Name and Fame A Novel   By: Adeline Sergeant (1851-1904)

Name and Fame is a captivating novel written by Adeline Sergeant that takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of achieving success and the sacrifices one may have to make along the way. Set in Victorian England, this book explores the intertwined lives of two ambitious characters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps you engrossed until the very end.

The story revolves around Marion Vincent, a talented actress with dreams of achieving fame and recognition in the theater industry. From her humble beginnings in a small town, she navigates through the world of show business, facing countless obstacles and a fair share of heartbreak. Sergeant paints a vivid picture of Marion's journey, expertly capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the theater and the challenges faced by women striving for success in a male-dominated society.

As the plot unfolds, the novel introduces another central character, Gilbert Hardinge, a gifted yet struggling author with his own ambitions. Their paths cross in a serendipitous encounter, leading to a deep connection that further complicates their individual pursuits of name and fame. Sergeant masterfully weaves together their stories, skillfully exploring the complexities of their relationship and the choices they make in pursuit of their goals.

What sets Name and Fame apart is Sergeant's exceptional character development. Marion and Gilbert are portrayed with depth and authenticity, making them relatable and sympathetic. Their flaws and vulnerabilities are laid bare, allowing readers to emotionally invest in their journey. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, offering a rich tapestry of personalities that enhance the overall reading experience.

The prose in this novel is elegant and evocative. Sergeant's attention to detail brings the Victorian era to life, immersing readers in a bygone era of glamour, societal expectations, and artistic fervor. With her descriptive language and careful research, she creates a lush backdrop against which the characters' dreams and sacrifices play out.

Another strength of Name and Fame lies in its exploration of themes such as ambition, identity, and the price of success. Sergeant delves into the complexities of pursuing one's dreams, questioning the sacrifices we are willing to make and the compromises we may face along the way. This introspective element gives the story a deeper layer, making it more than just a tale of ambition but a reflection on the human condition.

While the pacing can be slow at times, the intricacies of the plot and the depth of the characters more than compensate for any moments of sluggishness. The book is a testament to Sergeant's storytelling prowess and her ability to create an engaging narrative that leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, Name and Fame is a beautifully written novel that transports readers to a different time and place, exploring the universal desires of fame, recognition, and the search for one's true self. With its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, this book is a delightful read for anyone captivated by the allure and pitfalls of ambition.

First Page:

It was a brilliant day in June. The sky was cloudless and dazzlingly blue, but the heat of the sun's rays was tempered by a deliciously cool breeze, and the foliage of the trees that clothe the pleasant slopes round the vivacious little town of Aix les Bains afforded plenty of shade to the pedestrian. Aix was, as usual, very crowded and very gay. German potentates abounded: French notabilities were not wanting: it was rumored that English royalty was coming. A very motley crowd of divers nationalities drank the waters every morning and discussed the latest society scandal. Festivity seemed to haunt the very air of the place, beaming from the trim white villas with their smart green jalousies, the tall hotels with crudely tinted flags flying from their roofs, the cheery little shops with their cheerier dames de comptoir smiling complacently on the tourists who unwarily bought their goods... Continue reading book >>