Author
Rose Macaulay
1881-1958
Rose Macaulay (1881-1958) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Rose Macaulay
Told by an idiot
"Told by an Idiot" by Rose Macaulay is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in a Victorian setting, focusing on the Garden family, particularly around the figure of Mr. Aubrey Garden, an Anglican clergyman who frequently experiences crises of faith. The characters include his six children and their mother, each with their distinct personalities and perspectives on faith, politics, and social issues. The book captures the family’s struggles with changes in belief systems and the implications of their father's shifting religious convictions. At the start of the novel, the eldest child, Victoria, expresses frustration over her father's recurring loss of faith, leading the family to consider joining the Ethical Society. The narrative introduces her siblings, including the rationalist Maurice and the idealistic Stanley, who embody the tensions of their time—balancing personal beliefs against societal expectations. The discussions among the family members reveal their differing worldviews, highlighting the interplay between modernity, tradition, and the quest for meaning. This opening portion sets the stage for a social commentary that explores themes of faith, identity, and familial dynamics in the face of change.
Mystery at Geneva: An Improbable Tale of Singular Happenings
"Mystery at Geneva: An Improbable Tale of Singular Happenings" by Rose Macaulay is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of an imaginary session of the League of Nations Assembly, it features Henry, a disillusioned newspaper correspondent, as the protagonist. The narrative touches upon themes of political intrigue, cynicism towards authority, and the complex relationships among delegates in a fraught international setting, promising readers an engaging mix of mystery and societal critique. The opening of the story introduces Henry Beechtree, who is portrayed as a disenchanted journalist for a revolutionary publication. As he navigates the run-down corners of Geneva, he observes the bustling arrival of delegates at the League of Nations Assembly, contrasting their privilege with his own grim lodging situation. Through Henry’s eyes, the reader gains insight into the dynamics of the Assembly, the colorful array of international representatives, and the undercurrents of tension among them. His growing suspicion of foul play regarding the sudden disappearance of Dr. Svensen, a prominent delegate, sets the stage for intrigue, as Henry starts to connect the dots between the potential motives of various factions involved in the Assembly. The narrative teases the unraveling of dark secrets and political machinations, engaging the reader with both the mystery at hand and the explorative character of its protagonist.
The making of a bigot
"The Making of a Bigot" by Rose Macaulay is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story primarily revolves around the character Eddy Oliver, a young man navigating his final days at Cambridge, who possesses a fervent and inclusive belief system that leads him to join various social and political groups. The novel explores themes of identity, belief, and the complexities of human relationships intermixed with societal pressures. The opening of the novel introduces us to a vibrant Cambridge scene filled with youthful energy, where Eddy encounters Miss Jamison while canvassing for the National Service League. His interactions provide a glimpse into his accepting nature and willingness to embrace diverse perspectives, evident in his rapid enrolment in various societies, including some that may not align with his more liberal tendencies. As he attends social engagements, Eddy's enthusiasm for participating in multiple causes is contrasted with the more traditional views of his peers and the clergymen he interacts with, setting the stage for conflicts around conformity and self-definition that are likely to unfold throughout the narrative.
The Lee Shore
"The Lee Shore" by Rose Macaulay is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the experiences of Peter Margerison, a young boy navigating his early adolescence while dealing with family connections, friendships, and the challenges of growing up. It explores themes of belonging, identity, and the dynamics of social status, particularly through Peter's interactions with the dashing Urquhart and his burgeoning relationships with those around him. The opening of the novel introduces Peter Margerison during his first week at school, where he becomes fascinated with Urquhart, a charismatic figure in authority on the football field. Peter admires Urquhart from afar, feeling both pride and nervousness when acknowledged by him. Their paths cross significantly when Peter dislocates his shoulder during a game, leading to Urquhart's unexpected assistance and cementing a bond between them. This initial encounter sets the stage for Peter's journey as he grapples with his position within his social circle, the weight of family expectations, and his earnest hope for acceptance and adventure amidst the backdrop of school life.
