Showing titles in Drama & Plays

Join an unflappable old sea captain and his crew of two hundred Chinese laborers as they navigate the stormy seas of a terrifying typhoon for the very first time. Meanwhile, an émigré Austrian peasant named Yanko washes ashore on an English beach, only to face the cold shoulder of a local community that finds his foreign ways unsettling. Through persistence, he gradually earns a sliver of respect. Captain Falk, who seems to be part man and part tugboat, finds himself hopelessly in love with a beautiful young woman, but a tricky dilemma stands in the way of their happiness. And then theres a ...

Published anonymously in 1877 and later attributed to Louisa May Alcott in 1889, A Whisper in the Dark offers a striking departure from Alcotts beloved childrens literature. This haunting and melodramatic novella follows the journey of Sybil, a seventeen-year-old orphan caught in a web of mystery and misunderstanding. Raised by her kind yet enigmatic guardian, Madame Bernard, Sybil embarks on a quest to uncover her origins and finds herself falling in love. However, a tragic miscommunication leads to her imprisonment, pushing her to the brink of madness. This sensational tale echoes the ...

In this captivating short novel, brothers Pierre and Jean find their lives irrevocably altered by the death of an old family friend. The friend’s unexpected bequest of his entire fortune to Jean, the younger sibling, leaves Pierre grappling with confusion, envy, and a deepening sense of resentment. As secrets unfold and pivotal decisions loom, Maupassants fourth novel invites readers to explore themes of family, loyalty, and the human condition, earning its place as one of his most celebrated works. (Lee Smalley)

In Rain, we delve into the gripping tale of a missionary whose moral compass unravels as he attempts to convert Sadie Thompson, a captivating prostitute from a Pacific island. This poignant narrative explores themes of faith, temptation, and the complexities of human nature. (Introduction by an excerpt from Wikipedia)

“The Two Brothers” (1842) is a captivating piece from Balzac’s monumental series, “The Human Comedy.” Originally titled “La Rabouilleuse” in French, it has also been known as “The Black Sheep” and “A Bachelor’s Establishment” in various English translations. Delving deep into the complexities of family dynamics, Balzac paints a vivid picture of strained relationships among parents, children, and siblings. Set in a small town in post-Napoleonic France, a father’s mistaken belief about his daughter’s legitimacy leads to her being raised by her in-laws in Paris. As she...

In the picturesque countryside, the arrival of two women seeking fresh starts unravels a tapestry of romantic entanglements and family scandals. As secrets emerge, friendships are tested and lives are forever changed. - Summary by Anne Fletcher

In the third installment of Louis Couperus captivating Books of the Small Souls quartet, Twilight of the Souls picks up several months after the events of The Later Life. Constance Van der Welcke and her husband, Henri, are striving for a quieter existence in The Hague, while sister Bertha and her daughter Marianne have retreated to the countryside. The once lively Sunday gatherings hosted by Mama Van Lowe are a distant memory. Yet, the familys struggles continue, shifting focus to the challenges faced by Constances brothers, Gerrit and Ernst, and Berthas children, Henri and Emilie, who have ...

When Simon de Gex, a wealthy and influential MP, learns he has a terminal illness, he resolves to make the most of his remaining months by using his power and resources for good. His primary focus becomes steering his protégé and close friend, Dale, away from a precarious relationship with the enigmatic Lola Brandt, a woman with a questionable past. This compelling narrative not only chronicles Simons noble quest but also explores the unexpected twists that arise when a medical miracle restores his health. (Summary by Simon Evers)

In the rugged mountains of western Colorado, Clement has achieved what many have failed to do—unearthing riches from the earth. Yet, amid his newfound success, he feels a compelling urge to share his fortune with someone truly deserving. When fate leads him to a young woman on the brink of death, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. But Clement carries a heavy past, and his conscience insists that he must confront it before he can truly be worthy of her love. As he grapples with the question of whether a man of means should endeavor to cleanse his soul for a fleeting connection, the ...

In a revealing letter to Edward Garnett in 1912, D.H. Lawrence encapsulated the essence of Sons and Lovers a tale of a woman of character and refinement, trapped in the lower class and dissatisfied with her life. Her passion for her husband gives birth to vibrant sons, whom she ultimately chooses as her lovers—first the eldest, then the second. As they grow, these boys are propelled by their deep love for their mother, yet as they reach adulthood, they find themselves unable to love fully, overshadowed by her dominant presence. This rendition brings to life the story in authentic regional ...

The life of young heir Pierre takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a mysterious woman who claims to be his sister, leading him on a journey filled with secrets, identity, and unexpected revelations.

