A Woman's Burden By: Fergus Hume (1859-1932)
A Woman's Burden by Fergus Hume is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of life in early 20th-century England. Set against the backdrop of societal expectations and struggles for independence, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the burdens women face. The narrative follows the life of the protagonist, Emily, who finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage and stifled by the limitations imposed upon women of her time. Hume masterfully portrays Emily's internal struggles, skillfully capturing her desires for freedom and self-actualization. As readers, we are drawn into her world, empathizing with her frustrations and rooting for her to break free from the confines of her societal role. What makes this novel particularly compelling is Hume's ability to intertwine an engrossing plot with thought-provoking themes. Through Emily's journey, he seamlessly touches upon various social issues, such as gender inequality, women's suffrage, and the damaging effects of societal norms. These themes are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, leaving readers with a lasting impression and a deeper appreciation for the challenges women faced during that era. Furthermore, Hume's writing style is both accessible and evocative, making the story easy to engage with. His vivid descriptions transport readers to the bustling streets of London and the idyllic English countryside, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Additionally, the dialogue between the characters is sharp and realistic, bringing them to life and enhancing the overall reading experience. Although the novel focuses primarily on Emily's journey, the supporting characters also contribute to the richness of the story. From Emily's compassionate sister to the oppressive husband, each character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, portraying the various roles and perspectives of women in that era. These nuanced characterizations further highlight the diverse struggles faced by women of different backgrounds and social statuses. One potential drawback of the book is the pacing, which at times can be uneven. While certain sections are fast-paced and rife with tension, others may feel slower in comparison. However, this minor flaw doesn't detract from the overall impact of the story and can even serve to heighten the anticipation as the plot unfolds. Overall, A Woman's Burden is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that shines a light on the struggles of women in early 20th-century England. Fergus Hume's skillful storytelling, compelling characters, and exploration of societal issues make this book a must-read for those interested in historical fiction and the fight for women's rights. First Page: A WOMAN'S BURDEN A NOVEL BY FERGUS HUME Author of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," "The Expedition of Captain Flick," "The Mystery of Landy Court," "The Lone Inn," etc. THIRD EDITION LONDON JARROLD & SONS, 10 & 11, WARWICK LANE, E.C. [ All Rights Reserved ] CONTENTS. PROLOGUE. I. A QUEER ADVENTURE II. A STRANGE ARRANGEMENT PART I. I. MRS. DACRE DARROW II. A RED RAG TO A BULL III. POVERTY HALL IV. MR. BARTON'S VISITOR V. BEHIND THE SCENES VI. MRS. DARROW'S BOMBSHELL VII. IN THE WOODS VIII. SHORTY IX. THE SHADOW X. THE SQUIRE'S SECRET XI. UNMASKED XII. MIRIAM KEEPS AN APPOINTMENT XIII. MRS. DARROW BECOMES REFRACTORY XIV. ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT XV. A NINE DAYS' WONDER XVI. A LITTLE FEMININE DIPLOMACY XVII. A ROMAN FATHER XVIII. THE REWARD OF MIRIAM PART II. I. 5A, ROSARY MANSIONS II. JABEZ REDIVIVUS III. MRS. PARSLEY'S PROTÉGÉ IV. DICKY'S DISCOVERY V. JUST IN TIME VI. SOME MUTUAL COMPLIMENTS AND A CONFESSION VII. MRS. DARROW SYMPATHISES VIII. MRS. PARSLEY SEES A GHOST IX. MORE TROUBLE X. THE MAJOR'S POINT OF VIEW XI. IN THE DEPTHS XII. JABEZ SEEKS AN OLD FRIEND XIII. THE END OF GERALD ARKEL XIV... Continue reading book >>

A Woman's Burden By: Fergus Hume (1859-1932)

A Woman's Burden by Fergus Hume is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of life in early 20th-century England. Set against the backdrop of societal expectations and struggles for independence, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the burdens women face.

The narrative follows the life of the protagonist, Emily, who finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage and stifled by the limitations imposed upon women of her time. Hume masterfully portrays Emily's internal struggles, skillfully capturing her desires for freedom and self-actualization. As readers, we are drawn into her world, empathizing with her frustrations and rooting for her to break free from the confines of her societal role.

What makes this novel particularly compelling is Hume's ability to intertwine an engrossing plot with thought-provoking themes. Through Emily's journey, he seamlessly touches upon various social issues, such as gender inequality, women's suffrage, and the damaging effects of societal norms. These themes are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, leaving readers with a lasting impression and a deeper appreciation for the challenges women faced during that era.

Furthermore, Hume's writing style is both accessible and evocative, making the story easy to engage with. His vivid descriptions transport readers to the bustling streets of London and the idyllic English countryside, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Additionally, the dialogue between the characters is sharp and realistic, bringing them to life and enhancing the overall reading experience.

Although the novel focuses primarily on Emily's journey, the supporting characters also contribute to the richness of the story. From Emily's compassionate sister to the oppressive husband, each character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, portraying the various roles and perspectives of women in that era. These nuanced characterizations further highlight the diverse struggles faced by women of different backgrounds and social statuses.

One potential drawback of the book is the pacing, which at times can be uneven. While certain sections are fast-paced and rife with tension, others may feel slower in comparison. However, this minor flaw doesn't detract from the overall impact of the story and can even serve to heighten the anticipation as the plot unfolds.

Overall, A Woman's Burden is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that shines a light on the struggles of women in early 20th-century England. Fergus Hume's skillful storytelling, compelling characters, and exploration of societal issues make this book a must-read for those interested in historical fiction and the fight for women's rights.

First Page:

A WOMAN'S BURDEN

A NOVEL

BY FERGUS HUME

Author of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," "The Expedition of Captain Flick," "The Mystery of Landy Court," "The Lone Inn," etc.

THIRD EDITION

LONDON

JARROLD & SONS, 10 & 11, WARWICK LANE, E.C.

CONTENTS.

PROLOGUE.

I. A QUEER ADVENTURE

II. A STRANGE ARRANGEMENT

PART I.

I. MRS. DACRE DARROW

II. A RED RAG TO A BULL

III. POVERTY HALL

IV. MR. BARTON'S VISITOR

V. BEHIND THE SCENES

VI. MRS. DARROW'S BOMBSHELL

VII. IN THE WOODS

VIII. SHORTY

IX. THE SHADOW

X. THE SQUIRE'S SECRET

XI. UNMASKED

XII. MIRIAM KEEPS AN APPOINTMENT

XIII. MRS. DARROW BECOMES REFRACTORY

XIV. ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT

XV. A NINE DAYS' WONDER

XVI. A LITTLE FEMININE DIPLOMACY

XVII. A ROMAN FATHER

XVIII. THE REWARD OF MIRIAM

PART II.

I. 5A, ROSARY MANSIONS

II. JABEZ REDIVIVUS

III. MRS. PARSLEY'S PROTÉGÉ

IV. DICKY'S DISCOVERY

V. JUST IN TIME

VI. SOME MUTUAL COMPLIMENTS AND A CONFESSION

VII. MRS. DARROW SYMPATHISES

VIII. MRS. PARSLEY SEES A GHOST

IX. MORE TROUBLE

X. THE MAJOR'S POINT OF VIEW

XI. IN THE DEPTHS

XII. JABEZ SEEKS AN OLD FRIEND

XIII. THE END OF GERALD ARKEL

XIV... Continue reading book >>

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