437 Results with the "Historical Fiction" genre


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      Chapter 3

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 3 begins with Alice, an Englishwoman transplanted into the rugged hills of rural Kentucky, adapting to the physically demanding role of a packhorse librarian. Her hands, once smooth and unblemished, now bear the marks of labor, her legs are bruised from countless rides across rocky terrain, and her skin is weathered by the elements. Despite these challenges, she remains resolute, finding fulfillment in delivering books to remote families and discovering unexpected joy in the growing relationships…
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      Chapter 2

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 2 begins with the stark yet breathtaking landscape of Baileyville, a remote town nestled deep within the Appalachian Mountains, where rugged terrain and close-knit communities define daily life. The town’s modest wooden structures, scattered along winding dirt roads, contrast with the dense forests and towering hills that encircle it. Within this isolated yet lively settlement, the Baileyville WPA Packhorse Library emerges as a beacon of hope, determined to bring literature and knowledge to…
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      Chapter 1

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 1 begins in the small town of Baileyville, Kentucky, during an unusually warm September, where the air is thick with heat and tension as the townspeople gather in the local hall. Alice Van Cleve, an Englishwoman who recently moved to America after marrying her husband, Bennett, finds herself trapped in a life she never anticipated—one filled with rigid social expectations, suffocating routine, and a marriage that feels more like an obligation than a partnership. The community meeting, which…
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      Prologue

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Prologue begins on a frigid December morning in 1937, where the unforgiving Appalachian wilderness stretches in all directions, blanketed in thick, unbroken snow. Margery O’Hare, bundled in layers against the bitter cold, guides her steadfast mule, Charley, along the treacherous path beneath Arnott’s Ridge. The early morning light barely penetrates the dense pine trees, casting elongated shadows that dance along the frozen ground, adding an eerie stillness to the landscape. Despite the bone-chilling…
    • The Giver of Stars (Jojo Moyes) Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is a historical novel set in 1930s Kentucky, following a group of women who become traveling librarians, facing personal and societal challenges while forming deep bonds and making a lasting impact on their community.
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      37. Gray Sharks

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Gray Sharks, set against the closing months of 1969, sees Kya Clark once again navigating the blurred lines between her isolated life in the marsh and the relentless encroachment of society. On this particular day, Kya maneuvers her boat through the dense fog of an early morning, making her way toward Jumpin's gas dock—her regular stop where she collects supplies to avoid the local law enforcement’s watchful eyes. The authorities, aware of her independence and her presence in the marshlands, have long…
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      Chapter IX

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter IX unfolds against the vibrant and complex backdrop of 18th century Paris, where Addie, in a bold and defiant act, sits alone in the Tuileries Gardens, daring to step outside the bounds of societal expectations. In a time when women were often relegated to domestic spheres, Addie’s decision to assert her presence in such a public space symbolizes a deep yearning for intellectual freedom and personal autonomy. As she soaks in the serene surroundings, she is filled with a quiet resolve, her eyes…
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      Chapter V

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter V delves deeper into the complex psyche of sixteen-year-old Adeline as she navigates the rigid confines of societal expectations in Villon-sur-Sarthe, France, during the spring of 1707. Unlike the other young women in the village, who eagerly anticipate fulfilling the roles of wives and mothers, Adeline dreams of a life far removed from these limited choices. She imagines herself as a solitary figure, akin to the grandeur of an ancient tree, firmly rooted yet free to reach toward the sky. Her…
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      Chapter IV

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter IV takes place in Villon-sur-Sarthe during the fall of 1703, where the community’s life revolves around the local Catholic church, a bastion of faith that both unites and defines the villagers. At twelve years old, Adeline feels disconnected from the fervent religious practices of her parents, viewing her prayers as part of a monotonous routine rather than a meaningful spiritual act. Her family's devoutness contrasts sharply with her internal indifference, highlighting her struggle to find…
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      Chapter III

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter III follows young Adeline during the summer of 1698, as she embarks on a significant journey away from her small village of Villon-sur-Sarthe, France, with her father. At only seven years old, Adeline is filled with wonder and anticipation, though a part of her feels the weight of the unknown. Accompanying her father, a skilled woodworker, to the bustling city of Le Mans for the first time, she experiences a whirlwind of emotions. While the journey stirs feelings of excitement, she is also filled…
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