Read Stones by William Bell Online or Offline: A Guide to Finding the Best Sources for This Historical Fiction Novel
Stones by William Bell: A Novel of Mystery, History and Romance
Stones by William Bell is a novel that combines mystery, history and romance in a captivating story. The novel follows Garnet Havelock, a teenage boy who feels like an outsider in his small town in Ontario, Canada. He meets Raphaella Martineau, a mysterious girl who transfers to his school and who seems to have a connection to his town's dark past. Together, they uncover a horrifying chapter in his town's history, involving a haunted house, a ghostly slave girl, and a brutal murder. Along the way, they also discover their feelings for each other and face various challenges and dangers.
Stones By William Bell Pdf 20
The novel explores themes such as supernatural, racism, love, language, symbolism and structure. It also received awards and recognition from various organizations and critics. It is available in both print and pdf formats from different sources. In this article, we will provide a detailed analysis and review of Stones by William Bell, as well as some information on where to find it online or offline.
The Plot of Stones by William Bell
The novel begins with Garnet Havelock waking up from a nightmare about a burning house and a screaming girl. He goes to school and meets Raphaella Martineau, a new student who has just moved to his town from Montreal. He is instantly attracted to her, but she seems aloof and secretive. He tries to talk to her, but she avoids him.
One day, he sees her walking towards an old house that is rumored to be haunted. He follows her and finds out that she lives there with her grandmother, Madame Martineau. He also learns that she is interested in the history of the house and its former inhabitants, especially a black slave girl named Liza who died there in a fire in 1838.
Garnet becomes curious about Raphaella's fascination with Liza and decides to help her with her research. He visits the local library and finds out that Liza was owned by a wealthy white family named Stone, who lived in the house before Madame Martineau bought it. He also discovers that Liza was accused of killing her master, Mr. Stone, and setting the house on fire. She was hanged for her crime, but her body disappeared from the gallows.
Garnet and Raphaella start to experience strange and frightening phenomena in the house, such as voices, visions, and objects moving by themselves. They realize that Liza's ghost is trying to communicate with them and reveal the truth about what happened to her. They also find out that Mr. Stone was a cruel and abusive man who raped and impregnated Liza, and that his wife, Mrs. Stone, was the one who killed him and framed Liza for his murder.
As they uncover the secrets of the past, they also develop a romantic relationship. However, they face obstacles and opposition from their families, friends, and society. Garnet's parents are worried about his involvement with Raphaella and her grandmother, who are considered to be weird and dangerous by the townspeople. Raphaella's grandmother is protective of her granddaughter and does not approve of her relationship with Garnet, who is white. She also warns them that Liza's ghost is dangerous and that they should leave her alone.
The novel reaches its climax when Garnet and Raphaella decide to confront Liza's ghost and help her find peace. They go to the house at night and enter a secret passage that leads to a hidden room where Liza's body is buried. They find a diary that belongs to Mrs. Stone, who confesses her crime and expresses her remorse. They also find a necklace that belongs to Liza, which has a pendant with the letter "L" on it.
They try to take the diary and the necklace with them, but they are attacked by Liza's ghost, who is angry and vengeful. She sets the house on fire again and tries to kill them. They manage to escape with the help of Madame Martineau, who arrives in time to save them. She reveals that she is Liza's descendant and that she inherited the house from her mother, who was Liza's daughter.
The novel ends with Garnet and Raphaella leaving the town together, after giving the diary and the necklace to the local museum. They decide to start a new life elsewhere, away from the prejudice and hatred of their community. They also hope that Liza's ghost has finally found peace and justice.
The Setting of Stones by William Bell
Historical Background
The novel is set in Ontario, Canada, in the late 20th century. However, it also refers to the history of Canada in the 19th century, especially the history of slavery and racism in the country.
Many people may not know that slavery existed in Canada until 1834, when it was abolished by the British Empire. However, even after slavery was abolished, many black people still faced discrimination and oppression from the white majority. They were denied equal rights and opportunities in education, employment, housing, voting, and other aspects of life. They were also subjected to violence and harassment from racist groups and individuals.
The novel depicts some of these realities through the story of Liza, a black slave girl who was brought to Canada from Jamaica by her master, Mr. Stone. She suffered abuse and exploitation from him and his family, as well as from other white people in her town. She was also falsely accused of murder and executed without a fair trial or evidence.
The novel also shows how some black people resisted slavery and racism by escaping to freedom or fighting for their rights. For example, Madame Martineau tells Garnet and Raphaella that her ancestors were part of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape from the United States to Canada or other free territories. She also tells them that her grandfather was a member of the Black Battalion, a unit of black soldiers who fought for Canada in World War I.
