Subject
Bridge players -- Fiction Books
Best books
Ring Lardner
Gullible's Travels, Etc.
"Gullible's Travels, Etc." by Ring Lardner is a collection of humorous stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of social class and the absurdities of modern life through the experiences of the narrator and their humorous observations about various activities, particularly outings to the theater and opera with friends. The main characters include the narrator, their spouse, and their friends, such as the Hatches, engaging in lighthearted yet revealing dialogues that reflect their social pretensions and experiences. At the start of the tale, the narrator reflects on a recent opera outing they took with their friends the Hatches, detailing the events of the night, the various interactions, and the characters involved. The narrator humorously recounts the trials of attending a grand opera and the disconnect it creates between the glitzy social expectations and the actual experience. Through a mix of dialogue and narrative, the opening portion establishes the satirical tone of the collection, setting the stage for further explorations into the quirks of society and the everyday life of the characters.
Sara Ware Bassett
Mrs. Christy's Bridge Party
"Mrs. Christy's Bridge Party" by Sara Ware Bassett is a social novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the intricacies and dynamics of high society in New York, particularly around the popular card game of bridge, which serves as a backdrop for themes of social climbing, exclusivity, and the complexities of friendship. Through its characters, the novel encapsulates the tensions between established social norms and the influx of new wealth seeking acceptance into refined circles. The narrative unfolds as Mrs. Reginald Norman and her friends grapple with the social implications of attending a lavish bridge party hosted by the Christys, newcomers desperate to penetrate high society despite whispers of their questionable past. Initially resolute in their decision to boycott the event, Mrs. Norman and her companions are ultimately swayed by curiosity and financial motives, revealing their hypocrisy and the power dynamics at play. As guests navigate the tension of the game and the social landscape, they confront their own insecurities and the inevitable rise of the Christys, signaling a shift in social structures, underscored by the realization that social status is ever-fluid and often dictated by appearance and wealth rather than true merit.
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