Subject
Women -- Social and moral questions -- Fiction Books
Best books
Oliver Onions
Gray youth: The story of a very modern courtship and a very modern marriage
"Gray Youth: The Story of a Very Modern Courtship and a Very Modern Marriage" by Oliver Onions is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of love, art, and personal identity through the experiences of its young protagonist, Amory Towers, an art student navigating both her passions and the complexities of relationships. The beginning of the novel introduces Amory Towers during her first visit to Paris, highlighting her deep engagement with art and her youthful innocence marked by her first kiss, both of which symbolize broader themes of aspiration and disillusionment. As she returns to London, Amory's life at the McGrath and her interactions with a lively group of peers—including the affectionately referred to as "Uncle George" and her friend Dorothy—hint at her struggles with societal expectations and personal dreams. The early scenes set the stage for her introspective journey as she grapples with her ambitions as an artist, her relationships with friends, and the looming pressures of adulthood, all within the backdrop of a vibrant but often overwhelming social environment.
A. S. M. (Arthur Stuart-Menteth) Hutchinson
This Freedom
"This Freedom" by A. S. M. Hutchinson is a novel that appears to be set in the late 19th century. The story introduces readers to Rosalie, a young girl who perceives the world as one dominated by men, particularly her father and brothers, and contrasts this with her mother's more mundane existence. Rosalie's fascination with the extraordinary male figures in her life highlights themes of gender roles and societal expectations. The opening of the book establishes Rosalie’s perspective as she navigates her childhood within a household where males are seen as the powerful and adventurous beings, while females are relegated to the background. Through her observations, we see her wonder about her father’s antics and the way her brothers are doted upon by the women in her life, illustrating a familial dynamic steeped in traditional gender norms. The interactions within the Aubyn family reveal not only Rosalie's awe of the male presence but also her budding awareness of the constraints placed upon women, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of freedom and identity as the narrative unfolds.
Oliver Onions
A Crooked Mile
"A Crooked Mile" by Oliver Onions is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Lady Tasker, a seventy-year-old woman, who finds herself lost while navigating the London Underground as she attempts to visit acquaintances in Hampstead. As she ventures into an unfamiliar area, her encounter with various characters, including a policeman and the eccentric Cosimo and Amory Pratt, hints at themes of social class, generational differences, and perhaps the absurdities of modern life. The opening of the novel sets a whimsical yet contemplative tone as Lady Tasker grapples with her disorientation and a sense of obligation to visit the Pratts. Her interactions reveal her strong-willed, somewhat prickly personality and her reflections on life as she navigates her way through the city. Upon reaching the Pratts' home, she encounters not only the contrast between her traditional values and the modern artistic community surrounding the Pratts but also an unexpected revelation regarding the presence of seemingly "invisible" individuals, hinting at deeper societal observations. As Lady Tasker’s visit unfolds, the reader is introduced to a world rich with colorful characters and underlying social commentaries.
Leroy Scott
Counsel for the Defense
"Counsel for the Defense" by Leroy Scott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the fictional town of Westville and revolves around Dr. David West, who finds himself embroiled in a scandal when he is accused of accepting a bribe in relation to the town's new water-works project. His daughter, Katherine, a young woman recently returned home, takes it upon herself to defend her father against these charges, facing societal pressures and challenges along the way. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the character of Arnold Bruce, the editor of the local newspaper, the "Express", who is preparing for a celebration of Westville’s new municipal project. The atmosphere is one of excitement and community pride, but this is soon overshadowed by the shocking news of Dr. West's arrest for the alleged bribery. Katherine arrives home to learn of her father's predicament, which takes her by surprise and sets her on a determined path to prove his innocence. Her journey as a fledgling lawyer unfolds amidst skepticism from the townsfolk, the complexities of the legal system, and her interactions with significant figures, including the disapproving Bruce. The opening chapters set the stage for a gripping courtroom drama, framed by themes of loyalty, integrity, and the fight against injustice.
Elia Wilkinson Peattie
The Precipice: A Novel
"The Precipice: A Novel" by Elia W. Peattie is a fictional work written during the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Kate Barrington, a recent graduate who returns home after her time at the University of Chicago, grappling with her identity, family dynamics, and the societal expectations placed on women during this period. Through Kate, the novel examines themes of personal ambition and the clash of traditional values with the emerging independence of women. The opening of the novel introduces Kate as she bids farewell to her friend Lena Vroom before heading home, reflecting on her time at university and her mixed feelings about returning to a life structured by her parental home. Kate's thoughts oscillate between fond memories and frustrations regarding societal norms, particularly the expectation for women to conform to traditional roles. Her interactions reveal her compassionate nature, particularly towards Lena, who seems to struggle with her own sense of belonging. As Kate arrives home, she is enveloped in the bittersweet emotions of reunion—capturing the tension between her aspirations and the confinements of her expected domestic role, setting the stage for her internal conflict that will be further developed throughout the narrative.
Maria Edgeworth
Leonora
"Leonora" by Maria Edgeworth is a novel published in 1806. Written in epistolary form, it tells the story of newly married Leonora who brings a controversial exile named Olivia back from France to England. Olivia, known as a "coquette," embodies French aristocratic sensibility and theatrical emotional displays that challenge English propriety. Through competing letters and perspectives, the novel critiques sensibility as hypocritical narcissism, contrasting Leonora's prudent reserve against Olivia's extravagant need for attention and moral justification of questionable behavior.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Vaimoni ja minä eli Harry Hendersonin elämäkerta
"Vaimoni ja minä eli Harry Hendersonin elämäkerta" by Harriet Beecher Stowe is a semi-autobiographical narrative written in the late 19th century. This work explores the life experiences of the protagonist, Harry Henderson, ranging from his childhood dreams and experiences to his eventual romantic life. Through personal anecdotes, it delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for identity within the context of 19th-century American society. At the start of the narrative, the storyteller, Harry Henderson, reflects on the overwhelming presence of stories in contemporary society and emphasizes his intention of sharing his own. He introduces his early life marked by loneliness and longing for companionship, as demonstrated through his relationship with Susie Morril, his childhood sweetheart. The first chapter recounts his struggles growing up in a large family, the impact of having less attention compared to his siblings, and the deep bond he forms with Susie, which is colored by innocence and youthful affection. This nostalgic portrayal forebodes the challenges that lie ahead as he begins to experience loss, notably when his beloved Susie becomes a victim of illness, marking a pivotal moment in Harry's life and emotional growth.
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