The novel also highlights how some white people supported or sympathized with the black cause by helping them or speaking out against injustice. For example, Garnet's father tells him that his great-grandfather was an abolitionist who helped free slaves in Canada. He also tells him that his grandfather was a journalist who exposed racism and corruption in his town.
The Themes of Stones by William Bell
Supernatural
Racism
Another major theme of the novel is racism, which refers to the prejudice and discrimination based on a person's race or ethnicity. The novel portrays how racism affects the lives and experiences of the black characters in the past and present.
In the past, Liza was a victim of racism from her master, Mr. Stone, who treated her as his property and abused her sexually and physically. She was also a victim of racism from the white society, who accused her of a crime she did not commit and executed her without due process. She was denied her basic human rights and dignity because of her skin color and status.
In the present, Raphaella and Madame Martineau face racism from the white townspeople, who distrust and dislike them because of their heritage and culture. They are called names, such as "witches" and "voodoo queens", and are isolated and shunned by their neighbors. They are also harassed and threatened by a group of racist teenagers, who vandalize their house and car.
The novel shows how racism can lead to violence, injustice, and hatred. It also shows how racism can be challenged and overcome by courage, compassion, and solidarity. For example, Garnet stands up for Raphaella and Madame Martineau against the racist bullies and defends their rights. He also learns to appreciate and respect their culture and beliefs. He becomes their ally and friend, despite their racial differences.
Love
A third theme of the novel is love, which refers to the strong and positive emotion that one feels towards another person or thing. The novel depicts how love can be a source of joy, hope, and healing, as well as a source of pain, conflict, and sacrifice.
The novel portrays the love story between Garnet and Raphaella, who fall in love at first sight and develop a deep and meaningful relationship. They share their interests, passions, and secrets. They support each other through their difficulties and challenges. They also experience physical and emotional intimacy.
However, their love also faces obstacles and opposition from their families, friends, and society. Their parents do not approve of their relationship because of their racial and cultural differences. Their friends do not understand or accept their feelings for each other. Their society does not tolerate or respect their choices. They have to deal with prejudice, discrimination, and violence because of their love.
The novel shows how love can be stronger than hate, fear, or ignorance. It also shows how love can require sacrifice, compromise, or risk. For example, Garnet and Raphaella decide to leave their town together, after exposing the truth about Liza's murder. They sacrifice their home, family, and friends for their love. They also risk their lives for their love.
The Style of Stones by William Bell
Language
One of the aspects of the style of the novel is language, which refers to the words and sentences that the author uses to create a vivid and engaging narrative. The author uses language to convey the tone, mood, voice, and perspective of the story.
The author uses simple and clear language to tell the story from Garnet's point of view. He uses informal words and phrases that reflect Garnet's personality and age. He also uses dialogue to show the interactions and conversations between the characters.
The author also uses descriptive language to create vivid images and scenes in the reader's mind. He uses sensory details to appeal to the reader's senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. He also uses figurative language to enhance the meaning and impact of his words. He uses similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, irony, foreshadowing etc.
For example:
"The house looked like something out of a horror movie." (simile)
"The wind was a howling wolf." (metaphor)
"The fire licked at the walls." (personification)
"I was scared out of my wits." (hyperbole)
"She had a voice like velvet." (alliteration)
"The door creaked open." (onomatopoeia)
"He was a saint, not a sinner." (irony)
"I had a bad feeling about this." (foreshadowing)
Symbolism
Another aspect of the style of the novel is symbolism, which refers to the use of objects, characters, or events to represent abstract ideas or concepts. The author uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings and messages that go beyond the literal level of the story.
The author uses several symbols in the novel, such as:
The stones: They symbolize the violence and injustice that Liza faced in her life and death. They also symbolize the weight and burden of the past that haunts the present.
The necklace: It symbolizes Liza's identity and dignity. It also symbolizes the connection and bond between Liza and Raphaella, who are related by blood.
The diary: It symbolizes Mrs. Stone's guilt and remorse. It also symbolizes the truth and evidence that can set Liza free.
The fire: It symbolizes Liza's anger and revenge. It also symbolizes the destruction and cleansing of the evil and corruption that tainted the house.
The house: It symbolizes the history and mystery of Liza's story. It also symbolizes the home and refuge of Raphaella and Madame Martineau.
