Subject
Female friendship -- Fiction Books
Best books
Elizabeth Von Arnim
The Enchanted April
"The Enchanted April" by Elizabeth von Arnim is a novel published in 1922. Four dissimilar women escape their dreary lives in 1920s England for a month-long holiday at a medieval Italian castle. Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins struggle with unhappy marriages, Lady Caroline seeks refuge from shallow London society, and elderly Mrs. Fisher clings to her Victorian past. Despite initial tensions, the tranquil Mediterranean setting begins to work its magic on each woman, offering possibilities for transformation and renewal.
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Cranford
"Cranford" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is an episodic novel published in 1853. Set in a small English country town, the work affectionately portrays a society of elderly women navigating genteel poverty and rigid social codes in a world slowly changing around them. Through the eyes of visitor Mary Smith, readers encounter the "Amazons" of Cranford—widows and spinsters maintaining appearances through "elegant economy" while resisting the industrial age creeping beyond their boundaries. This gentle chronicle explores class, tradition, and the gradual shift from rank-based society toward human kindness.
Jane Austen
Emma
"Emma" by Jane Austen is a novel published in December 1815. Set in the village of Highbury, it follows Emma Woodhouse, a privileged young woman who fancies herself a matchmaker. Confident in her abilities, Emma meddles in the romantic lives of those around her, particularly her new friend Harriet Smith. But her misguided interventions lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and unexpected revelations. Through a series of social missteps and romantic entanglements, Emma must confront her own blindness about matters of the heart.
William Makepeace Thackeray
Vanity Fair
"Vanity Fair" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a novel published serially from 1847 to 1848. Set during and after the Napoleonic Wars, it follows two contrasting women: the cunning, ambitious Becky Sharp, who schemes her way through society despite having no money, and the gentle, wealthy Amelia Sedley. Subtitled "A Novel without a Hero," this satirical work deconstructs traditional ideas of heroism while exposing the vanities and pretensions of early 19th-century British society through an unreliable narrator who frames the story as a puppet show.
Kathleen Thompson Norris
Saturday's Child
"Saturday's Child" by Kathleen Thompson Norris is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives and struggles of a group of young women working at a wholesale drug establishment in San Francisco. The main character, Susan Brown, navigates her daily challenges and the ambitions of both herself and her colleagues, while yearning for better opportunities and recognition in a world constrained by gender roles and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the dreary office environment and the camaraderie shared among the women who work there, despite their mundane tasks. The pivotal character, Susan, is characterized by both her friendly demeanor and her burgeoning ambitions. As the narrative unfolds, the dynamics among the office workers become clear, particularly highlighted by the presence of Miss Thornton, a more experienced clerk who influences the younger workers, including Susan. Themes of aspiration, camaraderie, and the challenges of addressing both professional and personal ambitions in a restricted societal framework are introduced as Susan learns of a promotion opportunity and the arrival of a handsome new colleague, Mr. Peter Coleman, which captures her imagination and adds complexity to her already daunting path.
Mary Roberts Rinehart
Tish : $b The chronicle of her escapades and excursions
"Tish: The Chronicle of Her Escapades and Excursions" by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a work of fiction likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around Tish Carberry, a spirited middle-aged woman who, along with her aunts, embarks on a series of amusing, and often chaotic, adventures that reflect her zest for life and independence. The book delves into themes of friendship, societal norms, and the antics that arise from Tish's exuberant personality. The opening of the story introduces Tish and her two companions, Lizzie and Aggie, as they embark on an excursion to Morris Valley. It sets a humorous tone outlining the trio’s characters and hints at Tish's disruptive and adventurous spirit. The inciting incident occurs when Tish is asked to look after her friend's daughter, Bettina, who has strong opinions about life, marriage, and independence. As the dynamics between Tish, her companions, and the younger generation unfold, the narrative teases various mishaps, including an encounter with Jasper, a local young man, and hints at Tish's unorthodox ways of addressing challenges, like using a racing car to assert her independence. The opening portion sets the stage for both comedic and possibly romantic entanglements as Tish navigates her world without conventional restrictions.
