Subject
Middle class women -- Fiction Books
Best books
George Gissing
The Odd Women
"The Odd Women" by George Gissing is a novel published in 1893. Set in Victorian England, where women vastly outnumber men, the story follows several unmarried women navigating a society that expects marriage but offers few prospects. Among them are Rhoda, who runs a secretarial school while resisting romance, and Monica, trapped in a suffocating marriage born of desperation. As jealousy, pride, and conflicting principles collide, these women face impossible choices between independence and convention, love and survival.
Amy Levy
The Romance of a Shop
"The Romance of a Shop" by Amy Levy is a novel published in 1888. When their father's death leaves them in poverty, the Lorimer sisters make a bold decision: they will open their own photography business in London. As they navigate the challenges of running a shop, they encounter prejudice, artistic circles, and romantic entanglements. The sisters struggle to maintain their independence while facing social expectations, financial pressures, and personal tragedies that threaten both their business and their futures.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
Mrs. Ames
"Mrs. Ames" by E. F. Benson is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the everyday lives and social dynamics of residents in the small town of Riseborough, focusing particularly on the character of Mrs. Ames, who navigates the intricate webs of societal expectations and personal relationships. Through detailed character interactions and social events, the book explores themes of gossip, hospitality, and the complexities of social status. The opening of the story introduces Mrs. Altham and her husband, who partake in the local gossip and activities while hinting at their connections with Mrs. Ames. It highlights the contrast between their perception of social norms and the often petty intrigues that accompany dinner invitations and neighborhood relationships. As Mrs. Altham embarks on a mission to address a complaint regarding a disappointing breakfast item, the narrative sets the stage for an exploration of societal expectations and the subtleties of human interaction within their close-knit community. Readers are provided a glimpse into their lives and the characters' personalities, hinting at the unfolding drama that will arise from social engagements and the rigid customs of their world.
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