Mrs. Balfame: A Novel

by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton

"Mrs. Balfame: A Novel" by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a fiction work written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Mrs. Enid Balfame, a refined and ambitious woman living in the small town of Elsinore, who becomes increasingly disenchanted with her marriage to David Balfame, a complacent and heavy-drinking man. The narrative explores themes of societal expectations, the roles of women, and the darker facets of domestic life as Mrs. Balfame grapples with intense feelings of resentment and contemplation of murder. The opening of the novel reveals Mrs. Balfame's inner turmoil as she attends a meeting of the Friday Club, where she is struck with the chilling idea of killing her husband, reflecting on the years of resentment building toward him. Through her observations during the meeting and her interactions with fellow club members, we see her struggle with societal norms and the undercurrents of her desires for autonomy and respect. As she plans her husband’s demise, the narrative hints at her determination and complexity, portraying her as both a sympathetic character and a figure on the brink of grave moral decisions. The emotional weight and intensity establish a gripping premise for the unfolding drama in her life.