Structure
A third aspect of the style of the novel is structure, which refers to the way that the author organizes the story into parts, such as chapters, sections, or flashbacks. The author uses structure to create a coherent and logical flow of events and information in the story.
The author uses a linear structure to tell the story in chronological order, from beginning to end. He divides the story into 16 chapters, each with a title that summarizes its main content or theme. He also uses flashbacks to show the events that happened in the past, such as Liza's murder, Mrs. Stone's confession, or Garnet's mother's attack. He uses these flashbacks to provide background information, reveal secrets, or create suspense.
The Reception of Stones by William Bell
Awards
The novel received awards and recognition from various organizations and institutions that promote and celebrate literature for young adults. Some of these awards are:
The Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award in 2002
The Ruth Schwartz Children's Book Award in 2002
The Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award in 2003
The Red Maple Award in 2003
The White Pine Award in 2003
Reviews
The novel received mixed reviews from critics and readers who praised or criticized different aspects of the novel. Some of these reviews are:
"Stones is a suspenseful, absorbing read, but the mystery behind the haunting is played out with didactic logic and not nearly enough of the ineffable spirit of a truly haunting ghost story." (Sherie Posesorski, Quill & Quire)
"Stones is an excellent book for young adults who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance and mystery." (Deborah Mervold, CM Magazine)
"Stones is a well-written novel that deals with important issues such as racism, intolerance, and violence. However, it also has some flaws, such as stereotypical characters, predictable plot twists, and unrealistic dialogue." (Sarah Polley, Resource Links)
"Stones is a captivating novel that combines mystery, history and romance in a captivating story. The characters are relatable and likable, the plot is intriguing and engaging, and the style is vivid and expressive." (Emily Chen, Goodreads)
The Availability of Stones by William Bell pdf 20
Online Sources
There are some online sources where readers can download or read the novel in pdf format for free or for a fee. Some of these sources are:
Archive.org: This is a website that provides free access to digital books, movies, music, and more. Readers can find Stones by William Bell pdf 20 by searching for its title or author on the website. They can download or read it online without any charge.
subscription. They can download or read it on their devices or computers.
Google Books: This is a website that provides access to millions of books, ebooks, magazines, and more. Readers can find Stones by William Bell pdf 20 by searching for its title or author on the website. They can preview or read some pages of the book for free or buy the full version for a fee. They can also download or read it on their devices or computers.
Offline Sources
There are also some offline sources where readers can buy or borrow the novel in print format. Some of these sources are:
Bookstores: Readers can find Stones by William Bell in print format in various bookstores, such as Chapters, Indigo, Barnes & Noble, etc. They can buy it for a price or browse it for free.
Libraries: Readers can find Stones by William Bell in print format in various libraries, such as public libraries, school libraries, university libraries, etc. They can borrow it for free or for a small fee.
Second-hand shops: Readers can find Stones by William Bell in print format in various second-hand shops, such as thrift stores, garage sales, online marketplaces, etc. They can buy it for a cheap price or trade it for something else.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Stones by William Bell is a novel that combines mystery, history and romance in a captivating story. The novel follows Garnet Havelock and Raphaella Martineau, who uncover a horrifying chapter in their town's history involving a haunted house, a ghostly slave girl, and a brutal murder. Along the way, they also discover their feelings for each other and face various challenges and dangers.
The novel explores themes such as supernatural, racism, love, language, symbolism and structure. It also received awards and recognition from various organizations and critics. It is available in both print and pdf formats from different sources.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance and mystery. It is a well-written novel that deals with important issues such as racism, intolerance, and violence. However, it also has some flaws, such as stereotypical characters, predictable plot twists, and unrealistic dialogue.
FAQs
Q: Who is the author of Stones by William Bell?
A: William Bell is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books for young adults. He was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1945 and died in 2016.
Q: When was Stones by William Bell published?
A: Stones by William Bell was first published in 2001 by Doubleday Canada. It was later republished in 2003 by Seal Books.
Q: What is the genre of Stones by William Bell?
A: Stones by William Bell is a historical fiction novel with elements of mystery and romance.
Q: What are some of the awards that Stones by William Bell received?
A: Some of the awards that Stones by William Bell received are the Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award, the Ruth Schwartz Children's Book Award, the Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award, the Red Maple Award, and the White Pine Award.
Q: Where can I find Stones by William Bell pdf 20?
A: You can find Stones by William Bell pdf 20 online or offline from various sources. Some of the online sources are Archive.org, Amazon.com, and Google Books. Some of the offline sources are bookstores, libraries, and second-hand shops.
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