The Net By: Rex Ellingwood Beach (1877-1949)
The Net by Rex Ellingwood Beach is a riveting and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex world of commercial fishing in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a small coastal town in Maine, the story showcases the backbreaking work and the risks that fishermen face in their pursuit of a livelihood. Beach's writing style effortlessly captures the essence of the sea, painting vivid images of the crashing waves, the salty air, and the unyielding power of nature. Through his descriptive language, he creates a sense of authenticity and brings the scenes to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the fishing industry. The authenticity extends beyond the setting, as Beach’s narrative also delves into the complex lives of the fishermen. He explores their dreams, struggles, and the sacrifices they make to provide for their families. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, each with their own flaws and strengths. From the resilient protagonist, Harnish, to the morally questionable and enigmatic Johnny, the cast of characters is diverse and compelling. One of the book's greatest strengths is its exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding the fishing industry. Beach interweaves the themes of sustainability and conservation, shining a light on the destructive practices employed by some fishermen. Through the characters' experiences, he subtly raises important questions about the delicate balance between human needs and the preservation of marine ecosystems. The pacing of the novel is engaging, building tension and suspense throughout. Beach skillfully draws readers into the dangers and uncertainties faced by the fishermen, presenting life-threatening situations that keep them on the edge of their seats. The climax of the story is intense and emotionally charged, leaving readers eager to discover the fate of the characters they've come to care about. While The Net is a gripping tale, there are moments when the plot becomes overly predictable. Some events unfold in a manner that is somewhat formulaic, losing a bit of the element of surprise. However, Beach's ability to weave his story around these moments of predictability, evoking genuine emotion and raising important societal concerns, salvages the overall impact of the novel. In conclusion, The Net is a captivating read that explores the complexities of the fishing industry, the ethics of human interaction with the environment, and the indomitable spirit of those who make their living at sea. Rex Ellingwood Beach's atmospheric writing style and well-drawn characters make this a book that will resonate with readers, long after they've turned the final page. First Page: Beth Constantine, Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. [Illustration: "I DO NOT KNOW WHY I HAVE SUMMONED YOU," SHE SAID] THE NET A NOVEL By REX BEACH Author of "The Spoilers," "The Barrier," "The Silver Horde," Etc. WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS BY WALTER TITTLE CONTENTS CHAP. I. THE TRAIN FROM PALERMO II. A CONFESSION AND A PROMISE III. THE GOLDEN GIRL IV. THE FEAST AT TERRANOVA V. WHAT WAITED AT THE ROADSIDE VI. A NEW RESOLVE VII. THE SEARCH BEGINS VIII. OLD TRAILS IX. "ONE WHO KNOWS" X. MYRA NELL WARREN XI. THE KIDNAPPING XII. LA MAFIA XIII. THE BLOOD OF HIS ANCESTORS XIV. THE NET TIGHTENS XV. THE END OF THE QUEST XVI. QUARANTINE XVII. AN OBLIGATION IS MET XVIII. BELISARIO CARDI XIX. FELICITE XX. THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS XXI. UNDER FIRE XXII. A MISUNDERSTANDING XXIII. THE TRIAL AND THE VERDICT XXIV. AT THE FEET OF THE STATUE XXV. THE APPEAL XXVI. AT THE DUSK ILLUSTRATIONS "I DO NOT KNOW WHY I HAVE SUMMONED YOU,' SHE SAID Frontispiece "SILENZIO!" HE GROWLED, "I PLAY MY OWN GAME, AND I LOSE" HE WRESTLED FOR POSSESSION OF THE GUN "P PLEASE DON'T KILL YOURSELF, DEAR? I COULDN'T HELP IT" I THE TRAIN FROM PALERMO The train from Palermo was late... Continue reading book >>

The Net By: Rex Ellingwood Beach (1877-1949)

The Net by Rex Ellingwood Beach is a riveting and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex world of commercial fishing in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a small coastal town in Maine, the story showcases the backbreaking work and the risks that fishermen face in their pursuit of a livelihood.

Beach's writing style effortlessly captures the essence of the sea, painting vivid images of the crashing waves, the salty air, and the unyielding power of nature. Through his descriptive language, he creates a sense of authenticity and brings the scenes to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the fishing industry.

The authenticity extends beyond the setting, as Beach’s narrative also delves into the complex lives of the fishermen. He explores their dreams, struggles, and the sacrifices they make to provide for their families. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, each with their own flaws and strengths. From the resilient protagonist, Harnish, to the morally questionable and enigmatic Johnny, the cast of characters is diverse and compelling.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding the fishing industry. Beach interweaves the themes of sustainability and conservation, shining a light on the destructive practices employed by some fishermen. Through the characters' experiences, he subtly raises important questions about the delicate balance between human needs and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

The pacing of the novel is engaging, building tension and suspense throughout. Beach skillfully draws readers into the dangers and uncertainties faced by the fishermen, presenting life-threatening situations that keep them on the edge of their seats. The climax of the story is intense and emotionally charged, leaving readers eager to discover the fate of the characters they've come to care about.

While The Net is a gripping tale, there are moments when the plot becomes overly predictable. Some events unfold in a manner that is somewhat formulaic, losing a bit of the element of surprise. However, Beach's ability to weave his story around these moments of predictability, evoking genuine emotion and raising important societal concerns, salvages the overall impact of the novel.

In conclusion, The Net is a captivating read that explores the complexities of the fishing industry, the ethics of human interaction with the environment, and the indomitable spirit of those who make their living at sea. Rex Ellingwood Beach's atmospheric writing style and well-drawn characters make this a book that will resonate with readers, long after they've turned the final page.

First Page:

Beth Constantine, Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.

[Illustration: "I DO NOT KNOW WHY I HAVE SUMMONED YOU," SHE SAID]

THE NET

A NOVEL

By REX BEACH

Author of "The Spoilers," "The Barrier," "The Silver Horde," Etc.

WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS BY WALTER TITTLE

CONTENTS

CHAP.

I. THE TRAIN FROM PALERMO

II. A CONFESSION AND A PROMISE

III. THE GOLDEN GIRL

IV. THE FEAST AT TERRANOVA

V. WHAT WAITED AT THE ROADSIDE

VI. A NEW RESOLVE

VII. THE SEARCH BEGINS

VIII. OLD TRAILS

IX. "ONE WHO KNOWS"

X. MYRA NELL WARREN

XI. THE KIDNAPPING

XII. LA MAFIA XIII. THE BLOOD OF HIS ANCESTORS

XIV. THE NET TIGHTENS

XV. THE END OF THE QUEST

XVI. QUARANTINE

XVII. AN OBLIGATION IS MET

XVIII. BELISARIO CARDI

XIX. FELICITE

XX. THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS

XXI. UNDER FIRE

XXII. A MISUNDERSTANDING

XXIII. THE TRIAL AND THE VERDICT

XXIV. AT THE FEET OF THE STATUE

XXV. THE APPEAL

XXVI. AT THE DUSK

ILLUSTRATIONS

"I DO NOT KNOW WHY I HAVE SUMMONED YOU,' SHE SAID Frontispiece

"SILENZIO!" HE GROWLED, "I PLAY MY OWN GAME, AND I LOSE"

HE WRESTLED FOR POSSESSION OF THE GUN

"P PLEASE DON'T KILL YOURSELF, DEAR? I COULDN'T HELP IT"

THE TRAIN FROM PALERMO

The train from Palermo was late... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – Rex Ellingwood Beach
Wikipedia – The Net

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