Subject
Sisters-in-law -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mary C. E. Wemyss
The Professional Aunt
"The Professional Aunt" by Mary C. E. Wemyss is a fictional work likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the experiences and reflections of the main character, who adopts the role of a professional aunt in a family dynamics where her duties and interactions with nieces and nephews are humorously and poignantly depicted. The opening of the book introduces us to the concept of the "professional aunt" through the lens of the protagonist, who humorously recounts her responsibilities as an aunt, as set by her sisters-in-law, especially Zerlina. She delves into the expectations placed on a professional aunt, from remembering birthdays to understanding the evolving tastes of her nephews and nieces. The whimsical tone conveys her struggles and triumphs, highlighting the nuanced relationships within family structures. The narrative quickly transitions to the protagonist’s musings on more profound themes, such as love, duty, and the innocence of childhood, all while showcasing her unique perspective and character quirks.
Amy Ella Blanchard
Talbot's Angles
"Talbot's Angles" by Amy Ella Blanchard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Linda Talbot, a young woman grappling with changes following her brother Martin's death and the arrival of her new sister-in-law, Grace. As Linda navigates her new life and the challenges that accompany her brother’s legacy, themes of independence, family dynamics, and personal struggle are likely to emerge. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Linda Talbot as the sun sets over her rural home,Talbot's Angles. The narrative captures her deep emotional ties to her familial home while hinting at her growing frustrations with her sister-in-law's manipulation following the death of Martin. Linda confides in her steadfast companion, Phebe, about her plans to seek employment and claim her independence, while expressing her sense of being trapped by Grace's intentions to dominate household affairs. This opening section sets a poignant tone, revealing Linda's internal conflicts as she prepares to carve out a new path for herself in the world.
Ring Lardner
Gullible's Travels, Etc.
"Gullible's Travels, Etc." by Ring Lardner is a collection of humorous stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of social class and the absurdities of modern life through the experiences of the narrator and their humorous observations about various activities, particularly outings to the theater and opera with friends. The main characters include the narrator, their spouse, and their friends, such as the Hatches, engaging in lighthearted yet revealing dialogues that reflect their social pretensions and experiences. At the start of the tale, the narrator reflects on a recent opera outing they took with their friends the Hatches, detailing the events of the night, the various interactions, and the characters involved. The narrator humorously recounts the trials of attending a grand opera and the disconnect it creates between the glitzy social expectations and the actual experience. Through a mix of dialogue and narrative, the opening portion establishes the satirical tone of the collection, setting the stage for further explorations into the quirks of society and the everyday life of the characters.
Molly Elliot Seawell
Throckmorton: A Novel
"Throckmorton: A Novel" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a fictional work written in the late 19th century. Set in a secluded Virginia neighborhood, the narrative revolves around the lives of the Temple family and their interactions with the newly returned George Throckmorton, a former soldier deemed a traitor for fighting against the Confederacy during the Civil War. The book intricately explores themes of loss, social tensions in a recovering post-war South, and the complexities of love and familial devotion through its characters, particularly focusing on Judith Temple and Jacqueline Temple, along with the general and Mrs. Temple. The opening of the novel introduces the picturesque lowland Virginia setting, highlighting its charming stillness and the quaint idiosyncrasies of its residents. It vividly describes the Temple family dynamics, exploring the effects of their son Beverley's death and the lingering shadow it casts over their lives, especially on Judith, who is left as a young widow. General Temple is depicted as a grand yet flawed figure, while Mrs. Temple is consumed with the memory of her lost son. The arrival of George Throckmorton, both a figure of nostalgia and controversy, sets the stage for a complex interplay of emotions as the characters navigate their past and the societal judgment they face, particularly regarding the war’s painful legacy. The opening intricately describes the characters' relationships and sets up the anticipated societal challenges as they confront their history and possible future connections with Throckmorton and his son, Jack.
Amy Le Feuvre
Jock's inheritance
"Jock''s inheritance" by Amy Le Feuvre is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows capable, kind‑spirited Orris Coventry, who accepts work cataloguing a great country‑house library while caring for her lively niece, Pippa. In the secluded world of Pinestones, she contends with the formidable housekeeper Mrs. Snow, her exacting sister‑in‑law Venetia, and the return of disinherited Jock Muir, whose presence stirs questions of justice, duty, and affection. Village gossip, a rumored ill‑omened house, and the pull of the farmland frame a tale of character and belonging. The opening of the novel introduces Orris in London, where a desperate letter from her sister‑in‑law Venetia (ruined by a failed oil scheme and abandoned by her fiancé) brings Venetia and little Pippa to her flat. Offered the chance to order and catalogue the Muirs’ famous library at Pinestones by Mrs. Calthrop, Orris moves to the pine‑ringed estate with Pippa and their maid, settling into the old nursery while the child thrives in the fresh air and befriends villagers. As Orris works, she meets local figures—the shy Miss Dashwood, the Rector, and author Mr. Dunscombe—and is startled when Jock Muir, the disinherited nephew, slips in through a window, befriends Pippa, and explains how he was edged out of his childhood home. Jock’s light, impulsive charm, his love of farming, and his frank interest in Orris contrast with Mrs. Snow’s hostility and with talk of nearby Ivy Towers, said to bring misfortune, where new tenants arrive and promptly lose their servants. After a tea visit to Dunscombe and the welcoming Prestons at Lilac Farm, Jock vows to help on the land and continues to visit—playfully revealing a hidden “powder‑room” and urging Orris to accept scholarly help. The section ends with Venetia’s arrival at Pinestones, bringing tension and setting up conflicts in the household.
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