The Sacrificial Altar
The novel follows the story of a young woman, Mary, who is sent to live with her aunt in San Francisco. Mary is a sheltered and naive girl, and she is quickly taken in by the city's high society. She is soon courted by a wealthy and powerful man, and she finds herself in a whirlwind romance. However, Mary soon discovers that her suitor is not who he appears to be. He is a powerful and dangerous man, and he is involved in a sinister plot to sacrifice innocent people in a ritualistic ceremony. Mary must find a way to save herself and her loved ones from the clutches of this evil man. Sacrificial Altar is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that explores the dark side of human nature. It is a gripping story of love, betrayal, and redemption.
By Gertrude Atherton · First published 1930 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Feminist Literature · 9,996 words
First lines
LOUIS BAC drifted like a gray shadow through the gray streets of San Francisco. Even the French colony, one of the most homogeneous units of the city, knew little more of him than the community at large. He was the son of one famous restaurateur and the grandson of another; he had been sent to a Lycee in Paris at the age of twelve, graduated from the University of Paris at twenty-two, and returned to San Francisco upon the death of his father a year later. The French colony were surprised that he did not go back to Paris after selling the restaurant--his energetic mother had pre-deceased her husband--but buried himself in the old Bac home behind the eucalyptus-trees on the steepest hillside of the city; otherwise his return and himself attracted no attention whatever until he flung his hat into the international arena.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sacrificial Altar is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gertrude Atherton, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Gertrude Atherton
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Feminist Literature, Realism
- Length: 9,996 words
- Structure: 1 section, 184 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Sacrificial Altar by Gertrude Atherton
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Sacrificial Altar?
- How does this novel by Gertrude Atherton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Head Of A Priest by Gertrude Atherton
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- The Lady Of Launay by Anthony Trollope
- Many Waters Cannot Quench Love by Louisa Baldwin
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The Sacrificial Altar is set in the late 19th century and follows the story of a young woman's journey to find her place in society.
- Romance — The Sacrificial Altar follows the romantic journey of the protagonist as she navigates her relationships with various characters.
- Feminist Literature — The Sacrificial Altar explores themes of female empowerment and independence, making it a work of feminist literature.
- Realism — The Sacrificial Altar is written in a realistic style, focusing on the everyday struggles of the protagonist.
Tags
sacrifice · altar · drama · conflict · family · betrayal · love · loss · redemption · society · morality · tradition