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Widows -- Fiction Books
Best books
Henry Harland
The Cardinal's snuff-box
"The Cardinal's Snuff-Box" by Henry Harland is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Peter Marchdale, an Englishman who's recently arrived in a picturesque Italian region, where he finds himself captivated by his landlady, the enigmatic and beautiful Duchessa di Santangiolo. The narrative explores themes of love, class differences, and the engaging dynamics of interactions between Peter and the seemingly ethereal figure of the Duchessa, all set against the backdrop of scenic landscapes that enhance the romantic tension. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Peter as he enjoys a moment by the river, reflecting on the stunning views and savoring a coffee. His serene contemplation is soon interrupted by the Duchessa, who appears unexpectedly across the water, leading to a palpable jolt of attraction for Peter. Throughout this opening section, Peter engages with her through witty banter, revealing his fascination for her. The reader witnesses his burgeoning infatuation and the complexities surrounding their social standings—the American-Italian peasantry glimpses the innocent curiosity of Peter's character, as he navigates the mysteries of the Duchessa’s life while grappling with his own feelings of inadequacy and longing.
Jane Austen
Lady Susan
"Lady Susan" by Jane Austen is an epistolary novella written circa 1794 but not published until 1871. The story follows the cunning Lady Susan Vernon, a beautiful and charming widow described as "the most accomplished coquette in England," as she manipulates those around her for personal gain. She schemes to marry off her reluctant daughter Frederica to a wealthy fool while pursuing her own romantic conquests—ensnaring the naive Reginald De Courcy and maintaining an affair with a married man. Through letters between characters, the novella reveals Lady Susan's calculated deceptions and their consequences.
Henry James
The American
"The American" by Henry James is a novel published in 1877. Christopher Newman, a wealthy American businessman, travels to Europe seeking culture and a refined wife. He falls for Claire de Cintré, a young widow from an aristocratic Parisian family. But Newman's honest American spirit collides with Old World class prejudices and dark family secrets. As romance blooms and complications mount, he must navigate the treacherous divide between New World optimism and European sophistication in this tale of international manners and mismatched worlds.
D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
The Plumed Serpent
"The Plumed Serpent" by D. H. Lawrence is a political, mythological, and romance novel published in 1926. Set in post-revolutionary Mexico, it follows Kate Leslie, an Irish tourist who becomes entangled with two charismatic men leading a radical religious movement. Don Ramón and General Don Cipriano seek to abolish Christianity and restore ancient Aztec gods to power. As Kate is drawn deeper into their world, she faces a fateful choice about marriage and her role in their dangerous vision for Mexico's spiritual transformation.
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.
Joseph Crosby Lincoln
Thankful's Inheritance
"Thankful's Inheritance" by Joseph C. Lincoln is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around Thankful Barnes, who, along with her cousin Emily Howes, embarks on a tumultuous journey to inspect an inherited property in the village of East Wellmouth, Massachusetts. Their journey is marked by a series of unexpected challenges, including a disastrous wagon ride through a storm and the discovery of their new home, a seemingly abandoned house filled with echoes of the past. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Thankful and Emily as they travel to East Wellmouth in a rickety wagon. They struggle through a wild storm, getting stuck and finally crashing, which strands them in the middle of nowhere. Despite this, Thankful’s humorous and optimistic nature keeps the mood light even as they encounter the daunting circumstances of their arrival. The beginning of the novel sets the stage for their adventures, highlighting Thankful’s determination to take charge of her inheritance, and hints at peculiar mysteries surrounding the house they inherit, which draws them into a world of nostalgic memories and potential supernatural elements.
Horace Annesley Vachell
Whitewash
"Whitewash" by Horace Annesley Vachell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Lady Selina Chandos, the strong-willed widow of a squire as she manages her estate and navigates the complexities of her relationships with tenants and local gentry. The initial chapters introduce us to Lady Selina, her family dynamics, and the socio-political tensions in her community concerning her decisions as a landowner. The opening of "Whitewash" presents Lady Selina at her manor, reflecting on her responsibilities post her husband's death. While preparing for a local fête, she engages in discussions about an eviction notice she feels compelled to issue to her long-time tenant, Ephraim Exton, due to his negligence in maintaining his property. This scene establishes her character as someone who is both benevolent yet firm in her management of the estate. Lady Selina's interactions with her children, Brian and Cicely, as well as the village clergyman, Mr. Goodrich, reveal the communal expectations of her position, foreshadowing tensions that may arise as new ideas challenge traditional practices. The narrative hints at the underlying social pressures and moral dilemmas she encounters in a changing world.
