Subject
Socialites -- Fiction Books
Best books
F. Scott (Francis Scott) Fitzgerald
The Beautiful and Damned
"The Beautiful and Damned" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a novel published in 1922. Set in Jazz Age New York, it follows young heir Anthony Patch and his beautiful flapper wife Gloria Gilbert as they pursue a life of parties and excess. Their vow to live without regret and seek happiness at any cost soon tests their marriage as infatuation fades and selfish attitudes collide. While awaiting Anthony's inheritance, the couple descends into hedonism and cynicism, facing consequences that threaten to destroy everything they once were.
Fanny Burney
Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World
"Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World" by Fanny Burney is a novel written in the late 18th century. The story follows the titular character, Evelina, a young woman who is navigating her entry into society and the complexities of life, love, and social norms in 18th-century England. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Evelina’s predicament as she prepares to embark on her first visit to London, under the care of Mr. Villars, who has been her guardian. The letters exchanged between Lady Howard and Mr. Villars reveal tensions about Evelina’s uncertain status, her complicated family background, and the questionable intentions of those around her, particularly her grandmother, Madame Duval. The opening portion sets a tone of awareness and cautiousness as it captures Evelina's initial experiences and encounters, hinting at her naivety and the societal pressures she will face in her quest for acceptance and belonging.
William Dean Howells
The Rise of Silas Lapham
"The Rise of Silas Lapham" by William Dean Howells is a realist novel published in 1885. The story follows self-made businessman Silas Lapham, who builds a fortune in the paint industry but struggles to gain acceptance in Boston's aristocratic society. As the Laphams pursue social status through their daughters' prospects, a complicated romantic triangle emerges when Tom Corey, from an old-money family, takes interest in the family. Financial pressures mount while moral dilemmas test Silas's integrity, forcing him to choose between wealth and principle.
Henry Adams
Democracy, an American novel
"Democracy, an American novel" by Henry Adams is a political novel published anonymously in 1880. Madeleine Lee, a wealthy New York widow seeking purpose, moves to Washington to understand political power. Her salon attracts influential men, including Senator Silas Ratcliffe, who courts her while pursuing his presidential ambitions. As Madeleine peers behind the curtain of American democracy, she discovers a world of corruption, pragmatism, and moral compromise that challenges her ideals about governance and forces her to choose between power and principle.
Anthony Trollope
The Eustace Diamonds
"The Eustace Diamonds" by Anthony Trollope is a novel serialized between 1871 and 1873. Beautiful widow Lizzie Eustace refuses to surrender a valuable diamond necklace she claims her late husband gave her, sparking a legal battle with his family. A pathological liar with romantic fantasies, Lizzie searches for a new husband while clinging to the contested jewels. When the diamonds are stolen under mysterious circumstances, Lizzie's deceptions multiply, drawing suspicion from police and suitors alike in this tale of theft, lies, and social intrigue.
Upton Sinclair
The Metropolis
"The Metropolis" by Upton Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces readers to Allan Montague, a young man fresh from the countryside, seeking his place in the bustling, complex world of New York City. Through Allan's experiences, the book explores themes of social status, wealth, and the stark contrast between the lives of the affluent and the struggles of the working class. The opening of "The Metropolis" centers on Allan Montague's arrival in New York City and his first encounters within a gathering of former military officers. The narrative conveys Allan's excitement and trepidation as he meets influential figures linked to his father's past while grappling with his own identity as he transitions from country life to urban sophistication. The chapter also sets the stage for future conflicts by hinting at political unrest and the rise of socialist sentiments in the city, culminating in a stirring confrontation with a passionate speaker advocating for social change. Montague's experiences establish the backdrop for Sinclair's critique of social inequality and the human cost of economic progress.
Edith Wharton
The Glimpses of the Moon
"The Glimpses of the Moon" by Edith Wharton is a novel written in the early 20th century that explores themes of love, wealth, and social relationships amid an affluent backdrop. The story centers on Susy Lansing and Nick Lansing, a newly married couple who embark on a unique experimental marriage, hinging on an understanding that they may pursue other romantic connections if they find better opportunities. This arrangement sets the stage for a narrative rich with social commentary and personal introspection. The opening of the novel introduces Susy and Nick as they enjoy their honeymoon on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, wrapped in the beauty of their surroundings and their initial bliss. As they revel in their idyllic setting, their conversations touch on their playful defiance against conventional expectations, revealing their attempts to manage their financial limitations and societal status. The couple shares laughter and tenderness as they contemplate how long their current happiness can last, while underlying tensions begin to surface regarding their financial constraints and the shadows of their past relationships. This blend of romantic idealism and pragmatic awareness frames the narrative's ongoing exploration of their unorthodox marriage and its implications.
