Arundel

by E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson

"Arundel" by E. F. Benson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book primarily focuses on the life of Colonel Fanshawe, who grapples with the pressures of his military position in British India while reflecting on his family life, especially his relationship with his daughter, Elizabeth, and his wife. The story appears to explore themes of duty, familial bonds, and the contrast between the vibrancy of life in India and the emotional undercurrents within his domestic sphere. At the start of "Arundel," Colonel Fanshawe is introduced as he rides home from a long day of military inspections, eagerly anticipating a social dinner and dance. However, despite the festivity on the horizon, he feels a mix of pride and apprehension regarding his daughter’s early departure for England, which weighs heavily on his heart. The opening also presents Elizabeth, a passionate young woman on the brink of adulthood, who expresses a yearning for adventure and a deeper understanding of life beyond her sheltered existence. As the narrative unfolds, we see family dynamics at play, revealing both the affection and tensions that exist within their relationships, setting the stage for further exploration of these themes.