The Octoroon: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Octoroon: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Octoroon is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Braddon, M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) (1835–1915).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
“The Octoroon” by M. E. Braddon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Cora Leslie, a young woman of mixed heritage, during a time when the societal norms and prejudices of the American South regarding race and slavery create a complex backdrop. As Cora navigates her existence, she confronts the stark realities of her identity and the implications it holds for her relationships and place in society, particularly with her friend Adelaide Horton and those surrounding their affluent, Southern lifestyle. At the start of the novel, Cora is introduced during a farewell ball hosted by Mrs. Montresor, where she and her friend Adelaide are celebrated figures. However, Cora's enchanting beauty is soon overshadowed by the revelation of her heritage—a secret that sets her apart in a society rigidly divided by racial lines. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Cora is not only navigating the challenges of love and friendship but also contending with the traumas inflicted by a system that deems her an outcast because of her African lineage. The early chapters establish a sense of impending conflict, hinting at deeper themes of identity, belonging, and the moral dilemmas faced by both the characters and the society they inhabit.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Octoroon
- Author credits: Braddon, M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) (1835–1915)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Racially mixed people -- Fiction
- Slavery -- Louisiana -- History -- 19th century -- Fiction
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Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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