Subject
Wives -- Fiction Books
Best books
Alphonse Daudet
Artists' Wives
"Artists' Wives" by Alphonse Daudet is a work of fiction, likely written in the late 19th century. The book explores the complexities of marriage and the artistic life, centering around different artists and their relationships with their wives. Through a series of vignettes, it delves into the unique challenges and misunderstandings faced by these couples, revealing the often divergent worlds of artists and their spouses. The opening of the book introduces a conversation between a poet and a painter as they discuss the notion of marriage and its impact on artistic creation. The painter argues against marriage, suggesting that it can degrade a man's talent, citing examples of unhappy artist couples. Meanwhile, the poet sees the joys of family life and the nurturing spirit of a wife as essential to overcoming the trials of an artist's solitude. This dialogue sets the tone for the exploration of various artistic relationships that will unfold, framed by the characters' differing perspectives on happiness, creativity, and the societal expectations that bind them.
Joseph Crosby Lincoln
Cap'n Eri
"Cap'n Eri" by Joseph Crosby Lincoln is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Captain Eri, Captain Jerry, and Captain Perez, three retired sea captains who find themselves navigating the challenges of domestic life, including the unexpected prospect of marriage, as they seek a housekeeper to manage their disheveled household. The humorous interactions among these characters reveal their unique personalities and perspectives, setting the tone for a lighthearted exploration of relationships and society. The opening of "Cap'n Eri" introduces readers to Captain Eri and his comrades engaged in a playful yet philosophical discussion about boots, companionship, and the responsibilities of their bachelor lives. As they discuss various topics, from a wandering cat named Lorenzo to potential housekeepers, their banter reflects a blend of camaraderie and comic relief. The trio's conversation quickly turns to the more serious matter of marriage, specifically how one of them must wed for the benefit of the others. They decide to place an advertisement in a matrimonial journal, with Captain Jerry being chosen as the "sacrifice." This leads to humorous tension as they anticipate meeting their future bride—the narrative hints at misunderstandings and comedic mishaps ahead.
François Mauriac
Thérèse
"Thérèse" by François Mauriac is a novel published in 1927. Set in rural southwest France, it follows Thérèse Desqueyroux after she stands trial for poisoning her husband Bernard with arsenic. Though evidence against her is strong, the case is dismissed when her family intervenes to avoid scandal. During her journey home, Thérèse reflects on her suffocating life as a Catholic landowner's wife and tries to understand what drove her actions—yet neither she nor the narrator offers a clear explanation.
Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth
Lilith : $b A novel
"Lilith: A Novel" by Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth is a work of fiction likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds around the character of Tudor Hereward, a man grappling with the despair of losing his wife, Lilith, who has been brutally murdered. As Tudor navigates his grief and the aftermath of this tragic event, themes of suspicion, identity, and the search for truth emerge, inviting readers into a complex narrative about love, loss, and redemption. At the start of the novel, Tudor Hereward is recuperating on a lovely May morning amidst a scene of beauty that he cannot appreciate due to the overwhelming weight of his sorrow over Lilith's death. His life has become a dull shadow of its former self, haunted by visions of her cruel murder. The opening reveals the support he receives from friends and family, though a new and significant twist arises when an aged woman, Aunt Adah, expresses an urgent desire to reveal a secret about Lilith's fate. This leads to a declaration that the body identified as Lilith's may actually belong to another victim, a revelation that sparks a ray of hope in Tudor's bleak existence and sets the stage for a quest for truth and reconciliation.
Harriet A. (Harriet Avery) Gaul
Five nights at the Five Pines
"Five Nights at the Five Pines" by Avery Gaul is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story revolves around a woman named Ruth who is contemplating a significant life change, moving away from the chaos of New York City to a mysterious house situated on Cape Cod. The narrative unveils themes of longing for space, the haunting echoes of past residents, and the allure of a simpler life intertwined with the sea. At the start of the novel, the protagonist reflects on the stark contrast between the desolate yet beautiful Cape landscape and her urban life. As she contemplates the history of the "House of the Five Pines," she learns about its previous occupants, particularly Mattie “Charles T. Smith,” a woman shrouded in snippets of local lore and personal tragedy. The opening passage sets a vivid scene filled with vivid imagery, immersing readers in the setting while introducing a sense of eeriness and magic surrounding the house that hints at the complexities of the life Ruth desires to escape. The initial dialogue with Ruth's friend reveals the locals' superstitions about the dunes and the House of the Five Pines, establishing a tantalizing tension between the past and the present that propels the storyline forward.
Sarah Doudney
Louie's married life
"Louie's Married Life" by Sarah Doudney is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Louie Hepburne, a young woman navigating the challenges of married life with her husband, Ronald, who has just recovered from a serious illness. The narrative delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships, especially as Louie reflects on her past and her current struggles. The opening of the novel introduces Louie in a moment of introspection as she celebrates the recovery of Ronald after a harrowing bout with fever. It depicts their transition from a dreary existence in a London lodging to hopes for a brighter future in a new home. Louie's deep affection for Ronald is buttressed by her insecurities, indicating a foreshadowing of tension in their relationship. A significant incident occurs when their cab is overturned, symbolizing the unpredictability of their lives. The presence of Ronald's cherished guitar adds another layer to the story, as it serves as a connection to his past and hints at deeper emotional undertones that will likely be explored in subsequent chapters. Overall, the opening sets the stage for a poignant exploration of love and the trials of marriage.
Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow
Virginia
"Virginia" by Ellen Glasgow is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the post-Civil War South, focusing on the life of Virginia Pendleton and her experiences as she navigates her way through the challenges of womanhood, societal expectations, and her burgeoning feelings for the returning Oliver Treadwell. The narrative delves into themes of personal growth, societal change, and the conflict between tradition and modernity. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the quaint town of Dinwiddie in Virginia during the year 1884. The opening chapter focuses on Miss Priscilla Batte, a teacher at a local academy, and her interactions with two young girls, Virginia Pendleton and Susan Treadwell. The girls exhibit the innocence and excitement of youth as they discuss the return of Oliver, Susan's cousin. Virginia is portrayed as a beautiful and spirited young woman, full of hope and curiosity about the future. During their conversation, Oliver's character is foreshadowed through discussions about his idealism and aspirations as a writer, which sets the stage for Virginia's growing interest in him. The narrative reflects both the external charm of Dinwiddie and the internal struggles of its characters, creating a rich context for the evolution of Virginia's identity against the backdrop of a transforming South.
E. M. Delafield
Humbug : $b a study in education
"Humbug: A Study in Education" by E. M. Delafield is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the emotional complexities of childhood through the experiences of Lily Stellenthorpe and her sister Yvonne, exploring themes of parental expectations, societal pressures, and the often painful realities of familial love. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the dynamics of their family life, marked by Lily's fierce protectiveness over her sister, who struggles with various challenges. The opening portion of the novel sets the stage for the Stellenthorpe family's environment, illustrating the tensions and misunderstandings between the parents and their two daughters. It introduces Lily as a sensitive and intelligent child who feels the deep injustices towards Yvonne, who is perceived as mentally deficient. The depiction of Lily's emotional turmoil, coupled with her conflicting desires to please her parents and protect her sister, forms the core of the narrative. Their mother and father, while loving, are portrayed as being oblivious to the sisters' profound struggles, leading to a rich exploration of childhood psychology and an examination of how societal and familial expectations can stifle genuine connections.
Ann S. (Ann Sophia) Stephens
Sybil Chase; or, The Valley Ranche: A Tale of California Life
"Sybil Chase; or, The Valley Ranche: A Tale of California Life" by Ann S. Stephens is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around Sybil Yates, a woman trapped in a tumultuous life with her husband Philip, a gambler, in a lawless California valley. The narrative captures the challenges faced by settlers amidst the gold rush, highlighting themes of love, betrayal, and the struggle for freedom. At the start of the tale, the serene beauty of a California valley is described, contrasted with the chaotic lives of its inhabitants, particularly Sybil, who looks out over her surroundings with a heavy heart. She is drawn into turmoil when she spots a group approaching that includes a wounded man, Laurence, stirring emotions and painful memories. As she prepares to interact with the new arrivals, her inner turmoil becomes evident; she dreads the thought of being recognized and the potential consequences of her past intertwined with her current oppressive life. The opening sets the stage for a deeply emotional narrative driven by Sybil’s urgent desire for escape and her complex relationships with those around her.
Marie Belloc Lowndes
Studies in Wives
"Studies in Wives" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative begins with Althea Scrope, the young wife of a politician, revealing her complex position within her marriage, marked by emotional distance and social pressures. As the story unfolds, it appears to explore themes of societal expectations, personal dissatisfaction, and the roles women play within the institution of marriage against a backdrop of early 1900s England. The opening of the novel presents Althea as she reflects on her life and relationships, particularly with her husband, Perceval Scrope, and her friendship with Joan Panfillen, a woman ten years older who seems to have more influence in their social circles. Althea’s introspection reveals her feelings of inadequacy and her struggle for identity as she teeters between her youthful idealism and the harsh realities of her marriage. As she prepares for a visit from a friend, she suddenly receives a cryptic call from Joan, urging her to come over immediately, hinting at a deeper, possibly troubling development in their intertwined lives. The tension between Althea and her environment sets the stage for a narrative that promises to delve into the complexities of marital dynamics and female agency.
Unknown
The fate of Fenella : $b A novel
"The Fate of Fenella: A Novel by Helen Mathers et al." is a collaborative novel published in twenty-four parts between 1891 and 1892. This literary experiment features twenty-four different authors—including Bram Stoker, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Frances Eleanor Trollope—each writing one chapter before passing the story along. Women wrote odd-numbered chapters while men wrote even-numbered ones, creating an alternating narrative. The result tells what contemporary reviewers called "an extremely silly story" with wavering characters and a ridiculous plot, yet somehow remains "fairly readable" and amusing.
Alphonse Daudet
Les femmes d'artistes
"Les femmes d'artistes" by Alphonse Daudet is a collection of narratives exploring the complexities of relationships involving artists, written in the late 19th century. The stories delve into the lives of various couples, particularly focusing on the tensions and struggles between artistic pursuits and domestic life. Through its characters, including poets and painters, the collection raises questions about love, ambition, and the sacrifices made in the name of art. The opening of "Les femmes d'artistes" sets the stage with a conversation between a poet and a painter, where they debate the merits and pitfalls of marriage for artists. The painter expresses a cynical view, believing that marriage stifles creativity and artistic freedom, while the poet argues for the benefits of a domestic life filled with love and familial joy. This prologue foreshadows the various stories that will follow, where the dynamics between artists and their partners will reveal the contrasts between artistic passion and conventional domesticity. The discussion serves as a preamble to the vivid relationships and emotional battles that define the characters and their artistic lives throughout the collection.
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