Author

Rebecca West

1892-1983

Rebecca West (1892-1983) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.

Wikipedia

Subjects

Amnesia -- Fiction Authors, American -- 19th century -- Biography Country homes -- Fiction Domestic fiction England -- Fiction James, Henry, 1843-1916 Man-woman relationships -- Fiction Psychological fiction Scotland -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction Soldiers -- Fiction War neuroses -- Fiction War stories World War, 1914-1918 -- England -- Fiction

Books by Rebecca West

Henry James

"Henry James" by Rebecca West is a biographical work written in the early 20th century. This book explores the life and literary genius of the famed American novelist, Henry James, offering insights into his background, influences, and the thematic preoccupations that shaped his writings. It delves into his dual American and European identities, emphasizing how his experiences between these cultures informed his literary acclaim. The opening of the work provides a background on Henry James's early life, highlighting the cultural and familial dynamics that shaped him. It discusses the influence of his family, particularly his father, a Swedenborgian minister, and how early exposure to Europe sparked a lifelong quest for cultural refinement. The narrative illustrates the backdrop of 19th-century America, characterized by a lack of established culture and the emerging artistic voices of the time. Through anecdotes that underscore James's artistic sensibility, the beginning sets the stage for a deeper understanding of his complex character and the intricate relationship he had with the themes of identity, culture, and creativity that permeated his body of work.

The Return of the Soldier

"The Return of the Soldier" by Rebecca West is a novel published in 1918. Captain Chris Baldry returns from the trenches of World War I suffering from shell shock, his memory erased of the last fifteen years. He believes he is still twenty and in love with Margaret Grey, not his wife Kitty. As his cousin Jenny observes, the family must decide whether to restore his traumatic memories or let him remain in his happier past—a choice between truth and mercy.

The Judge

"The Judge" by Rebecca West is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Ellen Melville, a young Suffragette in Edinburgh, grappling with her identity and aspirations in a society that feels confining and mundane. Ellen's longing for adventure and significance amid the beauty and complexities of her surroundings sets the stage for her internal struggles and the thematic exploration of women's rights and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, Ellen is depicted in a moment of introspection as she observes Edinburgh's twilight beauty, which contrasts sharply with her feelings of discontent and isolation. She reflects on her recent past — her education, her relationship with her mother, and her work as a typist in a law office. Her encounters with men like Mr. Philip James and the arrival of Richard Yaverland, a charismatic client, further ignite her consciousness of the world beyond her immediate experiences. Despite her frustrations stemming from unfulfilled aspirations, Ellen's vibrant imagination and spirited ambitions hint at the potential for change and self-discovery as she attempts to navigate her sphere and challenge prevailing societal norms.