Upton Sinclair
The Moneychangers
"The Moneychangers" by Upton Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young widow, Lucy Dupree, who returns to New York City after years in New Orleans, where she married and lost a husband. The narrative introduces several key characters, including Allan Montague, a man with a deep history with Lucy, who now finds himself drawn to her amidst the complexities of society and its demands. The book delves into themes of wealth, ambition, and the moral compromises individuals make within the capitalist framework of early 1900s America. The beginning of "The Moneychangers" introduces readers to the anticipation surrounding Lucy Dupree's return to New York and hints at her complicated past and relationships. Reggie Mann and Allan Montague discuss Lucy, expressing eagerness and nostalgia. As Lucy reconnects with Allan, the text discusses her innocence and excitement about New York, juxtaposing it with Allan's more seasoned perspective of city life. The opening chapters also suggest a looming sense of tragedy, as Allan grapples with his feelings for Lucy, reflecting on the losses in both their lives and setting the stage for social dynamics that will unfold in the narrative, especially concerning Lucy's interactions with powerful men like Dan Waterman.
Maria Edgeworth
The Absentee
"The Absentee" by Maria Edgeworth is a novel written in the early 19th century, reflecting the cultural and social norms of its time. The story explores the lives of Irish landlords residing in England, particularly focusing on the clashing identities and challenges faced by those, like Lady Clonbrony, who seek acceptance in English high society while neglecting their responsibilities in Ireland. The narrative centers around characters like Lord Colambre, Lady Clonbrony, and the heiress Miss Broadhurst, whose relationships and personal dilemmas provide a rich commentary on societal expectations and the concept of duty. At the start of the novel, a conversation at the opera introduces Lady Clonbrony and her family's struggles, positioning them as Irish absentees who are trying to navigate the complexities of London high society. Through Lady Langdale and Mrs. Dareville’s dialogue, we learn of Lady Clonbrony's efforts to assimilate, which are marred by the ridicule she faces for her accent and manners. Lord Colambre, her son, begins to contemplate his family's situation with a growing sense of responsibility, leading him on a journey back to Ireland to confront the reality of his family's estate and the lives affected by their absentee status. The opening chapters set the stage for the unfolding drama of social aspirations, personal identity, and the pursuit of belonging against a backdrop of class distinctions and familial duty.
Foxcroft Davis
The Whirl: A Romance of Washington Society
"The Whirl: A Romance of Washington Society" by Foxcroft Davis is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Sir Percy Carlyon, the new First Secretary of the British Embassy in Washington, who is navigating both his diplomatic career and his complex feelings towards American society, particularly American women. The narrative begins with his reflections during a solitary winter walk, hinting at his ambitions and the romantic entanglements that may arise in his new position. The opening of the novel establishes Sir Percy as a self-reflective character, filled with hopes and regrets, particularly concerning his past infatuation with Alicia Vernon, the daughter of General Talbott. He grapples with his disdain for American women while acknowledging their allure, as he prepares to attend his first ball at the Embassy. Here, readers are introduced to a lively depiction of Washington society, where he encounters a variety of characters, including the charming Lucy Armytage, who captures his attention despite his initial resolves. The narrative sets the stage for themes of ambition, ill-fated romances, and cultural clashes as Sir Percy becomes further entangled in both the political and social whirl of American life.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
Daisy's Aunt
"Daisy's Aunt" by E. F. Benson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story primarily follows the spirited and impulsive Daisy Hanbury, who navigates her relationships and desires with charm and wit. As she interacts with her cousin Gladys and contemplates her place in society, themes of youthful exuberance, love, and the societal expectations of marriage begin to emerge. The opening portion introduces Daisy and her cousin Gladys during a visit to the zoo, where Daisy's playful nature is highlighted through her interactions with the animals and her skewed understanding of social norms. We see Daisy's irreverent spirit as she reflects on the nature of love and relationships, particularly her thoughts on her suitor Willie and her growing interest in Lord Lindfield, suggesting her struggle between the societal expectations of romance and her own desires. Daisy’s dynamic personality is contrasted with Gladys’s more demure demeanor, setting the stage for their evolving relationship as they confront their respective paths in life amidst the backdrop of family and social obligations.
Upton Sinclair
Maailmankaupunki: Romaani
"Maailmankaupunki: Romaani" by Upton Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story opens with Allan Montague, the son of a general, arriving at a grand hotel in a bustling city, filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation as he prepares to meet influential figures who shape his family's legacy. The book likely explores themes of ambition, identity, and the contrast between personal aspirations and social expectations through Montague's interactions with various characters from his father's past. The opening of the book introduces the protagonist, Allan Montague, as he navigates the social dynamics at a gathering of former soldiers, each carrying their own stories and scars from the Civil War. Allan is portrayed as a reflective character, grappling with the weight of his heritage while also confronting the present realities of an urban environment filled with contrasting social classes. As he mingles with war veterans and prominent figures, the narrative hints at the broader societal changes taking place in America, including the rise of socialism, setting the stage for the exploration of personal and societal conflict throughout the novel.
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