Wilkie Collins
Jezebel's Daughter
"Jezebel's Daughter" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written during the late 19th century, specifically in the 1880s. The story revolves around the aftermath of two deaths, which intertwine the lives of their widows: Mrs. Wagner, who seeks to carry out her late husband’s progressive business ideas, and Madame Fontaine, who is embroiled in a family scandal involving accusations against her character. The interactions between these strong female characters set the stage for themes of societal norms, maternal love, and the personal struggles of their respective families. At the start of the novel, the narrator, David Glenney, recounts significant events surrounding the deaths of Mr. Wagner and Doctor Fontaine that occurred on the same day. As David reflects on his association with Mr. Wagner's widow, we learn of her determination to implement her husband’s progressive vision for advancing the roles of women in business. Concurrently, the narrative introduces Doctor Fontaine's widow and daughter, highlighting the complexities of their social standing and the prejudices they face. The emotional weight and character depth are further emphasized as Mrs. Wagner begins to understand and empathize with Madame Fontaine's situation, setting the groundwork for a gripping tale of intermingling lives and moral dilemmas in the face of societal expectations.
George Van Schaick
A Top-Floor Idyl
"A Top-Floor Idyl" by George Van Schaick is a novel written in the early 20th century. It presents a slice-of-life narrative set in a New York boarding house, focusing on the lives of its diverse residents. The story revolves around David Cole, the protagonist, who interacts with various characters, including the painter Gordon McGrath, and the struggling young mother, Frances Dupont, as they navigate themes of friendship, love, and the complexities of city life. At the start of the story, we are introduced to David Cole during his fortieth birthday celebration with his friend Gordon. They discuss life, art, and the peculiar residents of David's top-floor abode, including Frances, a new occupant who is about to give birth and faces considerable hardship. As the narrative unfolds, David's kindness leads him to be deeply involved in Frances's situation, highlighting the connections and emotional ties that bind the characters together. The opening establishes a blend of humor and poignant reflection on human relationships in an urban setting, hinting at more significant developments to come as these individuals confront their personal struggles.
Edith Wharton
Sanctuary
"Sanctuary" by Edith Wharton is a novel written in the late 19th century, exploring themes of love, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. The story centers on Kate Orme, a young woman on the brink of marriage to Denis Peyton, who grapples with her own emotions, the influence of societal expectations, and the shadow of a recent tragedy involving Denis' late brother, Arthur. At the start of the novel, we see Kate in a state of seemingly unbridled happiness as she prepares for her wedding. However, this joy is quickly overshadowed by the revelation of a deep family secret regarding Denis’ deceased brother and the intertwining lives that have led to a tragic outcome. Wharton intricately captures Kate's shifting emotions, her thoughts about love, and the societal constraints of her time, leading to a conversation with Denis that reveals unsettling truths about their past and the implications for their future. The opening sets the stage for a profound exploration of moral dilemmas and the struggle for personal integrity amidst familial and social pressures.
Francis Hopkinson Smith
Tom Grogan
"Tom Grogan" by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a novel published in 1896. When a stevedore dies, his widow conceals his death and assumes his name and business to support her family. Now known as Tom Grogan, this capable Irishwoman runs the operation with growing success, triggering jealous opposition from rival stevedores and union delegates. They resort to contemptible tactics—blackmail, arson, and even attempted murder—to destroy her. The bestselling novel of 1896 portrays a heroic soul beneath an uncouth exterior, balancing mannish labor with a mother's tender heart.
Constance Lindsay Skinner
"Good-Morning, Rosamond!"
"Good-Morning, Rosamond!" by Constance Lindsay Skinner is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Rosamond Mearely, a young widow and the wealthiest woman in the small hamlet of Roseborough, as she navigates the complexities of her new life after the passing of her husband, Hibbert Mearely. The book explores themes of societal expectations, personal identity, and the quest for freedom and happiness. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Rosamond's daily life, characterized by strict domestic routines managed by her two long-serving housemaids, Amanda and Jemima Frigget. As Rosamond prepares for her morning routine, tensions arise with her staff regarding her lateness, which uncovers social dynamics and expectations related to her late husband's status. The opening scenes reveal Rosamond's inner thoughts about her past marriage, as well as her determination to embrace her youth and beauty on what she deems her one "Wonderful Day." Amidst her reflections, she eagerly anticipates a future filled with love and adventure, hinting at her desire for liberation from the constraints of her high-society life.
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