The Greatest Books of All Time Set in Cornwall
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 743 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.
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The "Cornwall" category in books refers to a genre that encompasses titles set in or significantly related to Cornwall, a picturesque region in the southwestern tip of England known for its rugged coastline, quaint fishing villages, and rich Celtic heritage. This category often includes a variety of literary forms such as historical fiction, romance, mystery, and contemporary literature, all of which are imbued with the distinctive cultural and geographical backdrop of Cornwall. The narratives may delve into the area's mining history, its myths and legends like those of King Arthur, or the daily lives of its inhabitants, offering readers a vivid portrayal of Cornish identity and the dramatic landscape. Whether through the lens of a windswept romance on the moors or the intrigue of a coastal whodunit, books in the "Cornwall" category transport readers to this unique and enchanting part of the British Isles.
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1. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
A young woman marries a wealthy widower and moves into his large English country house. She quickly realizes that the memory of her husband's first wife, Rebecca, haunts every corner of the estate. The housekeeper's obsessive devotion to Rebecca and the mysterious circumstances of her death continue to overshadow the second wife's attempts to make a happy life with her husband. As secrets about Rebecca's life and death are revealed, the new wife must grapple with her own identity and place within the household.
The 59th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
"The Shell Seekers" is a generational novel that follows the life of Penelope Keeling, a woman in her sixties, who reflects on her past while dealing with her three grown children, each with their own selfish motives. When Penelope discovers a valuable painting in her possession, her children's greed surfaces as they pressure her to sell it. Instead, Penelope embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, revisiting her bohemian past, her wartime romance, and the beauty of her father's paintings. The novel explores themes of family, love, loss, and the importance of art and beauty in life.
The 2102nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
The novel revolves around a young Englishman who seeks the truth about his cousin's mysterious widow, suspecting her of foul play in his cousin's untimely death. As he becomes entangled in the widow's seductive charms, his initial suspicions transform into a complex blend of attraction, jealousy, and uncertainty. Set against the backdrop of a grand Cornish estate, the story delves into themes of obsession, inheritance, and the blurred lines between passion and poison, leaving readers to ponder the true nature of the enigmatic woman at its center.
The 2159th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. Miss Hargreaves by Frank Baker
A Fantasy
The story revolves around Norman Huntley, a young man who, along with his friend Henry, whimsically invents a fictional character named Miss Hargreaves during a visit to a cathedral. To their astonishment, she materializes as a real person, complete with eccentricities and a vibrant personality. As Miss Hargreaves becomes increasingly involved in their lives, Norman struggles to manage the chaos she brings, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The novel explores themes of creativity, the power of belief, and the unforeseen consequences of one's actions, all wrapped in a humorous and whimsical narrative.
The 4946th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
5. Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper
The Dark is Rising Sequence
In this enchanting tale, three siblings discover an ancient map while on holiday in a small coastal village in Cornwall. As they unravel its secrets, they find themselves drawn into a timeless battle between good and evil, linked to the legendary King Arthur. With the help of their great-uncle, they must decipher the map's clues and protect a powerful relic from falling into the hands of dark forces. The story weaves elements of myth and adventure, highlighting themes of courage, family, and the enduring struggle between light and darkness.
The 5491st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. The Friendly Young Ladies by Mary Renault
Set in 1930s England, this novel explores the unconventional lives of two sisters, Leonora and Helen, who have chosen to live together in a bohemian lifestyle on a houseboat. Their tranquil existence is disrupted by the arrival of a young writer, Peter, who becomes entangled in their world. As Peter navigates his feelings and ambitions, the sisters confront their own identities and the societal norms that challenge their choices. Through witty dialogue and rich character development, the story delves into themes of love, freedom, and the complexities of human relationships.
The 5678th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
7. Moments Of Being by Virginia Woolf
Unpublished Autobiographical Writings
This collection of autobiographical essays offers a profound insight into the author's personal experiences and reflections, capturing the essence of her inner world and the moments that shaped her life. Through vivid and introspective prose, the narrative delves into themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time, revealing the intricate interplay between the past and present. The essays are imbued with a sense of introspection and emotional depth, providing a window into the author's consciousness and the transformative power of seemingly ordinary experiences.
The 6249th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
8. Greenwitch by Susan Cooper
In this enchanting tale, the forces of good and evil clash as three children, Simon, Jane, and Barney, return to the coastal village of Trewissick. They join forces with their mysterious ally, Merriman Lyon, to recover a stolen ancient manuscript crucial to maintaining the balance between light and dark. As they delve into the village's mystical traditions, they encounter the Greenwitch, a powerful and enigmatic figure created by the local women in a secretive ritual. The children must navigate the complexities of human emotions and supernatural forces to prevent the Dark from gaining control, ultimately learning the importance of empathy and understanding in their quest.
The 6308th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. The Little Country by Charles de Lint
A Novel of Magic and Music
In a quaint Cornish village, a young musician named Janey Little stumbles upon a mysterious manuscript that intertwines her fate with a fantastical world of magic and danger. As she delves deeper into the manuscript's secrets, Janey finds herself caught between reality and a mythical realm, where ancient powers and dark forces threaten to unravel both her world and the one within the pages. With the help of an enigmatic fiddler and a cast of eccentric characters, Janey must navigate this intricate tapestry of stories to uncover the truth and protect the delicate balance between the two worlds.
The 13660th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
10. Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
Set in the bleak landscape of Cornwall, the story follows Mary Yellan, a young woman who moves to live with her Aunt Patience and Uncle Joss Merlyn at the ominous Jamaica Inn after her mother's death. Mary quickly discovers that the inn is a front for her uncle's smuggling operations and becomes entangled in a world of danger and deceit. As she navigates the treacherous environment, Mary grapples with her growing suspicions about the people around her, including the enigmatic Jem Merlyn, Joss's brother. The novel weaves a tale of mystery, suspense, and romance as Mary seeks to uncover the truth and find her own path amidst the darkness surrounding the inn.
The 15772nd Greatest Book of All Time -
11. The Wicked Day by Mary Stewart
Set in the legendary realm of Camelot, this novel follows the tumultuous journey of Mordred, the illegitimate son of King Arthur, as he grapples with his identity and destiny. Raised in obscurity, Mordred is thrust into the heart of the Arthurian court, where he navigates complex relationships, political intrigue, and the weight of prophecy. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, Mordred's internal struggle between duty and desire leads to a dramatic climax that challenges the very foundations of the kingdom. The narrative weaves together themes of fate, family, and the tragic consequences of ambition.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
12. The Prince And The Pilgrim by Mary Stewart
Set in the mystical realm of Arthurian legend, this enchanting tale follows the journey of Alexander, a young prince seeking to avenge his father's murder. As he embarks on his quest, he encounters Alice, a spirited young woman with her own mysterious past. Together, they navigate a world filled with magic, danger, and intrigue, encountering legendary figures and uncovering secrets that could alter their destinies. Their intertwined paths lead them to confront not only external adversaries but also the inner struggles of love, loyalty, and the quest for justice.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
Reading Statistics
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Download
If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
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