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An impoverished young nobleman, Leopold, has unexpectedly been left a large fortune at the death of a distant relative – under one condition: that he marry a young cousin of hers. This young woman, called Francis, has been raised by her grandfather, who is a general. She has had an unconventional upbringing which has left her independent, outspoken and rough in her manners, with a love for horse riding and fencing, and a resolution never to marry. This unwomanly behavior has earned her the nickname “Major Frans”. Leopold falls in love with her, and decides to try and win her as his bride. This book, written in 1874, is considered a character novel influenced by the emerging women emancipation movements of the time. [Description written by Anna Simon]. Recording in Dutch. Een arme jonker, Leopold, wordt onverwacht een grote erfenis in het vooruitzicht gesteld na de dood van een oud-tante – onder één voorwaarde: hij moet met een nichtje van haar trouwen. Deze jonge vrouw, die Francis heet, is opgegroeid onder de hoede van haar grootvader, een generaal in het leger. Ze heeft een onconventionele opvoeding gehad die haar onafhankelijk van geest, brutaal en ruw in haar manier van doen heeft gemaakt; ze houdt van schermen en snelle paarden, en heeft zich voorgenomen om nooit te trouwen. Dit on-vrouwelijke gedrag heeft geleid tot haar bijnaam: “Majoor Frans”. Leopold wordt verliefd op haar, en besluit om te proberen haar voor zich te winnen. Dit boek, geschreven in 1874, wordt beschouwd als een karakterroman als reactie op de opkomende vrouwen-emancipatie bewegingen in die tijd. [Beschrijving door Anna Simon] Gelezen in het Nederlands

l Libro de la Vida se redactó en periodos sucesivos y con finalidades distintas, aunque el periodo de redacción definitivo suele situarse entre 1562-1566. La Santa lo escribió por mandato y bajo la dirección de sus confesores, e iba dirigido a un círculo religioso reducido. El Libro comprende hasta sus 50 años de edad y lo escribe durante una de las etapas más difíciles de su vida. En los primeros capítulos Santa Teresa aporta gran cantidad de información autobiográfica sobre su vida familiar, su infancia, y su ingreso en la vida religiosa. A lo largo del libro hay otros episodios de este tipo: sus referencias al Santo fray Pedro de Alcántara, a quien conoció personalmente, y el proceso que le llevó a la fundación del primer monasterio reformado de San José de Avila, se encuentran entre las más memorables. Pero en su mayor parte el Libro de la Vida narra su progreso espiritual y sus vivencias místicas, así como su práctica y concepción de la oración, escrito en su particular estilo analítico y enormemente sincero. Por esto se ha calificado a la obra como “autobiografía introspectiva”. Esta obra, como todos los escritos de la Santa, están entre los más sobresalientes tesoros de la literatura mística de la Iglesia Católica. (Resumen: Marian Martín).The Autobiography was written in different stages and probably with varying intentions, but the final version was produced in 1562-1566. The Saint wrote it under the direction of her confessors, and it was intended for a small religious circle. The work covers her life until the age of 50, and was written during one of the most difficult periods of her life. In the first chapters Saint Theresa presents a good deal of autobiographic information about her family, her childhood, and how she entered the religious life. Interspersed throughout the book are other episodes of this type: her descriptions of Saint Peter of Alcantara, whom she knew personally, and the process that led to the foundation of the first reformed monastery of Saint Joseph in Avila, are among the most memorable. But for the most part the Autobiography describes her spiritual progress and mystical experiences, as well as her views and practice of prayer, written in her analytical and highly sincere style. For this reason the work has been called “an introspective autobiography”. It stands, as do all her other works, among the most remarkable treasures of the mystical literature of the Catholic Church.

