Peter Farrelly’s “Outside Providence” tells the story of a working-class teenager named Tim Dunphy. After a brush with the law, Tim’s father sends him to a fancy boarding school far from his rough Rhode Island hometown.
The book captures his struggles to fit in with privileged classmates while navigating his complicated relationships at home. Through Tim’s experiences, it paints a vivid picture of class differences, family bonds, and coming-of-age challenges.
The book “The Case of Charles Dexter Ward” by H. P. Lovecraft takes place in Providence, Rhode Island, and follows a young man named Charles Ward who becomes obsessed with uncovering his ancestor’s dark secrets.
As he investigates, he stumbles upon ancient rituals, forbidden knowledge, and a disturbing connection to the occult that leads him down a dangerous path. The story builds its tension around forbidden truths and the consequences of awakening things best left buried.
The book “Agatha of Little Neon” by Claire Luchette follows Agatha, a nun who finds herself questioning her place in the world after her convent sends her and her fellow sisters to manage a halfway house in Rhode Island.
As she navigates caring for residents with their own struggles, she begins to confront her own identity and beliefs. The story is heartfelt and explores the ways people seek connections and purpose.
Emily M. Danforth wrote “Plain Bad Heroines,” a story that weaves together a gothic tale set in Rhode Island. It revolves around a cursed girls’ school from the early 1900s and a modern movie production trying to recreate the events tied to the school.
The book jumps between these timelines, revealing eerie deaths, hidden secrets, and the strange connection between the past and present.
The settings, from the eerie grounds of Brookhants School to the tense atmosphere on a film set, create an engaging backdrop for the unfolding mysteries.
Joseph Payne Brennan and Donald M. Grant wrote “Act of Providence,” a mystery featuring Professor Warren, a character known for solving strange cases. Set during a gathering of horror writers in Providence, the story unfolds when a man vanishes after a bizarre encounter.
As Professor Warren investigates, he uncovers eerie secrets tied to the city and its history.
Edward Irving Wortis wrote “Something Upstairs,” a story about a boy named Kenny who moves to an old house in Providence, Rhode Island. There, he discovers the ghost of a former slave named Caleb, who asks Kenny to help him solve the mystery of his death.
As Kenny investigates, he is taken back in time to the 1800s, where he encounters dangers and uncovers dark secrets about the house and its history.
The book “The Art of Keeping Cool” by Janet Taylor Lisle is set in a small Rhode Island town during World War II. It follows Robert and his cousin Elliot, as they uncover family secrets and navigate the tense atmosphere of wartime.
The story touches on themes like fear, loyalty, and the way war affects even those far from the front lines.
The novel “Calm at Sunset, Calm at Dawn” by Paul Watkins follows a young man named James who leaves college to work as a fisherman in a small Rhode Island town.
The story emphasizes the dangers and hardships of life at sea, paired with the complicated relationships within his family. The unpredictable, often brutal ocean mirrors the struggles James faces while trying to find his place in the world.
The book “Swim That Rock” by Jay Primiano and John Rocco follows fourteen-year-old Jake Cole, who is trying to save his family’s diner after his father disappears at sea.
Set against the backdrop of Rhode Island’s fishing community, the story dives into Jake’s determination to take on dangerous quahogging jobs and navigate tricky relationships. The coastal setting and unique focus on the life of shellfishermen make it stand out.
The novel “The Witches of Eastwick” by John Updike tells the story of three women in a small Rhode Island town who discover they have magical powers.
After the arrival of a mysterious and manipulative man named Daryl Van Horne, their abilities grow stronger, and their lives take unexpected turns. The book explores the dynamics of their friendship, their desires, and the dark consequences of their newfound powers.
Thornton Wilder’s “Theophilus North” follows a man who settles in Newport, Rhode Island, during the 1920s. Theophilus, a former teacher, takes on various odd jobs in the wealthy seaside town.
Along the way, he becomes involved in the private lives of the residents, solving their personal challenges and uncovering hidden truths. The book captures the mix of privilege and human vulnerability in a community full of secrets and quirks.
John Updike’s “The Widows of Eastwick” revisits the three witches from his earlier novel, now older and dealing with the complexities of age and loss. Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie, once brimming with magic and mischief, come back to their old town after years apart.
Their return stirs up memories and emotions in a place marked by their past actions. As they confront their history and the passage of time, they grapple with guilt, fate, and the lingering effects of their choices.
Caitlín R. Kiernan’s “The Drowning Girl: A Memoir” is about India Morgan Phelps, a young woman struggling with mental illness as she pieces together haunting events tied to two mysterious women who enter her life.
Set in Rhode Island, the story blends reality and imagination, creating a rich narrative filled with fragmented memories and unsettling truths.
Jeffrey Eugenides wrote “The Marriage Plot,” which follows three college graduates from Brown University in the early 1980s.
At the center of the story is Madeleine, who loves classic romantic novels and finds herself caught between two very different men: Leonard, a troubled but brilliant scientist, and Mitchell, who is searching for spiritual meaning.
The novel explores relationships, personal struggles, and the uncertainty of life after college.
Peter Pezzelli’s “Italian Lessons” tells the story of Carter Quinn, a college professor who travels to Rhode Island to recover from a personal setback. While staying with the family of an old student, he ends up teaching English to an Italian immigrant named Matteo.
Through their unlikely friendship, Carter explores new possibilities in life, and Matteo gets a second chance at pursuing his dreams. The warm setting and their shared journey make this a heartfelt tale of self-discovery and second chances.