613 Results with the "Historical Fiction" genre


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      The Transmitter

      The Transmitter Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "The Transmitter" from *The Transmitter* follows Marie-Laure, a blind girl in war-torn Saint-Malo, as she attempts to operate an old radio transmitter hidden in her attic. The device, built by her uncle Etienne, represents a fragile hope of communication amidst the chaos. Marie-Laure carefully navigates the attic, relying on her heightened senses to locate the machine and its components. She imagines Etienne might still be alive, perhaps listening for a signal, and resolves to broadcast despite…
    • The Simultaneity of Instants Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a tense moment as Marie-Laure hides in a wardrobe, hearing a brick fall and a gunshot that splits the silence like a volcanic eruption. The chaos escalates as footsteps approach, and she senses an intruder searching Henri's room, the air filling with smoke and steam. The suspense builds as the footsteps grow hesitant, moving closer to her hiding spot, while Marie-Laure grips a knife, prepared for confrontation. The scene is visceral, capturing her fear and the imminent danger through…
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      Part Two:i

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens in Nancy’s chip shop, where the pervasive smell of cooking oil fills the air as she prepares to open for business. Nancy reflects on the absence of her daughter Miriam, who would normally complain about the lingering odor infiltrating the house. She calls out for her son Gerard but receives no reply, knowing he often prefers socializing at local pubs now that the chip shop is successful. The thick fumes compel Nancy to switch on a noisy fan and eventually open the shop’s door to let…
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      Zollverein

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Zollverein" introduces Werner Pfennig, a young boy growing up in a bleak coal-mining town outside Essen, Germany. The industrial landscape is described as harsh and desolate, with smokestacks, slag heaps, and a constant struggle for survival. Werner and his sister Jutta live in an orphanage called Children’s House, surrounded by the remnants of deceased parents and the sounds of sick children. The setting reflects the economic despair of post-war Germany, where food is scarce, and basic…
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      Occuper

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Marie-Laure awakens in an unfamiliar, cramped bedroom in her great-uncle Etienne's multi-story house, disoriented by the faint smell of mildew and the distant roar of what might be the sea. Blind since childhood, she navigates the narrow space with caution, her heels still sore from an unexplained injury. The house feels ancient and peculiar, with windows out of reach and furniture arranged awkwardly. Madame Manec, the housekeeper, arrives to assist her, revealing snippets about the reclusive Etienne, who…
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      The Rounds

      The Rounds Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "The Rounds" follows Marie-Laure, a blind girl, as she adapts to her new life in Saint-Malo under the care of Madame Manec. Despite initial resistance, Marie-Laure gradually gains independence, navigating the beach and streets with her cane and memorizing the layout of the town. Her daily walks to the shore become a therapeutic ritual, where she collects seashells and other treasures, momentarily escaping her grief over her father’s imprisonment. The ocean’s sounds and textures provide…
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      Fall

      Fall Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a vivid depiction of Saint-Malo under a stormy sky, where German officers arrive in limousines to film along the ramparts. Etienne observes them from his window through a telescope, noting their casual demeanor despite the wartime setting. Across the street, laughter and light spill from Claude Levitte’s house, contrasting with the darkened block. The scene is punctuated by a shot glass tossed from a window, symbolizing the tension and unpredictability of life under occupation.…
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      Agoraphobia

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Agoraphobia" from *All the Light We Cannot See* focuses on Etienne's growing anxiety as he waits for Marie-Laure to return from her usual trip to the bakery and the sea. Normally, her outing takes 21 minutes, but this time, she exceeds the expected duration, triggering Etienne's fear and paranoia. He imagines worst-case scenarios—her getting lost, injured, or discovered for her clandestine activities involving bread and a transmitter. His mind spirals into panic, envisioning the bakery in…
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      Duffel

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Duffel" from *All the Light We Cannot See* follows Jutta as she grapples with the emotional weight of a duffel bag left behind by Volkheimer. The bag sits ominously on the hall table, a silent reminder of absence. Jutta tends to her son Max and observes her husband Albert engrossed in his model train world downstairs, the relentless sound of the trains echoing through the house. Despite attempting to focus on grading her students' exams, Jutta finds herself distracted, her thoughts drifting to…
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      Part Four:ii

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In this chapter, Eilis engages in a subtle yet revealing conversation with her mother about appearance and societal expectations, particularly focusing on the choice of dresses and hats for an upcoming wedding. Her mother’s initial critiques give way to a rare compliment, suggesting a complex relationship marked by unspoken emotions and restrained affection. The dialogue highlights the tension between personal preference and community scrutiny, reflecting the pressures Eilis faces as she navigates her…
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