In "Daughter of Today" by Sara Jeannette Duncan, readers are taken on a journey through the life of a young woman navigating the challenges of modern society. The protagonist's struggles with societal expectations, family dynamics, and personal growth are poignant and relatable, making her a compelling and sympathetic character.

Duncan's writing is rich and evocative, drawing readers into the protagonist's world with vivid descriptions and emotional depth. The author skillfully explores themes of identity, independence, and self-discovery, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of womanhood in the early 20th century.

Overall, "Daughter of Today" is a beautifully crafted novel that offers a powerful exploration of the human experience. With its engaging narrative and timeless themes, this book is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Sara Jeannette Duncan has created a timeless work of literature that will stay with readers long after they have finished the last page.

Book Description:
The Canadian author Sara Jeannette Duncan is today best known for her 1904 novel of Ontario life, “The Imperialist” , but in Duncan’s own time readers were impressed more by her other works, including “A Daughter of Today,” published in 1894. “A Daughter of Today” follows the story of Elfrida Bell, a young woman who escapes the American Midwest to pursue first an artistic education in Paris, and then a novice career in journalism in London. As the novel’s title indicates, Elfrida is a product “of today,” i.e., of her day — the 1890s. She is swept up in the heady notions of that period: Aestheticism , fin-de-siècle Decadence, and ideas about the “New Woman” who breaks free of bourgeois conventions. With the self-absorption of youth, Elfrida sets about constructing herself along these lines. She pursues this project with bracing energy, mixed with pretension and affectation: “In nothing that she said or did, admired or condemned, was there any trace of the commonplace, except, perhaps, the desire to avoid it.” Early reviewers debated whether the character of Elfrida was “fresh and original,” or simply “ill-bred.” This novel explores clashes between convention and originality, cultural differences , and rivalry between friends. - Summary by Bruce Pirie