Subject
Divorced women -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edith Wharton
The Custom of the Country
"The Custom of the Country" by Edith Wharton is a novel published in 1913. It follows Undine Spragg, a beautiful and ambitious young woman from the Midwest who arrives in New York City determined to climb the social ladder. Through a series of marriages and affairs, Undine ruthlessly pursues wealth, status, and glamour, leaving destruction in her wake. The novel chronicles her relentless ascent through American and European high society, revealing the costs of her insatiable desires.
Louis Couperus
The Law Inevitable
"The Law Inevitable" by Louis Couperus is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Cornélie de Retz van Loo, a young divorced woman traveling in Rome, seeking solace and a fresh start in life. As she navigates her new environment, the novel explores themes of identity, societal constraints, and the complexity of human relationships, set against the backdrop of a vibrant yet complex city. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to Cornélie as she arrives at the Marchesa Belloni's boarding house in Rome. A mix of excitement and trepidation fills her as she settles into her new surroundings, and the initial interactions with other boarders reveal a rich tapestry of personalities, including the charming Mr. Rudyard, who seems to have a hidden agenda. Cornélie’s observations about her fellow guests and her inner musings about her past and future gradually paint a portrait of a woman in search of meaning amidst her disillusionment with the art and society she hoped would provide her solace. The opening chapters set the stage for her journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with loneliness, cultural expectations, and her desire to forge a new path in life.
Pansy
Ruth Erskine's Son
"Ruth Erskine's Son" by Pansy is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Ruth Erskine Burnham and her son, Erskine, highlighting the complexities of their relationship as they navigate through societal expectations, personal aspirations, and family dynamics. As Ruth reflects on her past and her responsibilities as a mother, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the hope of a future intertwined with Erskine's potential romantic interests. The opening portion introduces Ruth, who is initially portrayed as a reflective mother, pondering the memories of her life and the bereavements she has endured. The narrative captures the tender moments between her and her son, particularly the discussion of Erskine's ambitions and the influence of societal norms on their relationship. As Ruth struggles with her fears about Erskine growing up and facing the outside world, it becomes clear that she harbors deep love and concern for his future. The dynamics shift as Erskine, now navigating society at college, begins to encounter societal pressures, which adds to Ruth's anxieties as a protective mother. This beginning sets the stage for their evolving relationship as they confront new challenges and relationships that could impact their bond.
Clarence Louis Cullen
The Eddy: A Novel of To-day
"The Eddy: A Novel of Today" by Clarence Louis Cullen is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Mrs. Treharne, a haggard and troubled woman who yearns for a son but finds herself grappling with the impending return of her daughter, Louise, from finishing school. The narrative explores themes of maternal anxiety, societal expectations, and the secrets that come to light in the wake of Louise's unexpected arrival home. At the start of the book, the character dynamics are established through Mrs. Treharne's interactions with her friend Laura and her maid Heloise. Mrs. Treharne expresses her frustration and fears about Louise coming home for good, revealing her insecurities about being a mother in a disordered household. The opening presents an unhappy home life, punctuated by Mrs. Treharne's concerns about her evident shortcomings and the looming judgment her daughter will bring into their unseemly social circle. Meanwhile, Louise emerges as a thoughtful young woman eager for connection, returning to a mother she feels she barely knows, setting the stage for the exploration of their complicated relationship as the story unfolds.
Louis Couperus
The Inevitable
"The Inevitable" by Louis Couperus is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a boarding house in Rome, focusing on the life of Cornélie de Retz van Loo, a young Dutch woman recovering from a recent divorce. As she navigates her new reality, the novel explores themes like loneliness, societal expectations, and the search for identity in a foreign city. The opening of the novel introduces the Marchesa Belloni's boarding house, where Cornélie arrives, filled with a mix of excitement and an undercurrent of foreboding. She is greeted by various characters, including the friendly porter and the boisterous marchesa, each representing different facets of life in the pension. While Cornélie attempts to settle into her new environment, she grapples with feelings of displacement and anticipates the arrival of new experiences. The foundation is laid for her introspective journey as she begins to confront not just the loneliness of travel but also the complexities of her past and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
Louis Couperus
Langs lijnen van geleidelijkheid
"Langs lijnen van geleidelijkheid" by Louis Couperus is a novel published in 1900. The story follows twenty-three-year-old Cornélie de Retz van Loo from The Haag, recently divorced and traveling through Italy to clear her mind. During her stay at a Roman pension, she meets Duco van der Staal, a Dutch amateur painter her own age, and gradually falls in love with him. Meanwhile, their hostess harbors secret intentions to convert her guests to Catholicism, adding complexity to their surroundings.
Leonard Merrick
One Man's View
"One Man's View" by Leonard Merrick is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around George Heriot, a lawyer, and his unexpected admiration for a young actress, Mamie Cheriton, as they navigate the complexities of ambition, love, and disappointment in their respective lives. The introductory portion sets the stage for Heriot’s introspection about his own life choices, the loneliness he feels during vacations, and his out-of-the-blue reunion with an old friend, Dick Cheriton, who is now a hotelier and father to Mamie. The opening of the book introduces the reader to Heriot's mundane holiday experience at a dull boarding establishment in Eastbourne, where he grapples with thoughts of his past and unfulfilled ambitions. His encounter with Dick leads to revelations about Mamie, who aspires to be an actress, a dream that her father supports despite his own regrets about abandoning his artistic ambitions. As Heriot observes Mamie's passion and determination, feelings of affection and concern for her future aspirations begin to take root. This introductory glimpse sets the tone for an exploration of ambition against societal expectations, and the struggles faced by aspiring artists, particularly women, in the context of love and personal fulfillment amidst the backdrop of the artistic world.
Zona Gale
Miss Lulu Bett
"Miss Lulu Bett" by Zona Gale is a novel published in 1920. Lulu lives with her sister's family, serving them without complaint but without happiness. When her brother-in-law's brother visits, an accidental marriage changes everything—until a shocking revelation sends Lulu home. Caught between family expectations and her own desires, she must decide whether to accept her circumstances or forge an independent path, while helping her niece avoid similar entrapment.
Jane Burr
Letters of a Dakota Divorcee
"Letters of a Dakota Divorcee" by Jane Burr is a semi-autobiographical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is told through the letters of the protagonist, Marianne, a woman navigating her divorce and life in a boarding house in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The book addresses themes of personal freedom, societal attitudes towards divorce, and the challenges faced by women in this era. The opening of the novel introduces us to Marianne as she converses with her friend Lorna through letters, sharing her vivid thoughts on life as a divorcee. She describes her somewhat humorous experiences in Sioux Falls, from her quirky boarding house and the eccentric characters around her to her interactions with a comical attorney. Marianne's letters express her wit and sarcasm, as well as her deep-seated loneliness and longing for connection amidst the societal constraints she faces. Through her correspondence, we understand her struggles with boredom, societal judgment, and the complexities of love, setting the stage for her journey toward self-discovery and the search for genuine companionship.
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