Subject
Secretaries -- Fiction Books
Best books
E. J. Rath
Good References
"Good References" by E. J. Rath is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Mary Wayne, a young woman navigating employment challenges, as she seeks a position with the prestigious Brain Workers' Exchange but finds herself lacking the necessary references. The opening chapters introduce her initial struggles, her chance encounter with another job seeker, Nell Norcross, and the unexpected twists that arise as Mary takes on the identity of Nell. The narrative explores themes of deception, ambition, and the societal pressures surrounding employment and social standing. At the start of the book, Mary enters the Brain Workers' Exchange with hope but quickly faces rejection due to her lack of references. She's filled with despair but then meets Nell Norcross, who has the references Mary desperately needs for a more promising position. As fate intervenes, Mary opts to take on Nell's identity to secure the job as a social secretary for Bill Marshall, Aunt Caroline’s nephew. This decision sets up a tangled web of deception as Mary struggles to uphold the persona of someone she is not, all while dealing with the complications of a sick friend and her growing concern for Bill's future in society. The opening serves as a foundation for Mary’s journey, highlighting her determination and resourcefulness in a trying situation.
Albert Ross
A New Sensation
"A New Sensation" by Albert Ross is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the main character, Donald Camran, who is recovering from an illness and contemplating a journey to the Caribbean. Seeking company, he decides to hire a female typewriter to assist with his writing and serve as a traveling companion, leading him to navigate the complexities of personal relationships and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, Donald is engaged in a conversation with his friends, who suggest he needs a "new sensation" to rejuvenate his spirit. After a failed marriage proposal, he resolves to take a trip and advertise for a typewriter to accompany him. The opening portion introduces his humorous and candid determination to embark on this unconventional journey while setting the stage for the exploration of his interactions with women, specifically the potential companions responding to his advertisement, including the intriguing letters he receives. The narrative establishes a blend of light-heartedness and introspection as Donald grapples with his past and the uncertainties of the impending journey.
George Barr McCutcheon
The Alternative
"The Alternative" by George Barr McCutcheon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Bosworth Van Pycke, a young man from a distinguished but financially struggling family, who finds himself navigating the complex social circles of New York City. As he attempts to define what it means to be a gentleman in a world where wealth and titles often dictate social standing, the narrative unfolds to explore themes of class, ambition, and the expectations placed upon him by both his father and society. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a cold, blustery night in New York City, where two elderly gentlemen converse in a club about the weather and the dynamic of their society. Bosworth, the son of Mr. Van Pycke, arrives at the club, serving as a character caught between family expectations and his desire for autonomy. The opening delves into Bosworth's lack of direction and the pressure to marry into wealth as a means of securing his future, setting the stage for the conflicts and comedic misunderstandings that arise from social expectations. Notably, the interaction between Bosworth and his father highlights the generational divide and the absurdities of high society, foreshadowing the humorous and chaotic scenarios to come as Bosworth contemplates marriage amid the blizzard.
Phyllis Bottome
The Second Fiddle
"The Second Fiddle" by Phyllis Bottome is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is centered around the character Stella Waring, who navigates her role as a secretary in a bustling London office, balancing her personal ambitions with the demands of her family life. The backdrop of the narrative is set against the rising tensions of war and the dramatic cultural life in London, particularly through the character's experiences of art and familial relationships. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Stella, an intelligent and capable woman who works diligently for Mr. Leslie Travers at the town hall. The opening scenes highlight her mundane yet significant routines, her relationships with her sisters, and her aspirations to enjoy cultural events like opera performances. As preparations for war unfold, Stella grapples with her sense of responsibility to her family and her own desires. Her relationships, particularly with her more passionate sister Eurydice and the enigmatic Sir Julian Verny, hint at deeper emotional currents that will play out as the story progresses, establishing a tension between personal aspirations and familial loyalty amidst the chaos of an impending conflict.
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