613 Results with the "Historical Fiction" genre


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      Hotel of Bees

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Hotel of Bees" opens with Werner recalling a chaotic moment in a cellar beneath the hotel, where an explosion throws him and his companions into disarray. The scene is vividly described: the ceiling light flickers out, and the massive Frank Volkheimer's field light scatters like a beetle as a deafening roar consumes everything. Werner is momentarily transported to a childhood memory of a mule's grave in Zollverein, highlighting his disorientation and the surreal blending of past and present.…
    • Down Six Flights Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Marie-Laure, a blind girl, emerging from hiding after a bombing raid. She carefully retrieves a precious stone hidden in a model house and pockets it, aware of the ongoing danger. The aftermath of the attack is palpable—debris litters the roof, and the smell of smoke fills the air. Marie-Laure moves cautiously through her home, navigating by touch and memory, her urgency underscored by the distant explosions and the chilling realization that the city is still under fire. Her…
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      Trapped

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Trapped" depicts a harrowing scene of survival amid the wreckage of a collapsed cellar. Werner, the protagonist, observes an amber light scanning the debris—revealing twisted metal, shattered tools, and broken infrastructure. The light belongs to Volkheimer, who methodically surveys the destruction, particularly the obliterated stairwell that was their potential escape route. The atmosphere is thick with dust and tension as Werner grasps the direness of their situation, surrounded by mangled…
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      Château

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Marie-Laure and her father arrive in Evreux two days after fleeing Paris, finding a town in disarray. Restaurants are closed or overcrowded, and the streets are filled with unsettling scenes, including an unconscious man and women in evening gowns on cathedral steps. Essential services like mail and telegraph are nonfunctional, and long queues form for gasoline coupons. After being turned away from multiple hotels, they journey to the western edge of town, following an address given by the director. Upon…
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      Etienne

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Marie-Laure, a blind girl, discovering a trail of seashells leading to her great-uncle Etienne's room on the fifth floor. The shells, carefully placed, guide her to his door, where she hears the faint sounds of multiple pianos playing. Upon entering, she finds his room surprisingly fresh, smelling of soap and books, unlike the expected mustiness of an elderly person's space. Etienne greets her warmly, his voice soft and comforting, and apologizes for not meeting her sooner, setting…
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      Jungmänner

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a vivid description of a castle-like boarding school where Werner, the protagonist, arrives to begin his training. The setting is picturesque yet austere, with strict rules enforced by a one-armed bunk master. The boys are stripped of personal possessions and individuality, molded into a uniform collective through rigorous discipline. The atmosphere is one of militaristic precision, with an emphasis on duty, sacrifice, and nationalistic fervor. Werner, though initially awed by the…
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      Vienna

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter introduces Sergeant Major Reinhold von Rumpel, a 41-year-old gemologist with a keen eye for diamonds and a meticulous nature. His personal life includes a compliant wife who collects porcelain kittens and two daughters, one of whom writes earnest letters filled with patriotic fervor. Von Rumpel’s expertise in gemology, honed through studies in crystallography and apprenticeships, has allowed him to handle rare stones, including a 92-carat raw diamond in London. His pre-war life as a…
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      The Boches

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter depicts the arrival of German soldiers, referred to as "Boches," in the French town of Saint-Malo through the observations of Marie-Laure and her father. The Germans are described as impeccably dressed, their uniforms spotless, as if they’ve never seen battle. The townspeople note their voracious consumption of local goods, from postcards to champagne, while whispers of Hitler touring Paris underscore the surreal tension. Curfews and bans on music and public gatherings are imposed, leaving…
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      Flying Couch

      Flying Couch Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a tense atmosphere in Saint-Malo as the occupying forces demand the surrender of firearms. Locals reluctantly comply, turning in a meager collection of rusted weapons, which are swiftly carted away without ceremony. This scene underscores the quiet resistance and unease among the townspeople, setting the stage for the broader themes of occupation and control. Meanwhile, Marie-Laure’s father, consumed by anxiety, obsessively builds a detailed model of the town, hinting at an…
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      Hauptmann

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter introduces Dr. Hauptmann, a small-statured but authoritative instructor of technical sciences, who challenges his cadets with a practical task. He distributes metal boxes filled with electrical components—gears, lenses, batteries, and wires—and instructs the class to assemble a Morse-code practice circuit within an hour. While most cadets hesitate, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar tools, Werner Pfennig, the protagonist, immediately recognizes the opportunity. Drawing from his innate curiosity…
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