodunits and those who don’t mind a sprinkle of philosophy (and can overlook vintage attitudes).
'The Innocence of Father Brown' by G.K. Chesterton is a collection of 12 short stories featuring the unassuming yet clever Catholic priest, Father Brown, as he solves crimes with his uncanny insight into human nature and evil. Set in early 20th-century England, the stories follow Father Brown's detective skills as he battles the great master criminal Flambeau, often with elements of the fantastic woven into the mysteries. Chesterton's writing style is described as straightforward, with strong visual descriptions that vividly set the scene for each story.
Between the silver ribbon of morning and the green glittering ribbon of sea, the boat touched Harwich and let loose a swarm of folk like flies, among whom the man we must follow was by no means conspi...1911•250 pages - #6
Save:A funny, fast-paced, and candid look at the wild childhood of one of the world’s best storytellers - perfect for Roald Dahl fans and anyone who thinks real life should be packed with adventure.
'Boy: Tales of Childhood' by Roald Dahl is an engaging autobiography that delves into the early life of the beloved children's storyteller. Through humorous and sometimes brutal anecdotes, Dahl recounts his experiences growing up, including his time in boarding school, hilarious pranks, and family adventures. The writing style mirrors Dahl's typical storytelling flair, blending dark overtones with light-hearted moments, making the book read more like a story than a traditional autobiography.
From Calais they went to Paris, and in Paris they agreed to separate because each of them wished to be independent of the other. Uncle Oscar, for some reason, headed west for La Rochelle on the Atlant...January 1984•207 pages - #7
Save:A masterfully written and wickedly entertaining portrait of a literary monster - hilarious, biting, and quietly sad. You don't have to love Angel to be riveted by her story.
'Angel' by Elizabeth Taylor is a novel that follows the rise and decline of the title character, Angelica Deverell, a bestselling author known for her tasteless yet successful novels. The story depicts Angel's journey from a young girl born into poverty to a celebrated author, showcasing her self-absorbed and disdainful nature. Set against the backdrop of the English class system in the early 20th century, the novel explores Angel's relationships with her family and friends, who oscillate between protective love and exasperation towards her. Elizabeth Taylor's writing style in 'Angel' is described as clear and rich in vocabulary, creating a memorable cast of characters and offering a great escape read for the readers.
“Yes, the sky,” Miss Dawson said suspiciously. She handed the exercise-book to Angel, feeling baffled. The girl had a great reputation as a liar and when this strange essay had been handed in—“A Storm...1957•252 pages - #8
Save:An English classic: beautifully written, charmingly nostalgic, and best enjoyed if you adore rich prose and period coziness - just don’t come expecting non-stop action or modern sensibilities!
Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee is a nostalgic memoir of the author's life growing up in the English countryside in the early 1900s. The book provides a glimpse into a world that has since disappeared, capturing village life in the Cotswolds between the two World Wars. Lee's childhood experiences straddle changing times, depicting a rural life that was becoming more mechanized while towns were expanding. The author's writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and filled with humor and tragedy, portraying unforgettable characters and the shadow of the First World War.
The book is presented in a series of vignettes, offering a child's eye view of growing up in a remote village called Slad. The author's ability to draw vivid scenes and bring characters to life is highlighted, creating a charming and evocative portrayal of a lost way of life. Despite some readers finding the book rose-tinted and nostalgic, Lee's writing is praised for its beauty, honesty, and ability to provoke contemplation about life and human connections.
The June grass, amongst which I stood, was taller than I was, and I wept. I had never been so close to grass before. It towered above me and all around me, each blade tattooed with tiger-skins of sunl...1959•269 pages - #9
Save:A sweeping, atmospheric tale for historical fiction lovers - think Downton Abbey with a gothic twist! Expect a slow build, engaging secrets, and a deeply nostalgic look at a vanished world. Not Morton's best, but still a satisfying read if you enjoy richly detailed dramas.
Set in a grand English country house, 'The House at Riverton' follows the life of Grace Bradley, a former servant, as she reflects on the mysterious death of a young poet that occurred during a society party in 1924. Through Grace's reminiscences, readers are taken on a journey back to the early 20th century, exploring the intertwined lives of the aristocratic Hartford family and the secrets that have been kept hidden for decades. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loyalty, class distinctions, and the impact of past events on the present, creating a rich historical mystery that slowly unravels to reveal unexpected truths.
The writing style of 'The House at Riverton' is described as beautifully crafted, engaging, and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era filled with drama, tragedy, and intricate relationships. The novel skillfully blends elements of gothic fiction with historical accuracy, offering a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of the human experience, the societal norms of the Edwardian era, and the enduring power of secrets and memories.
It was 1924 and I was at Riverton again. All the doors hung wide open, silk billowing in the summer breeze. An orchestra perched high on the hill beneath the ancient maple, violins lilting lazily in t...2006•601 pages - #10
Save:A beautifully cozy, charming historical romance that's pure escapist delight for ballet lovers and sentimental souls - just be ready for a few classic romance tropes along the way.
A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson is a historical romance novel set in 1912 England and the Amazon River in Brazil. The story follows a young ballet dancer named Harriet who escapes her oppressive family to pursue her passion for dance and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love. The book is praised for its vivid descriptions that transport readers to the lush Amazon, the well-developed protagonist, and the gentle, beautiful writing style that captivates readers from the very beginning.
There was no lovelier view in England, Harriet knew this. To her right, the soaring towers of King’s College Chapel and the immaculate lawns sloping down to the river’s edge; to her left, the blue and...1985•390 pages
