Subject
Married people -- England -- Fiction Books
Best books
Herbert George Jenkins
Bindle: Some Chapters in the Life of Joseph Bindle
"Bindle: Some Chapters in the Life of Joseph Bindle" by Herbert George Jenkins is a novel written in the early 20th century. This humorous work introduces readers to the protagonist, Joseph Bindle, a Cockney furniture remover known for his wit and good-natured charm. The story explores Bindle's everyday life, colorful interactions, and the social intricacies of his environment while providing a comedic lens on themes such as marriage, work, and humanity. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Joseph Bindle as he sits in a pub, deep in conversation with his friend Ginger. Their banter reveals Bindle's humorous and somewhat cynical outlook on marriage and life, alongside his knack for sharing "little jokes." The chapters unfold to paint a vibrant picture of Bindle's domestic life, highlighting the challenging relationship with his wife, Mrs. Bindle, as well as his interactions with neighbors and fellow workers. The dynamic between Bindle and Ginger sets the tone for the book, showcasing Bindle’s optimistic spirit in contrast to Ginger’s more pessimistic demeanor. The narrative hints at a series of misadventures that will showcase Bindle's character and the absurdities of the world around him.
Herbert George Jenkins
Mrs. Bindle: Some Incidents from the Domestic Life of the Bindles
"Mrs. Bindle: Some Incidents from the Domestic Life of the Bindles" by Herbert Jenkins is a humorous novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around Mrs. Bindle, a sharp and determined woman who navigates the challenges of her domestic life in a lower-middle-class neighborhood. The narrative offers a comedic exploration of her struggles with her husband, the eccentricities of their neighbors, and the domestic challenges she faces. At the start of the book, we witness a lively and contentious exchange between Mrs. Bindle and her husband, Bindle, over his participation in a strike at his workplace. Mrs. Bindle, a no-nonsense woman, expresses her anger over the potential impact of the strike on their family's finances. As Bindle leaves for the pub, Mrs. Bindle locks him out, declaring she has "struck" too, which sets off a humorous series of events involving the other dissatisfied wives in their neighborhood. The opening chapter sets the tone for the book, showcasing Mrs. Bindle's combative spirit and the comic dynamics of her domestic environment.
Herbert George Jenkins
Adventures of Bindle
"Adventures of Bindle" by Herbert George Jenkins is a humorous novel likely written in the early 20th century. It follows the exploits of Joseph Bindle, a furniture remover, as he navigates the intricacies of his home life, work, and the various comical characters around him, including his wife, Mrs. Bindle, and a new lodger named Mr. Gupperduck. The book delves into the comedic misunderstandings and domestic disputes that ensue in Bindle's world. The opening of the book sets the stage for Bindle's witty character as he engages in a humorous conversation with his wife during supper. Tensions arise when Mrs. Bindle announces her intention to take in a lodger to help with their household expenses, causing Bindle to express his reluctance and skepticism towards the idea, especially regarding the newcomer’s interaction with his wife. The reader is introduced to Bindle's personality through his candid remarks and clever wordplay as he reflects on the peculiarities and foibles of both his married life and the people around him, particularly hinting at the humorous complications that may arise with the lodger's arrival. The stage is set for further comedic adventures as the narrative unfolds, indicating that the story will maintain this light-hearted and entertaining tone throughout.
Henry James
The Sacred Fount
"The Sacred Fount" by Henry James is a novel published in 1901. An unnamed narrator spends a weekend at an English country estate, obsessively theorizing about the romantic relationships of his fellow guests. He believes some lovers drain vitality and intelligence from their partners like a "sacred fount," leaving them aged or diminished. As he constructs increasingly elaborate theories about who is with whom, the line between insight and delusion blurs. This enigmatic first-person narrative explores observation, imagination, and the danger of over-interpretation.
Max O'Rell
Woman and Artist
"Woman and Artist" by Max O'Rell is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story explores the life of Philip Grantham, a painter, and his wife Dora, as they navigate love, ambition, and the challenges of artistic life in England. Central to the plot is the couple's relationship and the tensions that arise with Philip's desire for wealth and recognition in his artistic career. The opening of the novel introduces the characters and their domestic life, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. It highlights Philip's home in St. John's Wood, a hub for artists and intellects, and reveals his growing success as a painter. Dora is depicted as a supportive and deeply caring wife who plays a critical role in Philip's artistic endeavors. As the narrative begins to unfold, it hints at conflicts that arise from ambitions, societal expectations, and the complexities of their marriage, especially as Philip grapples with a secret invention that could change their fortunes while Dora is confounded by his sudden change in demeanor.
Humphry Ward
Fenwick's Career
"Fenwick's Career" by Mrs. Humphry Ward is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the struggles and ambitions of John Fenwick, a painter who grapples with his artistic dreams while contending with personal responsibilities and societal expectations. The narrative explores themes of ambition, self-assertion, and the interplay of love and sacrifice within the context of a young artist's life. The opening of the novel introduces us to John Fenwick, who is portrayed as a talented but struggling artist in Westmoreland. He finds himself in a difficult position as he paints a portrait of Bella Morrison, a woman plagued by her insecurities and influences from her overbearing mother. Fenwick's interactions with the Morrison family reveal his aspirations and the societal pressures he faces, while hints of his deeper relationship with his wife, Phoebe, begin to unfurl. As the story unfolds, Fenwick contemplates a pivotal decision to move to London for better opportunities, setting up a conflict between his artistic ambitions and his duties as a husband and father.
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