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Cranford
"Cranford" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is an episodic novel first published in 1853. Set in a small English country town, it affectionately portrays a society of genteel women—mostly widows and spinsters—navigating life with "elegant economy" while clinging to old-fashioned codes of conduct. As the outside world encroaches through railways and social change, these proud ladies must reconcile their rigid class traditions with deeper values of kindness and mutual support. The novel chronicles a vanishing way of life with humor and warmth.
Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice
Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch
"Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" by Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice is a novel published in 1901. Set in a turn-of-the-century urban slum, it follows the optimistic widow Mrs. Wiggs and her five children as they navigate poverty with humor and resilience. Inspired by Rice's philanthropic work in Louisville, Kentucky, the story captures one family's determined spirit while two wealthy individuals seek to help the community. This beloved novel sold over 650,000 copies and inspired numerous stage and film adaptations.
Anthony Hope
The Intrusions of Peggy
"The Intrusions of Peggy" by Anthony Hope is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Trix Trevalla, a young widow who is navigating her new life after a difficult marriage. As she sheds her mourning attire and embraces the vibrant world of London society, she grapples with her past and the complexities of her emotions while deciding what kind of life she truly wants. The beginning of the novel introduces Trix as she reflects on her life from her riverside flat, after recently abandoning the trappings of widowhood. She recalls her challenging upbringing and tumultuous marriage as she prepares for a new chapter. Trix's journey is spurred by her encounter with Airey Newton, a shabby yet intriguing man who encourages her to reclaim her life and seek opportunities instead of merely surviving. The narrative quickly unfolds into her efforts to reinvent herself socially while hinting at various romantic entanglements, leading to a significant exploration of identity, love, and ambition.
Gertrude Page
Winding Paths
"Winding Paths" by Gertrude Page is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the evolving friendship between two young women, Hal Pritchard and Lorraine Vivian, who come from contrasting backgrounds. Their bond grows deeper as they navigate the challenges of life after boarding school, which includes Lorraine's pursuit of a career in acting and Hal's ambition to break into journalism. At the start of the book, Hal and Lorraine's friendship is established with Hal being the lively and audacious tomboy, while Lorraine is charming and graceful yet somewhat enigmatic. Their time together at school culminates in playful adventures, skirmishes with authority, and a shared affection that transcends their differences. Lorraine is depicted as being drawn to Hal's exuberance despite societal expectations, while Hal is fiercely loyal and protective of Lorraine's reputation. As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to the complexities of their relationship as they step into the world beyond school, hinting at the challenges and crossroads they will face in their respective journeys.
Mary Roberts Rinehart
Tish plays the game
"Tish Plays the Game" by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a humorous novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the spirited and determined character Letitia "Tish" Carberry as she embarks on her various escapades, often involving her friends Aggie and Lizzie. Tish's unconventional perspective on life leads her into amusing predicaments, especially as she engages in a golf tournament with the aim of helping the lovesick Bobby Anderson win over the champion golfer Nettie Lynn. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the dynamic among Tish, Aggie, and Lizzie, who are concerned about Tish's eccentric behavior, highlighted by her obsession with golf and its social implications. The trio discusses Tish's various schemes and quirks while recounting the history of her interactions with both the members of the community and her friends. Conflicts arise as Tish's actions, driven by her desire to see the two young lovers happily united, lead to unforeseen complications, all exposed with Rinehart's signature wit and charm.
Julia Magruder
The Princess Sonia
"The Princess Sonia" by Julia Magruder is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Martha Keene, an American artist studying in a Parisian atelier, and her infatuation with a beautiful Russian princess named Sonia, who is also pursuing her passion for painting. This narrative combines themes of admiration, artistic aspiration, and the complexities of relationships, particularly as they touch upon class divisions and personal longing. The opening of the novel introduces Martha Keene, who is deeply affected by her admiration for Sonia, the princess, whom she idolizes not just for her beauty but also for her artistic talent. Martha's journey of self-discovery and her burgeoning friendship with Sonia unfolds against the backdrop of the atelier, where they are both participants in the challenging world of art. Despite their budding connection, there is an inherent shyness and social barrier due to their differing statuses. As Martha grapples with her feelings of inferiority and strives to find her voice in art, the narrative hints at deeper questions of identity and the search for belonging, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of love and friendship in an inspirational yet formidable environment.
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