Martin Faber-The Story of a Criminal

Name: Martin Faber-The Story of a Criminal
Author: William Gilmore Simms

Martin Faber is a novel by William Gilmore Simms, first published in 1833. It tells the story of a young man, Martin Faber, who is born into a life of poverty and crime. He is a thief and a murderer, and his life is a downward spiral of crime and violence. He is eventually caught and sentenced to death, but his story is one of redemption and hope. The novel follows Martin's life from his childhood in a poor family, to his time in prison, and his eventual redemption. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a kindly minister, a beautiful young woman, and a mysterious stranger. Through his interactions with these people, Martin learns the value of friendship, love, and forgiveness. The novel is a classic example of the "redemption story," in which a criminal is given a second chance at life. It is a powerful and moving story, and it has been praised for its realism and its insight into the human condition.

By William Gilmore Simms · First published 1833 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction, Adventure Fiction · 20 chapters · 24,593 words

First lines

This is a fearful precipice, but I dare look upon it. What, indeed, may I not dare--what have I not dared! I look before me, and the prospect, to most men full of terrors, has few or none for me. Without adopting too greatly the spirit of cant which makes it a familiar phrase in the mouths of the many, death to me will prove a release from many strifes and terrors. I do not fear death. I look behind me, and though I may regret my crimes, they give me no compunctious apprehensions. They were among the occurrences known to, and a necessary sequence in the progress of time and the world's circumstance. They might have been committed by another as well as by myself. They must have been committed! I was but an instrument in the hands of a power with which I could not contend.

What this Textopian page supports

Martin Faber-The Story of a Criminal is listed on Textopian as a novel by William Gilmore Simms, dated 1833 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: William Gilmore Simms
Date: 1833 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction, Adventure Fiction, Romance Fiction
Length: 24,593 words
Structure: 20 chapters, 737 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The book is based on a true story and is set in the 19th century, making it a historical fiction novel.
Crime Fiction — The book follows the story of a criminal, making it a crime fiction novel.
Adventure Fiction — The book follows the protagonist's journey and adventures, making it an adventure fiction novel.
Romance Fiction — The book follows the protagonist's romantic relationships, making it a romance fiction novel.

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