The House by Henry Bordeaux (1921)

"The House" by Henry Bordeaux is a nostalgic exploration of childhood memories and the deep emotional connection to one's family home. The narrative is centered around the protagonist's reflections on his childhood, particularly focusing on the significance of "the house" as a symbol of familial unity and personal identity. The story delves into the protagonist's experiences growing up in a large family, the dynamics between family members, and the impact of external challenges such as financial difficulties and societal changes. The protagonist recounts his adventures and misadventures within the house and its surroundings, highlighting the innocence and wonder of childhood. The house itself is portrayed as a living entity, deeply intertwined with the family's history and the protagonist's sense of belonging. The narrative captures the essence of a bygone era, emphasizing themes of tradition, memory, and the passage of time. Throughout the story, the protagonist reflects on the influence of his family members, particularly his father and grandfather, who represent different approaches to life and values. The father's pragmatic and authoritative presence contrasts with the grandfather's more philosophical and detached outlook. These relationships shape the protagonist's understanding of the world and his place within it. As the protagonist grows older, he becomes increasingly aware of the complexities of adult life, including the financial struggles faced by his family. The looming threat of losing the house due to financial difficulties serves as a catalyst for the protagonist's maturation and a deeper appreciation for the stability and comfort the house represents. Ultimately, "The House" is a poignant meditation on the enduring power of childhood memories and the emotional ties that bind individuals to their family and home. It captures the universal longing for a place of safety and belonging, even as the world changes and childhood fades into the past.

By Henry Bordeaux · First published 1921 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Family Saga · 21 chapters · 111,696 words

First lines

"WHERE are you going?"

"Oh, up to the house."

Put this question to little girls and boys that you see along the country roads, on their way from school or coming in from the fields, and you will get this answer.

Their bright eyes glisten like grass after a shower; their speech, unless they are timid, shoots straight out, like plants that claim all space to grow in undisturbed.

• Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

The House is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry Bordeaux, dated 1921 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Henry Bordeaux
• Date: 1921 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Family Saga, Historical Fiction, Mystery
• Length: 111,696 words
• Structure: 21 chapters, 1,786 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The House by Henry Bordeaux
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

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Genres

• Literary Fiction — The narrative employs sophisticated language and deep thematic exploration that characterizes literary fiction.
• Psychological Fiction — The focus on character inner conflicts and emotions places the work within psychological fiction.
• Family Saga — The exploration of domestic relationships and generational dynamics situates the work in the family saga genre.
• Historical Fiction — The setting and social context of the period are integral to the narrative, marking it as historical fiction.

Tags

family drama · social commentary · morality · psychological conflict · betrayal · gothic · secrecy · power struggle · inheritance · tragic romance · domestic tension · identity crisis

Contents

• The Kingdom
• The Dynasty
• The Enemies
• The Treaty
• The Abdication
• The Pictures
• The Desire
• The Discovery of the Earth
• The Café of the Navigators
• The Religious Controversy
• Politics
• The Circus
• The Plot
• My Betrayal
• The Double Life
• A Walk with Father
• The First Departure
• The Epidemic
• The Alpette
• The End of a Reing
• The Heir

More by Henry Bordeaux

• The Woollen Dress (1912)
• The Will to Live (Les Roquevillard) (1923)
• The Fear of Living (1938)
• All works by Henry Bordeaux