Subject
Private secretaries -- Fiction Books
Best books
Sewell Ford
Torchy and Vee
"Torley and Vee" by Sewell Ford is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work follows Torchy, a likable and resourceful protagonist, who navigates the ups and downs of life and love during the time of World War I. The story intricately weaves themes of romance and personal ambition against a backdrop of societal change and challenges brought on by the war. The opening of "Torchy and Vee" sets the stage by introducing Torchy's home life, his relationship with his wife Vee, and their concern for a mutual acquaintance, Marion Gray. As Vee shares the sad predicament of Marion, who struggles under the oppressive expectations of her recently deceased father and the unwelcome advances of a suitor, Torchy reflects on the complexities of their lives. Vee proposes a plan to help Marion become more independent through a meal delivery service, sparking an adventure that intertwines community support and personal growth, while also hinting at romantic entanglements that will unfold as the story progresses.
Sewell Ford
Torchy, Private Sec.
"Torchy, Private Sec." by Sewell Ford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young man named Torchy, who starts his career as an office boy at the Corrugated Trust and suddenly finds himself promoted to the position of private secretary. With a blend of humor and adventure, the narrative likely explores his antics and experiences as he navigates the challenges of his new role in the business world. At the start of the novel, Torchy shares his initial thoughts on his sudden rise from office boy to private secretary, setting the tone for his character's humorous yet earnest demeanor. He describes his everyday encounters at the office, discusses the playful interactions with his boss, Mr. Robert, and foreshadows his romantic interest in a girl named Verona. As the plot unfolds, Torchy's ambition and resourcefulness come to the forefront, particularly when he faces obstacles such as dealing with hierarchy and impressing important figures while remaining true to himself. The opening section establishes a foundation for Torchy's journey, highlighting his relationships and his aspirations.
Sewell Ford
Torchy As A Pa
"Torchy As A Pa" by Sewell Ford is a humorous novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around a young man named Torchy, who embarks on a variety of light-hearted adventures and misadventures in his daily life, revealing his interactions with friends, family, and community. The narrative blends playful social commentary and endearing character sketches, especially as Torchy navigates relationships and domesticity. The opening of the novel introduces Torchy and his partner, Vee, as they discover the new lives of old acquaintances, Lucy Lee and Captain Blake, who have recently moved into a cramped New York apartment. As they visit the Blakes, the contrast between the couple's lively past and their current mundane existence is highlighted. Throughout the visit, Vee expresses concern for Lucy's loneliness in the city, which leads them to brainstorm ways to build a sense of community in their new surroundings. The stage is set for an exploration of urban life and human connection, characterized by Torchy's witty observations and infectious enthusiasm for solving problems, whether they be social or personal.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
An Autumn Sowing
"An Autumn Sowing" by E. F. Benson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Keeling family, particularly focusing on the patriarch, Mr. Thomas Keeling, who grapples with his moral convictions, the expectations placed upon him by society, and the contrasting dynamics within his family. The narrative starts with a depiction of a church sermon that sets the tone for the exploration of themes such as social class, propriety, and familial conflict. The opening of the novel introduces Mr. Keeling during a solemn church service, where he contemplates the stern message conveyed by Dr. Inglis about eternal damnation. While his children, especially John and Alice, are shown to grapple with their own insecurities and aspirations, we also meet Mrs. Keeling, who seems to hold a distinct lack of interest in the profound subjects that occupy her husband’s mind. The tension escalates during a meal following the service, particularly with the introduction of Mrs. Goodford, Mr. Keeling's mother-in-law, whose sharp tongue and biting remarks reveal family dynamics marked by conflict and unresolved resentments. The initial chapters set the stage for a deeper examination of social interactions, personal aspirations, and the burdens of family legacy within a changing society.
Anthony Hope
The Great Miss Driver
"The Great Miss Driver" by Anthony Hope is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Jenny Driver, the daughter of a wealthy man who had a complex relationship with his daughter and the world around him. As she inherits his fortune after his death, Jenny navigates her newfound position in society, amidst various interactions with men who have their sights on her and her wealth. The opening of the novel establishes the backdrop of Jenny's life post her father's death, detailing not only her transition into wealth but also her complicated feelings regarding her father and her past. Personal anecdotes and discussions among characters about her father’s legacy set the stage for her challenges ahead. We see her confronted with the responsibilities of wealth and societal expectations, while also encountering Mr. Nelson Powers, a character tied to a troublesome part of her past. Jenny’s dynamic with those around her, particularly her relationship with her father's solicitor and a rising figure of concern, sets the tone for her journey of self-discovery and agency in a world that expects her to play various roles.
Berta Ruck
The wooing of Rosamond Fayre
"The wooing of Rosamond Fayre" by Berta Ruck is a novel written in the early 20th century. It’s a light, witty romance about love set in motion by misdirected letters and mistaken identity, moving from an English country house to a French seaside village on the eve of war. The story centers on capable, charming Rosamond Fayre, dutiful philanthropist Eleanor Urquhart, and Eleanor’s adventurous cousin and fiancé, Ted Urquhart, whose courtship-by-post takes an unexpected turn. At the start of the story, Rosamond, hired as Eleanor’s secretary at Urquhart’s Court, is asked to write Eleanor’s weekly letters to Ted abroad—and even to sign them—despite her misgivings. Her first carefully neutral note, scented by slipped-in rose petals, prompts Ted’s intrigued reply and, soon after, an impulsive, unannounced return to England. Finding Eleanor away at a French Holiday Hostel for working girls (with Rosamond temporarily in charge), he travels there incognito, rescues two of the girls from a cliff mishap with Rosamond’s help, and—mistaking Rosamond for his fiancée—becomes instantly fascinated. Invited to tea at the Hostel, he withholds his name while Pansy, a flamboyant “Principal Boy,” leads the chatter; the scene ends with Ted plotting to continue his anonymous wooing of the woman he believes is Eleanor.
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