Questionable Shapes   By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)

Questionable Shapes by William Dean Howells is a thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships and explores the fragile nature of love, trust, and identity.

The central character in this book is Fred Manson, a young artist who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-doubt. Manson's journey is not just physical, but also emotional and psychological as he navigates through various relationships and struggles with his own perception of reality.

Howells' writing style is rich and engaging, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the characters' lives and experiences. The novel is filled with intricate details and vivid descriptions, making it easy to visualize the scenes and settings. The dialogues are believable and realistic, reflecting the intricacies of human interaction.

One of the most striking aspects of Questionable Shapes is the exploration of the blurred lines between truth and perception. The characters in this novel are flawed and complex, often showcasing multiple facets of their personalities. Howells skillfully conveys the idea that one's perception of a person or situation may not always align with reality, leading to confusion and doubt.

Another noteworthy aspect of this book is the exploration of societal expectations and social conventions. Through the various characters, Howells examines how societal pressures can influence personal choices and relationships. He questions the impact of conforming to societal norms and the consequences of deviating from these expectations.

However, despite its thought-provoking themes and beautifully crafted prose, Questionable Shapes can at times become slow-paced, with certain sections feeling slightly repetitive. Some readers may find themselves longing for a faster plot progression or more intense moments.

That being said, overall, Questionable Shapes is a captivating novel that explores timeless themes relevant to human existence. Howells' ability to delve deep into the complexities of the human psyche and his insightful observations on love and relationships make this novel a worthwhile read for those who appreciate introspective literature.

First Page:

The incident was of a dignity which the supernatural has by no means always had, and which has been more than ever lacking in it since the manifestations of professional spiritualism began to vulgarize it. Hewson appreciated this as soon as he realized that he had been confronted with an apparition. He had been very little agitated at the moment, and it was not till later, when the conflict between sense and reason concerning the fact itself arose, that he was aware of any perturbation. Even then, amidst the tumult of his whirling emotions he had a sort of central calm, in which he noted the particulars of the occurrence with distinctness and precision. He had always supposed that if anything of the sort happened to him he would be greatly frightened, but he had not been at all frightened, so far as he could make out... Continue reading book >>