Books matching: fallen woman
37 result(s)
- #1
'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy is a tragic tale following the life of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbevilles. Meeting her cousin Alec proves to be her downfall, leading to a series of events where she must navigate love, betrayal, and societal prejudices. Hardy defies conventions by focusing on the rural lower class, offering a frank treatment of sexuality and religion, while portraying a victim of Victorian hypocrisy with compelling depth and emotion.
The narrative delves into Tess's struggles against her own perceived weaknesses, the brutality of others, and the prejudices of society. Through a mix of cruelty, oppression, and misguided forgiveness, Tess's tragic journey unfolds, challenging readers to question the purity of her character and the societal norms that shape her fate.
ON AN EVENING IN the latter part of May a middle-aged man was walking homeward from Shaston to the village of Marlott, in the adjoining Vale of Blakemore or Blackmoor. The pair of legs that carried hi... - #2
In "The French Lieutenant's Woman," John Fowles masterfully plunges readers into 19th century Victorian England, exploring social customs, sexual taboos, and moral attitudes through the characters of Charles Smithson and Sarah Woodruff. The novel is a blend of historical dramatic fiction set in the late 19th century in England, written with touches of 20th-century metafiction, where the author cleverly critiques his Victorian protagonists from a modern perspective. Fowles presents a complex narrative with multiple possible endings, challenging the reader's perception of free will, evolution, and societal norms.
The story follows Charles Smithson, a Victorian gentleman engaged to Ernestina, who becomes fascinated with Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious woman rumored to be the spurned ex-mistress of a French naval officer. Through Fowles' unique narrative style, which combines elements of the Victorian era with 20th-century commentary, readers are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, societal expectations, and personal identity, all set against the backdrop of a changing world and conflicting values.
AN EASTERLY IS the most disagreeable wind in Lyme Bay – Lyme Bay being that largest bite from the underside of England’s outstretched south-western leg – and a person of curiosity could at once have d... - #3
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton follows the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent socialite in 1900s New York, as she navigates the expectations of society and the pursuit of a wealthy husband to secure her social standing. Lily's struggles with societal pressures, her financial instability, and her personal choices lead to a tragic and poignant exploration of class, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. Wharton's writing style intricately portrays the complexities of Lily's character, the social customs of the time, and the inner turmoil faced by a woman trapped in a world of privilege and constraint.
It was a Monday in early September, and he was returning to his work from a hurried dip into the country; but what was Miss Bart doing in town at that season? If she had appeared to be catching a trai... - #4
Set in 18th century London, "Slammerkin" by Emma Donoghue follows the tragic tale of Mary Saunders, a young girl whose life takes a dark turn after a simple desire for a red ribbon leads her into a world of prostitution and despair. The novel delves into the harsh realities of poverty, gender limitations, and the impact of one's choices in a society divided by class and morality. Donoghue's writing style vividly portrays the struggles and desires of the characters, offering a compelling exploration of life in working-class London during that era.
THE RIBBON had been bright scarlet when Mary Saunders first laid eyes on it, back in London. 1760: she was thirteen years old. The fat strip of satin was the exact colour of the poppies that grew in L... - #5
'The Countess' by Rebecca Johns explores the life of Erzsebet Bathory, a powerful countess in 17th century Hungary, focusing on her childhood, marriage, and descent into madness. The author delves into the historical events surrounding Erzsebet's life, balancing between factual retelling and mythical elements, portraying her as a complex character driven by rage and sadism. The narrative combines biography with storytelling, offering a compelling insight into the Hungarian nobility during the 1500-1600s and shedding light on the struggles faced by women of that era.
- #6
Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser follows the journey of Carrie Meeber, a young country girl who moves to Chicago in pursuit of the American Dream. The novel explores the impact of industrialized, urban life around the turn of the century on the typical American. Carrie's evolution from a naive girl to a successful stage actress, intertwined with the disillusionment of characters like Hurstwood, offers a stark commentary on societal norms and personal choices. Dreiser's realistic portrayal of Carrie's ambitions, struggles, and relationships sheds light on the harsh realities of the Gilded Age.
WHEN CAROLINE MEEBER BOARDED the afternoon train for Chicago, her total outfit consisted of a small trunk, a cheap imitation alligator-skin satchel, a small lunch in a paper box, and a yellow leather ... - #7
Roxana is a tale of a woman who faces abandonment, poverty, and the need for security and control of her own wealth. Through her relationships with various wealthy men in England, France, and the Netherlands, she navigates a life of luxury and intrigue. The story delves into Roxana's moral decay, her struggles with maintaining her reputation, and the consequences of her choices, ultimately leading to a tragic end. The narrative is rich in historical context, showcasing the changing times of the 18th century.
I Was BORN, as my Friends told me, at the City of POICTIERS, in the Province, or County of POICTOU, in France, from whence I was brought to England by my Parents, who fled for their Religion about the... - #8
In late 19th century Germany, 17-year-old Effi Briest is married off to a man 21 years her senior, a former suitor of her mother. Her new husband, a civil servant based in Pomerania, is a quiet, serious man, who enjoys touring museums. Effi, on the other hand, is young, vibrant, and enjoys being outdoors. The apparent incompatibility between the couple and Effi's desire for excitement lead her to develop a relationship with a military officer. The novel explores the strict moral and social code of the time, portraying the consequences of going against societal expectations in a subtle and powerful manner.
The book follows Effi's journey from a carefree young girl to a married woman facing the consequences of her actions. The plot delves into themes of marriage, adultery, societal expectations, and the passage of time. Fontane's writing style combines realism with symbolic motifs, creating a narrative that immerses the reader in the north German landscape and the characters' inner struggles.
The front of the house too – a sloping terrace with aloes in tubs and some garden chairs – offered a place to linger and indulge in all manner of amusements if the sky was cloudy; but on days when the... - #9
Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase is a Regency era romance set in Venice, featuring Francesca, a courtesan, and James, a British agent. The story revolves around James' mission to recover incriminating letters stolen by Francesca from her ex-husband, a traitorous Baron. The book explores the unconventional relationship between the two main characters, their witty repartee, and the backdrop of Venice, providing a unique setting for the romance to unfold.
The plot of Your Scandalous Ways delves into themes of redemption, acceptance, and societal expectations, as Francesca navigates her status as a fallen woman and James grapples with his feelings for her despite her profession. The book is praised for its well-researched historical context, engaging dialogue, and the chemistry between the protagonists, offering a blend of humor, intrigue, and sensuality against the Venetian backdrop.
“Oh, but did you see Lurenze’s face when he came back, and found the Russian count in his place?” said Giulietta. “Like a little boy with his pretty blond curls. He stood, so, with his mouth hanging o... - #10
'Love's Tender Fury' in the 'Marietta Danver' series by T.E. Huff (Jennifer Wilde) follows the turbulent story of Marietta, a woman wronged and shipped to the Colonies to serve as a bound servant. Despite facing hardships and being auctioned like a slave, Marietta's beauty, education, and resilience shine through as she navigates relationships with various men in her life. The plot is filled with scandal, love, betrayal, and determination, set against the backdrop of the New World in the 1700s. The writing style immerses readers in Marietta's adventures, making them feel like they are part of her journey.
Pale, shaken, the girl descended the stairs clutching her pathetically battered bag and trying not to sob. Her cheeks were stained with tears, her blue eyes filled with a miserable resignation. Jenny ...