The Feast of St. Friend by Arnold Bennett is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of friendship and the impact of social status on relationships. Bennett's writing is rich in detail and paints a vivid picture of the characters and their lives. The protagonist, Denry Machin, is a charming and ambitious young man who navigates the competitive world of business and society with wit and determination.

The novel delves into themes of class, ambition, and personal growth as Denry rises through the ranks of society while grappling with the expectations and judgments of those around him. The Feast of St. Friend is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers a nuanced look at the intricacies of human relationships and the dynamics of social hierarchy. Bennett's nuanced exploration of friendship, ambition, and identity makes this novel a compelling and memorable read.

Book Description:
In The Feast of St. Friend, a Christmas book, Arnold Bennett shares his views on Christmas as the season of goodwill. As always, Bennett's writing includes some thought-provoking ideas liberally spiced with his wry sense of humour, and as always too, you can barely believe it was written so long ago. This was published exactly 100 years ago, in 1911. (Introduction by Ruth Golding)