Publisher: Wildside Press
What was the secret of Dorgan's power over the South Sea island's natives? Classic historical adventure fiction first published in the March 15, 1918 issue of Adventure magazine.
Nala and Rajan, a young couple, begin their married life in 1946, on the eve of Ceylon’s independence from Britain. Arranged in marriage, they learn to love each other and protect their growing family, against the backdrop of increasing ethnic tension. As the country descends into a bloody civil war, Nala and Rajan must decide which path is best for their family; and live with the consequences of their mistakes. Over time, Nala and Rajan teach their family why some parts of their history and heritage are worth holding onto; and why some parts and people have to be left behind. Song of the Sun God spans three continents and three generations of a family that remains dedicated to its homeland, whilst learning to embrace its new home. Funny at times, warm and tender at others, we see Nala and Rajan’s family navigate war, migration, old loyalties and new beginnings, relying on the philosophy of their religion, their ancestors and each other. Song of the Sun God is about the wisdom, mistakes and sacrifices of our past that enable us to live more freely in the future. It is about finding home and forgiving family.Show book
Set in New Orleans, the story follows Edna Pontellier and her struggle to reconcile her increasingly unorthodox views on femininity and motherhood. It is one of the earliest American novels that focuses on women's issues. The novel's blend of realistic narrative, incisive social commentary, and psychological complexity makes The Awakening a precursor of American modernism.Show book
Throughout the long centuries of human history is the want, and the need, to share information, to exchange ideas and for that knowledge and experience, for curiosity and learning, to be the basis of a civil society. In literature the ambition is much narrower. In order to be known, to be popular, you had to be published. And for that people had to know you existed and your ideas worth reading. Obviously for most of humanity’s time people couldn’t read and texts couldn’t be published in any great number. In the 15th Century Gutenberg’s printing press began the revolution to address the second and by the 19th century had gathered pace with startling speed and mass distribution. Education for the many was brought in to help people understand more of their world and, with new skills, how to have a better place within it. Now, if the powers that owned the presses and means of distribution agreed an audience would now be able to avail themselves of your ideas, your printed words. Sadly, in the thirst for the new, the recent and the past fell from sight, relegated to dark corners and dusty shelves. But the printed word is rarely without someone, somewhere busying themselves through piles of papers and books rediscovering what a good story is, whatever its age. In this volume we offer up a small selection of those talents whose time has now come again.Show book
*WATERSTONES WELSH BOOK OF THE MONTH* Paris, 1891 Laura is living on the streets, far from the American Prairies where she was born. When rescued by the entrancing aerialists, Ena and Auguste Gaudron, she soon finds herself ensconced in the family hot air balloon business, and offered the chance to learn how to fly. Cardiff, 1896 The Gaudrons accept an invitation to be part of the Cardiff Fine Art, Industrial and Maritime Exhibition, presenting a daring show of balloon ascents and parachute descents. Then late one night, a young girl, Grace, knocks on the Gaudrons’ door. She is desperate to fly, whatever the cost. As Grace’s dreams begin to take wing, can Laura be the one to keep her grounded? Or will both girls risk it all for one dazzling moment of flight? ‘A heady and stylish read that had me swept away from the first page. Munnik has captured a fascinating world of daring with both beauty and heart’ MAHSUDA SNAITH ‘Vivid and meticulous, Katie Munnik’s The Aerialists captures the tangled desires of people living on the thin air of their own daring – a glorious vision of a time, a place, a welter of human manipulations and hopes, and ultimately, their tragic effects. A really fine read’ JOAN BARFOOT ‘Based on a true story, this rich novel will capture your imagination’ BEST magazine Immersed in the historical and cultural heritage of the late 19th century, The Aerialists by Katie Munnik is a top literary fiction that takes you on a journey from the American Prairies to the streets of Paris and Cardiff. The narrative is a testament to the human spirit, daring to dream and the desire to fly. For fans of Jonathan Coe (Bournville), Eric Ozawa (More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop), Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale), Maggie O'Farrell (Instructions for a Heatwave), and Natasha Solomons (House of Gold). HarperCollins 2022Show book
The Great White Hunter—Southern Africa is the third and final book of the Dutch Century Trilogy. It covers the last two-thirds of the 1600s, during which the Dutch exercised considerable control of all sub-Saharan Africa. Among the Dutch who spent significant portions of their lives in the region were farmers, traders, builders, mariners, and slavers. And, most interesting, some intrepid long-distance hunters. They sought fortunes as rewards for museum-quality mounted specimens, success beyond their wildest imaginations from the elephant tusk/ivory trade, and adventure—always adventure. They were brave and hardy souls who faced hardships of miserable travel in oxwaggons, difficult to manage native helpers, balky oxen, mules, and horses. In addition, there were problems of tribalism, close calls from fearsome beasts, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, crocs, and dangerous men. Piet van Brakel explored the lower half of the African continent while still a fugitive from the dangerous Dutch VOC. To succeed, he had to control the vicissitudes of weather—floods, droughts, winds, starvation, and great thirsts. He was the baas, the bwana who had to deal with all unseen and unknown surprises. That included: animal attacks, Arab slaver/killer invasion, war with ruthless Zulu impis, poisons, malfunctioning guns, and misbehaving men of his safari team. He lost six of his nine lives, accumulated hard-won treasure twice, and gained incomparable friends and success beyond measure. Such a life was never a sure thing for the man. How he accomplished, that is the stuff of legend.Show book
When a World War II widow inherits a dilapidated English estate, she uncovers a diary written by an adolescent girl named Maude Gower. Looking for answers, she begins reading, only to unravel more questions about the mysterious past and many secrets hidden deep within the walls of Orchard House. In 1876, orphaned Maude is forced to leave London, and her adored brother, Frank, to live with a stranger. Everyone—especially Frank—tells her not to trust Miss Greenaway, the enigmatic owner of Orchard House, but Maude can't help warming to her new guardian. Encouraged by Miss Greenaway, Maude finds herself discovering who she is for the first time, and learning to love her new home. But when Frank comes for an unexpected visit, the delicate balance of Maude's life is thrown into disarray. Complicating matters more, Maude witnesses an adult world full of interactions she cannot quite understand. Her efforts to regain control result in a violent tragedy, the repercussions of which will haunt Orchard House for the rest of Maude's life—and beyond. With each psychologically gripping turn, Elizabeth Brooks masterfully explores the blurred lines between truth and manipulation, asking us who we can trust, how to tell guilt from forgiveness, and whether we can ever really separate true love from destruction.Show book
