Subject
Remarried people -- Fiction Books
Best books
E. M. (Edward Morgan) Forster
Howards End
"Howards End" by E. M. Forster is a novel published in 1910. Three families collide in turn-of-the-century England: the wealthy capitalist Wilcoxes, the intellectual Schlegel sisters, and the struggling working-class Basts. When idealistic Margaret Schlegel befriends the Wilcox matriarch, a deathbed wish concerning the country house Howards End sets off a chain of events involving concealed inheritances, broken engagements, financial ruin, and forbidden affairs. Their intertwined fates will ultimately determine who inherits England's social future.
E. M. (Edward Morgan) Forster
Howards End
"Howards End" by E. M. Forster is a novel published in 1910 about social conventions and relationships in turn-of-the-century England. Three families collide: the wealthy, conventional Wilcoxes; the intellectual Schlegel sisters; and the struggling Basts. When idealistic Margaret Schlegel befriends the Wilcox matriarch, she becomes entangled in questions of inheritance, class prejudice, and betrayal. As romantic connections and hidden secrets emerge, the fates of all three families intertwine around the country house called Howards End—a symbol of England's uncertain social future.
Henry James
What Maisie Knew
"What Maisie Knew" by Henry James is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story centers around a young girl named Maisie Farange, caught in the tumultuous aftermath of her parents' bitter divorce. As they battle over custody, she becomes a pawn in their ongoing conflicts, revealing the complexities of adult relationships through a child’s innocent perspective. The opening of the novel introduces us to a courtroom scene where the divorce and custody arrangements of Maisie are being discussed. The narrative highlights the inappropriate behaviors and attitudes of both parents, particularly as they prepare to share their daughter in a highly unconventional arrangement. Ms. Farange's mother is depicted as vain and resentful, while her father, Beale, is shown to be careless and dismissive. Maisie's sensitivity shines through as she seeks to navigate the emotional chaos inflicted upon her by her parents, baffled by their conflicting views. Though caught in the midst of adult grievances, she remains naive about the true nature of her situation, which foreshadows her journey of growing awareness and understanding in a world fraught with adult contradictions.
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.
Edith Wharton
The Fruit of the Tree
"The Fruit of the Tree" by Edith Wharton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds within the context of industrial society, focusing on the dynamics between workers and management, particularly through the lens of the main character, John Amherst, an assistant manager at the Westmore Mills. The book delves into themes of social justice, personal responsibility, and the stark realities faced by the working class, illustrated through the struggles of the injured mill worker, Dillon, and the young nurse, Justine Brent. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the surgical ward in the Hope Hospital where Justine Brent, a volunteer nurse, attends to Dillon, a mechanic injured in a factory accident. The atmosphere is tense, reflecting Dillon's despair as he learns the gravity of his injuries. John Amherst enters the hospital seeking information about Dillon's case, hinting at his deeper concern for the welfare of the workers at the mills. Their conversation reveals the intricate connections between hospital staff and mill management, foreshadowing a broader critique of the industrial environment and the personal stakes for both the workers and the management responsible for their safety. The opening sets the stage for a compelling exploration of societal issues through the intersecting lives of its characters.
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