Frances Waldeaux By: Rebecca Harding Davis (1831-1910)
Frances Waldeaux by Rebecca Harding Davis is a remarkable work of fiction that takes readers on an emotional and thought-provoking journey. Set in the late 19th century, this novel explores the life of a captivating and complex protagonist, Frances Waldeaux. The story begins with Frances, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, who finds herself trapped in a loveless and stifling marriage. Her husband, a successful businessman, cares more about his social standing and reputation than his wife's happiness. Frances becomes disillusioned with her life, feeling suffocated and devoid of joy. As the plot unfolds, Davis skillfully depicts the societal constraints and limitations placed upon women during that era. Frances longs for independence and freedom, but must navigate through the intricacies of a patriarchal society that devalues women's desires and ambitions. One of the strongest aspects of this novel is Davis' ability to delve into the inner workings of her characters' minds and emotions. Through Frances, readers experience the frustration, despair, and gradual awakening to her own strength. Davis captures these sentiments with raw honesty, making the reader empathize with Frances and root for her throughout. What sets Frances Waldeaux apart is the author's astute observations of human relationships. Davis masterfully portrays the tension and dynamics between spouses, in-laws, and friends. The complexities of familial obligations and societal expectations are examined, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by women in that era. Moreover, Davis' writing is evocative and poetic, capturing the timeless essence of human struggle and resilience. Her prose flows effortlessly, engrossing the reader from beginning to end. The descriptions of the settings, particularly the New Orleans backdrop, are vivid and immersive, adding depth to the narrative. While the pacing of the novel may seem slow at times, it only serves to enhance the contemplative nature of the story. The slower pace allows the reader to fully absorb the emotional journey of Frances and the societal context in which she exists. Frances Waldeaux is a powerful novel that forces readers to reflect on the nature of identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Davis' compelling storytelling and nuanced characterization make this a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature or historical fiction. First Page: FRANCES WALDEAUX A Novel BY REBECCA HARDING DAVIS AUTHOR OF "DOCTOR WARRICK'S DAUGHTER" A REMEMBRANCER OF BRITTANY FOR THE BEST FELLOW TRAVELLER IN THE WORLD FRANCES WALDEAUX CHAPTER I In another minute the Kaiser Wilhelm would push off from her pier in Hoboken. The last bell had rung, the last uniformed officer and white jacketed steward had scurried up the gangway. The pier was massed with people who had come to bid their friends good by. They were all Germans, and there had been unlimited embracing and kissing and sobs of "Ach! mein lieber Sckatz!" and "Gott bewahre Dick!" Now they stood looking up to the crowded decks, shouting out last fond words. A band playing "The Merry Maiden and the Tar" marched on board. The passengers pressed against the rails, looking down. Almost every one held flowers which had been brought to them: not costly bouquets, but homely bunches of marigolds or pinks. They carried, too, little German or American flags, which they waved frantically. The gangways fell, and the huge ship parted from the dock. It was but an inch, but the whole ocean yawned in it between those who went and those who stayed. There was a sudden silence; a thousand handkerchiefs fluttered white on the pier and the flags and flowers were waved on the ship, but there was not a cry nor a sound... Continue reading book >>

Frances Waldeaux By: Rebecca Harding Davis (1831-1910)

Frances Waldeaux by Rebecca Harding Davis is a remarkable work of fiction that takes readers on an emotional and thought-provoking journey. Set in the late 19th century, this novel explores the life of a captivating and complex protagonist, Frances Waldeaux.

The story begins with Frances, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, who finds herself trapped in a loveless and stifling marriage. Her husband, a successful businessman, cares more about his social standing and reputation than his wife's happiness. Frances becomes disillusioned with her life, feeling suffocated and devoid of joy.

As the plot unfolds, Davis skillfully depicts the societal constraints and limitations placed upon women during that era. Frances longs for independence and freedom, but must navigate through the intricacies of a patriarchal society that devalues women's desires and ambitions.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is Davis' ability to delve into the inner workings of her characters' minds and emotions. Through Frances, readers experience the frustration, despair, and gradual awakening to her own strength. Davis captures these sentiments with raw honesty, making the reader empathize with Frances and root for her throughout.

What sets Frances Waldeaux apart is the author's astute observations of human relationships. Davis masterfully portrays the tension and dynamics between spouses, in-laws, and friends. The complexities of familial obligations and societal expectations are examined, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by women in that era.

Moreover, Davis' writing is evocative and poetic, capturing the timeless essence of human struggle and resilience. Her prose flows effortlessly, engrossing the reader from beginning to end. The descriptions of the settings, particularly the New Orleans backdrop, are vivid and immersive, adding depth to the narrative.

While the pacing of the novel may seem slow at times, it only serves to enhance the contemplative nature of the story. The slower pace allows the reader to fully absorb the emotional journey of Frances and the societal context in which she exists.

Frances Waldeaux is a powerful novel that forces readers to reflect on the nature of identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Davis' compelling storytelling and nuanced characterization make this a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature or historical fiction.

First Page:

FRANCES WALDEAUX

A Novel

REBECCA HARDING DAVIS

AUTHOR OF "DOCTOR WARRICK'S DAUGHTER"

A REMEMBRANCER OF BRITTANY FOR THE BEST FELLOW TRAVELLER IN THE WORLD

FRANCES WALDEAUX

CHAPTER I

In another minute the Kaiser Wilhelm would push off from her pier in Hoboken. The last bell had rung, the last uniformed officer and white jacketed steward had scurried up the gangway. The pier was massed with people who had come to bid their friends good by. They were all Germans, and there had been unlimited embracing and kissing and sobs of "Ach! mein lieber Sckatz!" and "Gott bewahre Dick!"

Now they stood looking up to the crowded decks, shouting out last fond words. A band playing "The Merry Maiden and the Tar" marched on board.

The passengers pressed against the rails, looking down. Almost every one held flowers which had been brought to them: not costly bouquets, but homely bunches of marigolds or pinks. They carried, too, little German or American flags, which they waved frantically.

The gangways fell, and the huge ship parted from the dock. It was but an inch, but the whole ocean yawned in it between those who went and those who stayed. There was a sudden silence; a thousand handkerchiefs fluttered white on the pier and the flags and flowers were waved on the ship, but there was not a cry nor a sound... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Travel

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Wikipedia – Rebecca Harding Davis
Wikipedia – Frances Waldeaux

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