What Not: A Prophetic Comedy
"What Not: A Prophetic Comedy" by Rose Macaulay is a satirical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the aftermath of the Great War, focusing on a fictional future in which a governmental entity called the Ministry of Brains has been established to promote intelligence and manage social progress. The narrative introduces the main character, Ivy Delmer, a typist navigating a whimsical yet disconcerting society governed by quirky regulations around intellectual capabilities." "The opening of the novel establishes the chaotic context after the Great War, showcasing the seemingly mundane life of London commuters as they travel to work amidst reflections on the war's impacts and the uncertain future. Ivy Delmer is portrayed as a young, naive typist at the Ministry of Brains, who embodies both innocence and a burgeoning curiosity about the world. As the narrative unfolds, we meet other characters, including her sophisticated colleague Miss Kitty Grammont and the ambitious Vernon Prideaux, hinting at the tensions between intellect, societal expectations, and individual desire in this new era. The chapter sets a tone of dark humor and social critique, foreshadowing the exploration of themes surrounding intelligence, societal roles, and the absurdities of bureaucratic governance that characterize the book."
Non-combatants and Others
"Non-combatants and Others" by Rose Macaulay is a novel written in the early 20th century during the Great War. This work explores the lives of those affected by World War I, emphasizing the experiences of individuals on the home front. The story primarily follows Alix, a young woman navigating her artistic pursuits amid the chaos of war, as she interacts with family and friends impacted by military service and wartime activities. At the start of the novel, Alix is introduced in a scene where she draws a local boy named Percival, revealing her artistic temperament and physical limitations due to her disability. As family dynamics unfold, we learn about Alix’s relatives, particularly her cousin John, who has returned home injured from the front lines, and their mother, who is heavily involved in war relief efforts. The opening chapters depict a contrast between Alix's internal struggles with the impact of war on her life and the different ways her family copes with their roles during the conflict, setting the stage for deeper exploration of themes related to war, individuality, and societal expectations.
Dangerous Ages
"Dangerous Ages" by Rose Macaulay is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of aging, ambition, and the complexities of family life through the experiences of its main character, Neville Bendish, as she navigates her 43rd birthday and reflects on the passage of time and personal achievements. The opening of the novel introduces Neville on the morning of her birthday, revealing her feelings of anxiety and dissatisfaction as she contemplates the years gone by without making significant accomplishments. As she interacts with her family—husband Rodney and their young adult children, Kay and Gerda—Neville grapples with envy and regret regarding their opportunities. The narrative provides insight into the dynamics of the Hilary family, particularly the contrasting outlooks on life between the generations, highlighting Neville’s inner struggles and the vibrant lives of her children. This sets the stage for an exploration of personal desires versus societal expectations, as Neville seeks to reclaim her aspirations amidst her family roles.
Potterism: A Tragi-Farcical Tract
"Potterism: A Tragi-Farcical Tract" by Rose Macaulay is a satirical novel written during the early 20th century. The book follows the lives of twins Johnny and Jane Potter as they navigate post-Oxford life amidst the conflicting influences of their parents, particularly their mother, Leila Yorke, a novelist, and their father, a newspaper press owner. The siblings harbor ambitions for literary careers, yet they are determined to critique and distance themselves from what they perceive as the mediocrity epitomized by "Potterism," a term used to denote their family's legacy in literature and journalism. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the Potters, who have just completed their university education. The twins' backgrounds reveal their mixed feelings toward their parents' work; they grapple with notions of duty, ambition, and societal expectations. Their mother expresses a desire to write an Oxford novel, which the twins spontaneously reject, showcasing the generational differences in their creative pursuits. As the twins return home and discuss their futures, the themes of ambition, family dynamics, and societal critique are woven throughout, setting the stage for exploration of the concept of Potterism as they react to the broader social changes of their time. Jane, in particular, is depicted with a strong desire to forge her own identity, pushing against the constraints of her upbringing and the expected roles of women in society.
The Furnace
"The Furnace" by Rose Macaulay is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the lives of Tommy and Betty Crevequer, siblings living a bohemian lifestyle in Naples, as they navigate their relationships and interactions with the local populace and visiting tourists, including the Venables family. The book captures the vibrancy of life in Naples while exploring themes of youth, artistic ambition, and social class. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to a lively scene at the harbor of Naples, where a crowd gathers to watch royalty disembark from a steam-yacht. Among the crowd are Tommy and Betty Crevequer, who exhibit a carefree spirit marked by an easy camaraderie and a lack of financial concerns that are often overshadowed by their pursuit of pleasure. The narrative provides insight into their modest, unconventional living arrangements and their relationships with friends and acquaintances, demonstrating their contentment with life's simple joys. This sense of youthful exuberance, along with the tensions that arise from their socioeconomic status, sets the stage for further exploration of their characters and experiences throughout the book.