615 Results with the "Historical Fiction" genre


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      37. Gray Sharks

      37. Gray Sharks Cover
      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…
    • About the Author Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin James McBride is the author of the New York Times–bestselling Oprah’s Book Club selection Deacon King Kong, the National Book Award– winning The Good Lord Bird, the American classic The Color of Water, the novels Song Yet Sung and Miracle at St. Anna, the story collection Five- Carat Soul, and Kill ’Em and Leave, a biography of James Brown. The recipient of a National Humanities Medal and an accomplished musician, McBride is also a distinguished writer in residence at New York…
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      Acknowledgments

      Acknowledgments Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Acknowledgments often serve as a quiet tribute to the individuals whose presence shaped a project, even if they never appeared on the page. This story began with a deep admiration for Sy Friend, a man whose legacy in disability advocacy remains deeply personal to me. During my college years at Oberlin, I spent four summers at the Variety Club Camp for Handicapped Children, where Sy’s leadership was defined not by lofty speeches, but by the daily dignity he extended to every child. His actions spoke of a…
    • Epilogue: The Call Out Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Epilogue: The Call Out begins with two young Jewish brothers, Hirshel and Yigel Koffler, adjusting to a foreign land that challenged every part of their identity—language, food, customs. Six weeks into their American experience, they found themselves working the rails of Pennsylvania, immersed in a landscape of smoke, sweat, and steel. Though fresh to the country, they were quickly drawn into something far larger than a job—something that echoed the underground currents of kindness that shaped…
    • Chapter 29: Waiting for the Future Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 29: Waiting for the Future begins with disarray, a hallmark of small-town celebrations where preparation often falters beneath the weight of tradition. The parade, symbolic of unity and pride, was ironically stalled by chaos—the breakdown of a fire truck and mismatched Revolutionary War costumes. At the center of this unraveling was Hal Leopold, a man obsessed with order, reputation, and ceremonial perfection. His frustration over incorrect coats and tarnished props revealed more than his…
    • Chapter 28: The Last Love Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 28: The Last Love begins with Anna Morse, a resilient woman who manages both a funeral home and her own emotions in the quiet town of Linfield. She had considered leaving many times, especially after losing her husband, but responsibilities and loyalties kept her grounded. Although finding trustworthy workers was a constant challenge, she relied heavily on Nate Timblin, a man known for his quiet strength and reliable character. Anna had learned the hard way that assistance from others often came…
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