Buckley’s Book Club

The novel, narrated by Jim Burden, recounts his childhood and adolescence on the Nebraska prairie and his deep friendship with Ántonia Shimerda, the daughter of a family of Bohemian immigrants. The story explores themes of pioneer life, the American Dream, the immigrant experience, and the passage of time. Ántonia faces numerous hardships, including her father's suicide, near-rape, and abandonment by a lover, yet she remains resilient and strong. The novel is praised for its poetic descriptions of the landscape, its portrayal of a complex female protagonist, and its exploration of cultural diversity and gender roles.

Published in 1876, 'Daniel Deronda' is George Eliot's final novel and a thought-provoking exploration of love, identity, and society. The story follows the lives of Gwendolen Harleth, a beautiful but spoiled and selfish young woman, and Daniel Deronda, a selfless and alienated man searching for his true origins. The novel delves into the complexities of Victorian society, including imperialism, the oppression of women, and racial and religious prejudice. Daniel's journey leads him to discover his Jewish heritage and become deeply involved in the nascent Zionist cause, while Gwendolen navigates a troubled marriage and seeks redemption. The novel is notable for its sympathetic portrayal of Jewish culture and its critique of antisemitism, making it a radical and controversial work in its time.

The novel follows Janie Crawford, an African-American woman, as she navigates through three marriages and her quest for love, freedom, and self-identity. Set in central and southern Florida, the story explores themes of race, gender, and identity, depicting Janie's transformation from a voiceless teenage girl to a woman who takes control of her own destiny. The narrative is marked by Janie's relationships with her husbands—Logan Killicks, Joe Starks, and Tea Cake—and her ultimate discovery of true love and independence.

Heart of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad, is a novella that examines the horrors of Western colonialism. The story is narrated by Marlow, who recounts his journey as a riverboat captain for a Belgian trading company in the Congo. Marlow's journey takes him deep into the African jungle, where he encounters the enigmatic and brutal ivory trader Kurtz. The novella delves into themes of power dynamics, morality, and the psychological impact of colonialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. It is a landmark of modern fiction, known for its narrative and symbolic power, as well as its acute psychological penetration.

V. S. Naipaul's "A Bend in the River" is a novel set in an unnamed African country during a period of political upheaval. The narrative follows Salim, an Indian immigrant who becomes entangled in the complexities of postcolonial life. Naipaul's writing style is characterized by its sharp observations and exploration of human nature. The novel is a powerful commentary on the challenges of postcolonial identity and the complexities of nation-building. "A Bend in the River" is a significant contribution to postcolonial literature and continues to spark discussion and interpretation.

Waverley is a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, published anonymously in 1814. It tells the story of Edward Waverley, a young English gentleman who becomes embroiled in the Jacobite rising of 1745. As he travels through Scotland, Waverley must choose between his loyalty to the Crown and his admiration for the Jacobite cause, leading to a complex exploration of political allegiance and personal identity. The novel is considered one of the first historical novels in the Western tradition.

The Blithedale Romance, published in 1852, is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne that explores the tensions between idealism and personal desires within a utopian community. The story is set in a fictional commune inspired by Hawthorne's experiences at Brook Farm. It delves into themes of love, ambition, and the challenges faced by those seeking to create a better society. The novel follows the lives of four main characters—Miles Coverdale, Zenobia, Priscilla, and Hollingsworth—as they navigate their relationships and the community's ideals.

Written in 1759, 'Rasselas' follows the journey of a prince from Abyssinia who leaves his luxurious but confined life in the Happy Valley to explore the world and discover the secret of happiness. Alongside his companions, he encounters various lifestyles and philosophies, ultimately concluding that true happiness is elusive. The book is a critique of the optimism prevalent during the Enlightenment.

Evelyn Waugh's 'Scoop' is a comedic critique of sensationalist journalism and foreign correspondents. The novel follows William Boot, an inexperienced writer of nature articles, who is mistakenly sent to report on a war in the fictional East African nation of Ishmaelia. Drawing from Waugh's own experiences as a war correspondent, the book humorously exposes the antics and rivalries within the journalism world.