In Morals of Marcus Ordeyne, we follow the life of Sir Marcus Ordeyne, a middle-aged bachelor and schoolmaster who enjoys the privileges of both wealth and title, allowing him a life of leisure. His world is turned upside down when he encounters a young girl in a London park, who has fled a Turkish harem only to find herself abandoned and destitute after her rescuers sudden death. With no clear path forward, Sir Marcus takes her into his home, leading to a series of unexpected and profound consequences. (Summary by Simon Evers)

Step into the gritty world of British third-rate theaters circa 1900 with Position of Peggy Harper. Follow the journey of Christopher Tatham, a struggling actor navigating the precarious landscape of minor roles and relying on his uncles charity, all while dreaming of stardom. Along the way, he encounters Peggy Harper, a fellow aspirant facing similar challenges. Together, they strive to carve out their own paths to fame and success amidst the backdrop of an unforgiving industry. Drawing from his own experiences as an actor and actor-manager, Leonard Merrick brings this poignant tale to life (...

Dive into Bram Stokers debut novel, Primrose Path, originally serialized in The Shamrock magazine in 1875. Long before he captivated readers with Dracula, Stoker crafted a poignant tale of the OSullivans, a joyful Irish family who abandon their simple Dublin life in pursuit of Jerry OSullivans dream of becoming a theatrical carpenter in London. Joined by his devoted wife, Katey, their journey quickly turns into a harrowing saga as they confront the harsh realities of urban life. The squalor and moral decay of the city threaten to unravel their happiness, leading to a series of heartbreaking ...

When Sir Harry Hotspurs only son and heir tragically passes away, the family title falls to his cousin, George Hotspur. Determined to keep the ancestral estate within the family, Sir Harry hopes to pass the legacy to his daughter, Emily, and is counting on her future husband to adopt the Hotspur name. However, George, a charming yet reckless gambler, has his own agenda—winning Emilys heart to save himself from financial ruin. Despite Emilys awareness of Georges unworthiness, she believes she can redeem him. Torn between her love and her fathers demands, which include a promise not to marry ...

Originally published in 1904, “The Master’s Violin” is the seventh novel by Myrtle Reed. Set in the charming German town of East Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the story follows widow Margaret Irving and her son, Lynn, as they return after two decades with hopes of advancing Lynn’s musical career under the mentorship of Herr Kaufmann, the esteemed master violinist. Meanwhile, young Iris, raised by her loving Aunt Peace, navigates life in her new neighborhood, slowly discovering her independence. As we delve deeper into the lives of these characters, including the affectionate Doctor ...

In the bustling streets of New York City, Ruth and Alice DeVere face the harsh realities of life alongside their father, Hosmer, a once-promising actor. Just as he lands a role in a new play, a sudden voice affliction robs him of his chance, leaving the family teetering on the brink of eviction. Despite his reluctance to embrace the world of silent films, Mr. DeVere must confront his pride when a neighbor suggests that acting in moving pictures could be their only salvation. As the pressures mount, the bond between father and daughters is tested, leading them on an unexpected journey into the ...

Dive into the captivating world of Old Rose And Silver, where the lives of Rose, her widowed Aunt Madame Francesca Bernard, and their spirited cousin Isabel intertwine with the return of Colonel Kent and his son Allison, an old friend from the past. As they navigate the complexities of their small-town existence, the rebellious Crosby twins and an unconventional doctor who specializes in the impossible further complicate their lives. Set against an ambiguous historical backdrop, the story focuses on the intimate connections and heartfelt journeys of these characters as they explore love, ...

John Linden is an immensely wealthy man, but his fortune comes with complications. The rightful heirs to his estate are his nephew, Curtis Waring, his niece Florence Linden, and a long-lost son—if he is still alive. In a twist of fate, John insists that Florence and Curtis marry if she wishes to claim her share of the inheritance. Meanwhile, a young boy named Dodger is sent to steal one of John’s wills to ensure Curtis inherits everything. However, when Florence intervenes and befriends Dodger, she unexpectedly chooses a life of adventure over wealth, leaving her uncles mansion behind. Can...

Anne Dunnock finds herself trapped in a world of discontent. With a widowed father who is a clergyman more committed to his duties than to the people he serves, Anne struggles to connect with the villagers who have turned their backs on them. Despite her best efforts to fit in, its only when she escapes into marriage that her father finally reveals the depth of his appreciation for her. Join us as we explore themes of isolation, acceptance, and the complex bonds of family. - Summary by LynneT