The Landfall by Hilaire Belloc
This novel tells the story of a young man who returns to his homeland after many years abroad and becomes embroiled in local politics. He is drawn into a conflict between rival factions vying for power, and must navigate complex relationships and allegiances to achieve his goals. Along the way, he grapples with questions of identity, loyalty, and the nature of home.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1911 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Travel Literature, Adventure · 1,658 words
First lines
It was in Oxford Street and upon the top of an omnibus during one of those despairing winter days, the light just gone, and an air rising which was neither vigorous nor cold, but sodden like the hearts of all around, that I fell wondering whether there were some ultimate goal for men, and whether these adventures of ours, which grow tamer and so much tamer as the years proceed, are lost at last in a blank nothingness, or whether there are revelations and discoveries to come. This debate in the mind is very old; every man revolves it, none has affirmed a solution, though all the wisest of men have accepted a received answer from authority external to themselves. I was not on that murky evening concerned with authority, but with the old problem or rather mood of wonder upon the fate of the soul.
What this Textopian page supports
The Landfall is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1911 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Travel Literature, Adventure, Nature Writing, Literary Fiction
- Length: 1,658 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Landfall by Hilaire Belloc
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores existential themes and the contemplation of life's purpose, reflecting on the fate of the soul and the human condition.
- Travel Literature — The story vividly describes a journey by sea, capturing the essence of travel and exploration, and the transformative experience of encountering new landscapes.
- Adventure — The protagonist's voyage and the challenges faced at sea provide elements of adventure and the thrill of navigating the natural world.
- Nature Writing — The detailed and poetic descriptions of the sea, sky, and landscape highlight an appreciation for the natural environment.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Adventure · Coming-of-Age · Nautical · Travelogue · Autobiographical · Memoir · Literary Nonfiction · Classics · English Literature · 19th Century · British Isles