His Second Wife

by Ernest Poole

"His Second Wife" by Ernest Poole is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Ethel Knight, a young woman moving to New York City to live with her older sister Amy Lanier after the death of their father. The narrative explores themes of ambition, love, and the impact of societal expectations on women's lives, setting the stage for Ethel's journey of self-discovery in a bustling and often harsh urban environment. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Ethel and Amy as they travel on a train to New York, where Ethel hopes to find a new life filled with excitement following her father's death. Ethel is depicted as both vibrant and naive, filled with dreams of independence and success, yet conscious of the contrasting lifestyles between her and her sister, who has embraced a more glamorous existence. The opening chapters reveal Ethel's internal struggles with grief and identity, as she grapples with her past while navigating the complexities of her new urban surroundings and her relationship with her sister—and eventually her brother-in-law, Joe. The contrasting perspectives of the characters around her add depth to her experience, reflecting the varied expectations of women in society during that era.