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The Uttermost Farthing   By: (1868-1947)

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The Uttermost Farthing by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the complexities of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. Set in early 20th century England, the story follows the lives of two estranged sisters, Ethel and Florence, who find themselves drawn back together under extraordinary circumstances.

The narrative skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, allowing readers to intimately understand each character's motivations and struggles. Ethel, the elder sister, is torn between her duty to her family and her desire for personal fulfillment. Florence, on the other hand, appears to lead a charmed life but harbors deep secrets that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed façade.

The novel's strength lies in its exploration of the complex relationships between the characters. Lowndes delicately unveils the layers of resentment, jealousy, and regret that have been festering beneath the surface for years. As the story progresses, the sisters find themselves faced with choices that will test the limits of their loyalty and push the boundaries of forgiveness.

Lowndes masterfully creates a sense of suspense throughout the narrative, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Her vivid descriptions transport us to the opulent mansions and bustling streets of London, immersing us in the world of high society and its dark underbelly. The juxtaposition of wealth and poverty further highlights the stark inequalities of the era, adding another layer of depth to the story.

Despite its engaging plot and thought-provoking themes, The Uttermost Farthing fails to provide fully developed secondary characters. Some of the supporting cast feels one-dimensional, merely serving to advance the main storyline rather than offering depth and complexity of their own. Additionally, the pacing could have been tighter in certain sections, as certain subplots felt slightly extraneous and detracted from the overall flow of the narrative.

However, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel. Lowndes' vivid prose and her ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships keep readers enthralled until the very last page. The Uttermost Farthing is a compelling read that showcases the timeless themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, making it a worthy addition to any bookshelf.

First Page:

THE UTTERMOST FARTHING

BY MRS. BELLOC LOWNDES

1910

COLLECTION OF BRITISH AUTHORS COPYRIGHT EDITION VOL. 4174. LEIPZIG: BERNHARD TAUCHNITZ. PARIS: LIBRAIRIE H. GAULON & CIE, 39, RUE MADAME. PARIS: THE GALIGNANI LIBRARY, 224, RUE DE RIVOLI, AND AT NICE, 8, AVENUE MASSÉNA.

"Thou shalt by no means come out thence till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing."

I.

Laurence Vanderlyn, unpaid attaché at the American Embassy in Paris, strode down the long grey platform marked No. 5, of the Gare de Lyon. It was seven o'clock, the hour at which Paris is dining or is about to dine, and the huge station was almost deserted.

The train de luxe had gone more than an hour ago, the Riviera rapide would not start till ten, but one of those trains bound for the South, curiously named demi rapides, was timed to leave in twenty minutes.

Foreigners, especially Englishmen and Americans, avoid these trains, and this was why Laurence Vanderlyn had chosen it as the starting point of what was to be a great adventure, an adventure which must for ever be concealed, obliterated as much as may be from his own memory do not men babble in delirium? once life had again become the rather grey thing he had found it to be... Continue reading book >>




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