Little Journey in the World By: Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900)
Little Journey in the World by Charles Dudley Warner is a thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the complex dynamics of society, ambition, and human nature. Set in the bustling city of New York during the late 19th century, Warner masterfully creates a narrative that both captivates and challenges the reader. The main character, Lawrence Prescott, is a young, ambitious lawyer who, fueled by his desire for success, navigates the glitz and glamour of the city. Warner portrays Prescott's journey with incredible depth, exploring his internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the conflicts that arise from his encounters with various characters. The author's ability to intricately weave together the different layers of Prescott's emotions and experiences is truly remarkable. One of the book's strongest attributes is its vivid depictions of New York City at the time. Warner expertly captures the booming industrialization, the stark contrast between the rich and poor, and the corruption that lurks behind every corner. It feels as though the city itself is a character, with its own distinct personality that influences and shapes the lives of its inhabitants. Furthermore, Warner's commentary on the flaws of societal systems, particularly the legal and political systems, is both critical and eye-opening. Through Prescott's journey, the author highlights the compromises and sacrifices that come with pursuing success in a society driven by power and wealth. Warner doesn't shy away from exposing the ugly realities and the consequences of such a system, forcing the reader to reflect on their own values and the values of society at large. The writing style in Little Journey in the World is elegant, utilizing rich and detailed descriptions that vividly bring the scenes to life. Warner's prose flows effortlessly, effortlessly taking the reader on a journey through the intricate layers of the story. The dialogue is especially well-crafted, capturing the essence of each character and adding depth to their interactions. However, the novel does have its drawbacks. At times, it feels slightly slow-paced, with lengthy descriptions and introspection that may test the patience of some readers. Additionally, while the characters are well-developed and complex, some of their motivations and actions can be predictable or lacking in surprise. Overall, Little Journey in the World is a compelling novel that explores timeless themes of ambition, morality, and the human condition. Warner's insightful observations on societal dynamics, coupled with his masterful prose, make this book a worthwhile read for those interested in delving into the complexities of life in the urban landscape of the late 19th century. First Page: A LITTLE JOURNEY IN THE WORLD By Charles Dudley Warner INTRODUCTORY SKETCH The title naturally suggested for this story was "A Dead Soul," but it was discarded because of the similarity to that of the famous novel by Nikolai Gogol "Dead Souls" though the motive has nothing in common with that used by the Russian novelist. Gogol exposed an extensive fraud practiced by the sale, in connection with lands, of the names of "serfs" (called souls) not living, or "dead souls." This story is an attempt to trace the demoralization in a woman's soul of certain well known influences in our existing social life. In no other way could certain phases of our society be made to appear so distinctly as when reflected in the once pure mirror of a woman's soul. The character of Margaret is the portrait of no one woman. But it was suggested by the career of two women (among others less marked) who had begun life with the highest ideals, which had been gradually eaten away and destroyed by "prosperous" marriages and association with unscrupulous methods of acquiring money. The deterioration was gradual. The women were in all outward conduct unchanged, the conventionalities of life were maintained, the graces were not lost, the observances of the duties of charities and of religion were even emphasized, but worldliness had eaten the heart out of them, and they were "dead souls... Continue reading book >>

Little Journey in the World By: Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900)

Little Journey in the World by Charles Dudley Warner is a thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the complex dynamics of society, ambition, and human nature. Set in the bustling city of New York during the late 19th century, Warner masterfully creates a narrative that both captivates and challenges the reader.

The main character, Lawrence Prescott, is a young, ambitious lawyer who, fueled by his desire for success, navigates the glitz and glamour of the city. Warner portrays Prescott's journey with incredible depth, exploring his internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the conflicts that arise from his encounters with various characters. The author's ability to intricately weave together the different layers of Prescott's emotions and experiences is truly remarkable.

One of the book's strongest attributes is its vivid depictions of New York City at the time. Warner expertly captures the booming industrialization, the stark contrast between the rich and poor, and the corruption that lurks behind every corner. It feels as though the city itself is a character, with its own distinct personality that influences and shapes the lives of its inhabitants.

Furthermore, Warner's commentary on the flaws of societal systems, particularly the legal and political systems, is both critical and eye-opening. Through Prescott's journey, the author highlights the compromises and sacrifices that come with pursuing success in a society driven by power and wealth. Warner doesn't shy away from exposing the ugly realities and the consequences of such a system, forcing the reader to reflect on their own values and the values of society at large.

The writing style in Little Journey in the World is elegant, utilizing rich and detailed descriptions that vividly bring the scenes to life. Warner's prose flows effortlessly, effortlessly taking the reader on a journey through the intricate layers of the story. The dialogue is especially well-crafted, capturing the essence of each character and adding depth to their interactions.

However, the novel does have its drawbacks. At times, it feels slightly slow-paced, with lengthy descriptions and introspection that may test the patience of some readers. Additionally, while the characters are well-developed and complex, some of their motivations and actions can be predictable or lacking in surprise.

Overall, Little Journey in the World is a compelling novel that explores timeless themes of ambition, morality, and the human condition. Warner's insightful observations on societal dynamics, coupled with his masterful prose, make this book a worthwhile read for those interested in delving into the complexities of life in the urban landscape of the late 19th century.

First Page:

A LITTLE JOURNEY IN THE WORLD

By Charles Dudley Warner

INTRODUCTORY SKETCH

The title naturally suggested for this story was "A Dead Soul," but it was discarded because of the similarity to that of the famous novel by Nikolai Gogol "Dead Souls" though the motive has nothing in common with that used by the Russian novelist. Gogol exposed an extensive fraud practiced by the sale, in connection with lands, of the names of "serfs" (called souls) not living, or "dead souls."

This story is an attempt to trace the demoralization in a woman's soul of certain well known influences in our existing social life. In no other way could certain phases of our society be made to appear so distinctly as when reflected in the once pure mirror of a woman's soul.

The character of Margaret is the portrait of no one woman. But it was suggested by the career of two women (among others less marked) who had begun life with the highest ideals, which had been gradually eaten away and destroyed by "prosperous" marriages and association with unscrupulous methods of acquiring money.

The deterioration was gradual. The women were in all outward conduct unchanged, the conventionalities of life were maintained, the graces were not lost, the observances of the duties of charities and of religion were even emphasized, but worldliness had eaten the heart out of them, and they were "dead souls... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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