The Sisters-In-Law By: Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton (1857-1948)
The Sisters-In-Law by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the intricacies of familial relationships, societal expectations, and the struggle for female empowerment. Set in the late 19th century, the book follows the lives of two sisters-in-law, Marion Berkley and Thérèse de Tremordyn, as they navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives. Atherton skillfully crafts multidimensional characters who wrestle with their own ambitions, desires, and the repressive societal norms of their time. Marion, a strong-willed and independent woman, finds herself trapped in an unhappy marriage with the charming but domineering Henry Berkley. Her aspirations and intelligence are often stifled by her husband's expectations, leaving her yearning for intellectual and emotional fulfillment. On the other hand, Thérèse embodies the epitome of conventional femininity. Beautiful and coquettish, she expertly manipulates the men around her to secure her social standing. However, beneath her polished façade lies a woman desperate for validation and control over her own life. Thérèse's journey from a seemingly helpless social climber to an assertive individual is one of the most captivating arcs in the narrative, showing the author's skill in presenting dynamic character growth. Atherton's prose is elegant, vividly capturing the opulent settings of Newport, Rhode Island, and the European aristocracy. The author's attention to detail effortlessly transports readers to a bygone era, immersing them in the palatial mansions, extravagant parties, and sophisticated social circles that define the lives of the characters. This backdrop serves not only to showcase the glamorous lifestyle of the wealthy elite but also as a subtle critique of the superficiality and shallowness that often comes with it. However, what sets The Sisters-In-Law apart is its exploration of the limitations imposed on women during that era. Atherton boldly addresses themes of gender inequality, societal expectations, and the stifling nature of marriage, offering readers a deep examination of the limitations these women faced. Marion, particularly, emerges as a beacon of resilience and independence, defying societal norms and striving for personal autonomy. Although at times the novel may feel slow-paced, the depth of the characters and the richness of the historical context make up for it. Atherton skillfully weaves together multiple storylines and subplots, creating an engaging narrative that keeps the reader invested throughout. In conclusion, The Sisters-In-Law by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a captivating historical novel that delves into themes of female empowerment, societal constraints, and the complexities of relationships. With its well-rounded characters, vivid descriptions, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a compelling read for anyone interested in exploring the struggles of women in the late 19th century. First Page: THE SISTERS IN LAW A NOVEL OF OUR TIME BY GERTRUDE ATHERTON TO DR. ALANSON WEEKS OF SAN FRANCISCO Several people who enter casually into this novel are leading characters in other novels and stories of the "California Series," which covers the social history of the state from the beginning of the last century. They are Gwynne, his mother, Lady Victoria Gwynne, Isabel Otis and the Hofers in ANCESTORS; the Randolphs in A DAUGHTER OF THE VINE; Lee Tarlton, Lady Barnstable, Lady Arrowmount, Coralie Geary, the Montgomerys and Trennahans in TRANSPLANTED and THE CALIFORNIANS; Rezánov in the novel of that name, and Chonita Iturbi y Moncada in THE DOOMSWOMAN, both bound in the volume, BEFORE THE GRINGO CAME; The Price Ruylers in THE AVALANCHE. BOOK I CHAPTER I I The long street rising and falling and rising again until its farthest crest high in the east seemed to brush the fading stars, was deserted even by the private watchmen that guarded the homes of the apprehensive in the Western Addition. Alexina darted across and into the shadows of the avenue that led up to her old fashioned home, a relic of San Francisco's "early days," perched high on the steepest of the casual hills in that city of a hundred hills. She was breathless and rather frightened, for although of an adventurous spirit, which had led her to slide down the pillars of the verandah at night when her legs were longer than her years, and during the past winter to make a hardly less dignified exit by a side door when her worthy but hopelessly Victorian mother was asleep, this was the first time that she had been out after midnight... Continue reading book >>

The Sisters-In-Law By: Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton (1857-1948)

The Sisters-In-Law by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the intricacies of familial relationships, societal expectations, and the struggle for female empowerment. Set in the late 19th century, the book follows the lives of two sisters-in-law, Marion Berkley and Thérèse de Tremordyn, as they navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives.

Atherton skillfully crafts multidimensional characters who wrestle with their own ambitions, desires, and the repressive societal norms of their time. Marion, a strong-willed and independent woman, finds herself trapped in an unhappy marriage with the charming but domineering Henry Berkley. Her aspirations and intelligence are often stifled by her husband's expectations, leaving her yearning for intellectual and emotional fulfillment.

On the other hand, Thérèse embodies the epitome of conventional femininity. Beautiful and coquettish, she expertly manipulates the men around her to secure her social standing. However, beneath her polished façade lies a woman desperate for validation and control over her own life. Thérèse's journey from a seemingly helpless social climber to an assertive individual is one of the most captivating arcs in the narrative, showing the author's skill in presenting dynamic character growth.

Atherton's prose is elegant, vividly capturing the opulent settings of Newport, Rhode Island, and the European aristocracy. The author's attention to detail effortlessly transports readers to a bygone era, immersing them in the palatial mansions, extravagant parties, and sophisticated social circles that define the lives of the characters. This backdrop serves not only to showcase the glamorous lifestyle of the wealthy elite but also as a subtle critique of the superficiality and shallowness that often comes with it.

However, what sets The Sisters-In-Law apart is its exploration of the limitations imposed on women during that era. Atherton boldly addresses themes of gender inequality, societal expectations, and the stifling nature of marriage, offering readers a deep examination of the limitations these women faced. Marion, particularly, emerges as a beacon of resilience and independence, defying societal norms and striving for personal autonomy.

Although at times the novel may feel slow-paced, the depth of the characters and the richness of the historical context make up for it. Atherton skillfully weaves together multiple storylines and subplots, creating an engaging narrative that keeps the reader invested throughout.

In conclusion, The Sisters-In-Law by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a captivating historical novel that delves into themes of female empowerment, societal constraints, and the complexities of relationships. With its well-rounded characters, vivid descriptions, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a compelling read for anyone interested in exploring the struggles of women in the late 19th century.

First Page:

THE SISTERS IN LAW

A NOVEL OF OUR TIME

BY GERTRUDE ATHERTON

TO DR. ALANSON WEEKS OF SAN FRANCISCO

Several people who enter casually into this novel are leading characters in other novels and stories of the "California Series," which covers the social history of the state from the beginning of the last century. They are Gwynne, his mother, Lady Victoria Gwynne, Isabel Otis and the Hofers in ANCESTORS; the Randolphs in A DAUGHTER OF THE VINE; Lee Tarlton, Lady Barnstable, Lady Arrowmount, Coralie Geary, the Montgomerys and Trennahans in TRANSPLANTED and THE CALIFORNIANS; Rezánov in the novel of that name, and Chonita Iturbi y Moncada in THE DOOMSWOMAN, both bound in the volume, BEFORE THE GRINGO CAME; The Price Ruylers in THE AVALANCHE.

BOOK I

CHAPTER I

The long street rising and falling and rising again until its farthest crest high in the east seemed to brush the fading stars, was deserted even by the private watchmen that guarded the homes of the apprehensive in the Western Addition. Alexina darted across and into the shadows of the avenue that led up to her old fashioned home, a relic of San Francisco's "early days," perched high on the steepest of the casual hills in that city of a hundred hills.

She was breathless and rather frightened, for although of an adventurous spirit, which had led her to slide down the pillars of the verandah at night when her legs were longer than her years, and during the past winter to make a hardly less dignified exit by a side door when her worthy but hopelessly Victorian mother was asleep, this was the first time that she had been out after midnight... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – The Sisters-In-Law

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