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The White Morning   By: (1857-1948)

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Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton's novel, The White Morning, is an enthralling exploration of love and betrayal set against the backdrop of San Francisco's high society in the late 19th century. With her impeccable storytelling skills, Atherton takes readers on a captivating journey filled with complex characters, intricate plot twists, and thought-provoking themes.

The story revolves around Evelyn Byrd, a young woman who seems to have it all: beauty, wit, and a wealthy fiancé. However, underneath her seemingly perfect life, she hides a dark secret. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Evelyn's struggle to reconcile her heart's desires with societal expectations, leading her down a path filled with passionate encounters, unexpected friendships, and devastating consequences.

Atherton's writing is simply spellbinding. From the enchanting descriptions that bring the opulent setting of San Francisco to life, to the profound portrayal of societal norms and their impact on individuals, each sentence is skillfully crafted to immerse readers in the story. The author's attention to detail creates a vivid atmosphere that allows us to truly understand the characters' motivations and desires.

Speaking of characters, Atherton's cast is a mosaic of multi-dimensional individuals whose strengths and flaws make them incredibly relatable. Evelyn, in particular, undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the novel, and Atherton expertly captures the emotional journey she embarks upon. From her initial innocence to her gradual awakening, Evelyn's evolution is both believable and profound.

Furthermore, the exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, and the constraints of social expectations adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Atherton fearlessly delves into the complexities of human emotions, challenging conventional notions of morality and exploring the consequences of pursuing one's desires. This exploration allows the novel to transcend its time and resonate with readers even in the present day.

However, while the novel's strengths are abundant, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly uneven. Certain sections could have benefited from a tighter focus to maintain the story's momentum. Nevertheless, these occasional lulls do not detract significantly from the overall power of Atherton's storytelling.

In conclusion, Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton's The White Morning is a mesmerizing tale that skillfully weaves together romance, societal critique, and personal growth. With its richly drawn characters, elegant prose, and thought-provoking themes, it proves itself as a timeless work of literature. Atherton's talent for storytelling shines through, leaving readers spellbound until the final pages.

First Page:

THE WHITE MORNING

A Novel of the Power of the German Women in Wartime

by

GERTRUDE ATHERTON

[Illustration: GISELA Photograph by Arnold Genthe, N.Y. ]

I

1

Countess Gisela Niebuhr sat in the long dusk of Munich staring over at the beautiful park that in happier days had been famous in the world as the Englischer Garten, and deliberately recalled on what might be the last night of her life the successive causes that had led to her profound dissatisfaction with her country as a woman. She was so thoroughly disgusted with it as a German that personal grievances were far from necessary to fortify her for the momentous rôle she was to play with the dawn; but in this rare hour of leisure it amused her naturally introspective mind to rehearse certain episodes whose sum had made her what she was.

When she was fourteen and her sisters Lili and Elsa sixteen and eighteen they had met in the attic of their home in Berlin one afternoon when their father was automatically at his club and their mother taking her prescribed hour of rest, and solemnly pledged one another never to marry. The causes of this vital conclave were both cumulative and immediate. Their father, the Herr Graf, a fine looking junker of sixty odd, with a roving eye and a martial air despite a corpulence which annoyed him excessively, had transferred his lost authority over his regiment to his household... Continue reading book >>




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