"Our Own Set" by Ossip Schubin is a fascinating portrayal of life among the Russian aristocracy in the late 19th century. The novel follows the lives of a group of young friends as they navigate love, friendship, and societal expectations in a rapidly changing world. Schubin's vivid descriptions and rich character development bring this world to life, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the glittering salons and elegant country estates of the characters.

The author does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of human relationships, delving into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle between personal desires and social obligations. The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, each grappling with their own internal conflicts and desires. The plot is engaging and full of unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing and invested in the outcome.

Overall, "Our Own Set" is a beautifully written and compelling novel that provides a compelling glimpse into the social norms and expectations of a bygone era. Schubin's prose is elegant and evocative, drawing the reader in from the very first page and holding their attention until the very end. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.

Book Description:
The Austrian nobility in Rome forms a very close circle, into which only those of high rank and wealth are admitted. They managed to get along with Cecil Sterzl, who, although not one of their own, is regarded as quite an amiable man. However, when he brings his younger sister Zinka into that circle, she is received very coldly at first, if at all. And when, with her fresh and unaffected manners, she wins one heart after another, especially that of the handsome Count Sempaly, she also excites jealousy and contempt in many members of that "set". They are not willing to give up the old notions of social rank and status without a fight...

Ossip Schubin [Aloisia Kirschner] is a now half-forgotten Austrian novelist of Bohemian descent, who has herself spent several years of her youth in Rome.