First serialized from January to August, 1845, Twenty Years After is the second book in The D’Artagnan Romances, and follows the gallant adventures of the musketeers, as they are once again summoned to alleviate the various threats that lurk in the political scene of France, as the country is threatened by a possible uprising. Enriched with exciting and well-developed characters, the novel adds more detail to its familiar characters, as the musketeers have matured and are portrayed in a more introspective light. Set twenty years after the conclusion of its predecessor, Twenty Years After commences with the appearance of d’Artagnan, who despite his propitious circumstances to progress in his area of interest, remains a lieutenant in the Musketeers for twenty years. Conversely, much has changed in the political scene of France during the twenty-year period, as the country is ruled by chief-minister, Cardinal Mazarin, who is loathed by much of the French population. Consequently, France is on the brink of civil war, as it is divided into those who support Mazarin’s governance, and those who oppose his rule, regarding him as inadequate. Fearing for his safety, Mazarin appoints d’Artagnan as his escort, after hearing of his daring feats in the past and additionally requests assistance from his musketeer companions, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Subsequently, d’Artagnan is reunited with his old friends, who have all drifted apart due to following individual paths, and informs them of his task. However, the group is also divided, as Porthos is willing to be in the Cardinal’s service, whereas Athos and Aramis take the side of the opposition. As a result, the group must overcome their contrasting views and loyalties, and test the durability of their friendship, as they are brought out of retirement and once again hurled into a gripping adventure, while beset by various enemies. Nevertheless, Dumas presents an effective complementary sequel to his well-loved tale that successfully enthralls with its complex plot, vibrant characters, steady action, historical references, and a vivid description of the political scene prevailing at the time. Needless to say, the novel will undoubtedly motivate readers to continue the series that has been enjoyed by generations.

One of the greatest American novels and a popular culture sensation, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz depicts the adventures of the young Dorothy Gale, who is swept away from her colorless farm home in Kansas by a cyclone, and winds up in the magical Land of Oz. Trapped in an unknown land, Dorothy must find a way back home and subsequently embarks on an adventure and meets a group of colorful characters along the way. Serving as an inspiration throughout generations, the children’s novel has been represented through various cinema adaptations and musicals. The novel commences with the introduction of Dorothy, a young orphan girl who is taken in and raised by her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in their dreary farm home in Kansas. One day, however, a treacherous cyclone sweeps across the prairie and catches hold of the house while Dorothy and her beloved pet dog Toto are still inside. Afraid and bewildered, Dorothy and Toto are eventually set down in a mysterious land which they later identify as the Land of Oz. Greeted and commended by the small Munchkins, Dorothy is declared to be a good witch, because her house had accidentally landed on the evil ruler of the Munchkins – the Wicked Witch of the East and consequently resulted in her death. Subsequently, the Good Witch of the North also arrives to greet Dorothy and presents her with a pair of silver shoes believed to contain magical properties. In addition, she instructs Dorothy to follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City and ask the almighty Wizard of Oz to help her get back to Kansas. On her way across the land she is accompanied by the Scarecrow, the rusted Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion. Entertaining and intelligently written, Baum has effectively created a modern fairy tale forever embedded in the imagination of both young and old readers. Exploring the prominent and universal theme of “There’s no place like home”, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz does not seize to delight and captivate long after its finish.

A lovely young woman gambling at a casino in Leubronn, Germany. A young man watches, fascinated from afar. She begins to lose heavily and leaves the casino. Thus opens the last and probably the most controversial of George Eliot's novels. Published in 1876, Daniel Deronda is also the only one in which the great Victorian novelist portrays contemporary society of her own time. There were only a few murmurs when it first came out, but later, they became a full fledged outpouring of resentment against what many readers felt was an extremely controversial stand on Jewish, proto-Zionist and Kabbalistic ideas. However, it was not just the non-Jewish people who were offended. In 1889, many Jewish people also called for a revision of the book. Whatever the controversies and difficulties that readers had and perhaps still have with the book, it remains one of the most hard hitting and objective portrayals of race, identity, politics, Imperialism, gender bias, religious tolerance and prejudice. The novel actually brings two separate streams of narrative together and they are connected by means of the character of Daniel Deronda, a wealthy young man whose altruistic nature leads him into all manner of troubles. He is the ward of an aristocratic millionaire and knows little about his own birth. Once he comes in contact with the Jewish people, he begins to suspect that he is indeed one of them. Though the title of the story would give the impression that the tale's focus is its eponymous hero, Daniel Deronda, the reader is taken by surprise to find that Gwendolen Harleth shares the limelight in equal measure. She is one of the least lovable of heroines in literature, yet her shallow snobbery, wit, the depth of her despair and her overwhelming narcissism (in one scene we find her kissing her own image in the mirror!) make her an unforgettable character. For her, marriage is a ticket to the higher echelons of society. Caught in an abusive marriage which she entered into for her own ends, she begins to depend on Daniel Deronda whose generous nature makes him ever willing to extend a helping hand. Scholars have noted that George Eliot (or Mary Ann Evans to give her real name) was probably influenced to write Daniel Deronda after meeting Emmanuel Deutsch, a Jewish scholar and Zionist. The character of Mordecai Cohen in the novel is presumed to be based on Deutsch. As the brilliant final work of Daniel Deronda, this book retains its appeal due to its gripping plot, the depth of social issues being raised in it and the remarkable characters.