苦悶の欄

by Earl Derr Biggers

"苦悶の欄" by Earl Derr Biggers is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War I London, it introduces readers to Jeffrey West, an American who becomes intrigued by the peculiar personal ads featured in a newspaper column known as "苦悶の欄" (the column of anguish). The storyline weaves romance and mystery, focusing particularly on West's fascination with a captivating woman he observes while dining at a hotel. At the start of the novel, the oppressive heat of London is palpable as Jeffrey West reflects on his longing for his hometown in the U.S. While selecting breakfast at the Carlton Hotel, he is drawn to the personal ads that fill him with both amusement and curiosity. He discovers a series of romantic and sometimes bizarre messages that hint at deeper emotional complexities. The plot thickens when West encounters an enigmatic woman at the hotel, setting the stage for an unfolding narrative filled with romance, intrigue, and an impending sense of danger as wider events, including the looming war, begin to unravel around the characters.