The Splendid Folly By: Margaret Pedler (-1948)
In Margaret Pedler's novel The Splendid Folly, readers are transported back in time to a period of elegance, romance, and societal expectations. Set in the early 20th century, the book explores the intricacies of love, duty, and the consequences of one's choices. The story unfolds in the grand manor of Rainswood, where the protagonist, Claire Vair, resides with her wealthy family. Claire, a young woman of great beauty and intelligence, finds herself torn between her family's expectations and her own desires. As she navigates this precarious balance, she becomes acquainted with the dashing and enigmatic Captain Hugh Lorrimore, a man harboring a secret that threatens to unravel the delicate threads of their blossoming connection. Pedler's writing effortlessly captures the essence of the time period, enveloping readers in a world of opulence and societal constraints. Her attention to detail transports readers to the sumptuous balls and lavish parties of the upper class, where appearances are everything and scandal lurks in the shadows. One aspect that stands out in this novel is the character development. Pedler skillfully crafts multidimensional characters that readers can both relate to and empathize with. Claire's internal struggle between duty and passion feels authentic and riveting, making her a truly compelling protagonist. Similarly, Captain Lorrimore's mysterious past adds a layer of intrigue and suspense to the story, leaving readers yearning for answers. Furthermore, Pedler's ability to explore social issues of the time is commendable. While the primary focus is on love and relationships, the novel also delves into themes of societal expectations, gender roles, and the constraints faced by women in that era. Through her characters' experiences, Pedler offers insightful commentary on the limited options available to women and the sacrifices they often had to make. However, it is worth noting that the pacing of the story occasionally falters, with some parts feeling slightly prolonged. This may occasionally leave readers wanting for more action or progression. Nonetheless, the richly detailed descriptions and complex characters compensate for these minor shortcomings, maintaining the readers' interest throughout the narrative. In conclusion, The Splendid Folly is a captivating historical romance that flawlessly captures the glamour and constraints of the early 20th century. Pedler's elegant prose, well-developed characters, and exploration of societal issues make it a must-read for fans of the genre. Though the pacing may occasionally falter, this novel stands as a testament to Pedler's storytelling prowess and ability to transport readers to another era. First Page: E text prepared by Al Haines THE SPLENDID FOLLY by MARGARET PEDLER Author of the Hermit of Far End, etc. New York Grosset & Dunlap Publishers 1921 TO MY HUSBAND W. G. Q. PEDLER CONTENTS CHAPTER I THE VERDICT II FELLOW TRAVELLERS III AN ENCOUNTER WITH DEATH IV CRAILING RECTORY V THE SECOND MEETING VI THE AFTERMATH OF AN ADVENTURE VII DIANA SINGS VIII MRS. LAWRENCE'S HOSPITALITY IX A CONTEST OF WILLS X MISS LERMONTOF'S ADVICE XI THE YEAR'S FRUIT XII MAX ERRINGTON'S RETURN XIII THE FRIEND WHO STOOD BY XIV THE FLAME OF LOVE XV DIANA'S DECISION XVI BARONI'S OPINION OF MATRIMONY XVII "WHOM GOD HATH JOINED TOGETHER" XVIII THE APPROACHING SHADOW XIX THE "FIRST NIGHT" PERFORMANCE XX THE SHADOW FALLS XXI THE OTHER WOMAN XXII THE PARTING OF THE WAYS XXIII PAIN XXIV THE VISION OF LOVE XXV BREAKING POINT XXVI THE REAPING XXVII CARLO BARONI EXPLAINS XXVIII THE AWAKENING XXIX SACRIFICE THE HAVEN OF MEMORY Do you remember Our great love's pure unfolding, The troth you gave, And prayed for God's upholding, Long and long ago? Out of the past A dream and then the waking Comes back to me, Of love and love's forsaking, Ere the summer waned... Continue reading book >>

The Splendid Folly By: Margaret Pedler (-1948)

In Margaret Pedler's novel The Splendid Folly, readers are transported back in time to a period of elegance, romance, and societal expectations. Set in the early 20th century, the book explores the intricacies of love, duty, and the consequences of one's choices.

The story unfolds in the grand manor of Rainswood, where the protagonist, Claire Vair, resides with her wealthy family. Claire, a young woman of great beauty and intelligence, finds herself torn between her family's expectations and her own desires. As she navigates this precarious balance, she becomes acquainted with the dashing and enigmatic Captain Hugh Lorrimore, a man harboring a secret that threatens to unravel the delicate threads of their blossoming connection.

Pedler's writing effortlessly captures the essence of the time period, enveloping readers in a world of opulence and societal constraints. Her attention to detail transports readers to the sumptuous balls and lavish parties of the upper class, where appearances are everything and scandal lurks in the shadows.

One aspect that stands out in this novel is the character development. Pedler skillfully crafts multidimensional characters that readers can both relate to and empathize with. Claire's internal struggle between duty and passion feels authentic and riveting, making her a truly compelling protagonist. Similarly, Captain Lorrimore's mysterious past adds a layer of intrigue and suspense to the story, leaving readers yearning for answers.

Furthermore, Pedler's ability to explore social issues of the time is commendable. While the primary focus is on love and relationships, the novel also delves into themes of societal expectations, gender roles, and the constraints faced by women in that era. Through her characters' experiences, Pedler offers insightful commentary on the limited options available to women and the sacrifices they often had to make.

However, it is worth noting that the pacing of the story occasionally falters, with some parts feeling slightly prolonged. This may occasionally leave readers wanting for more action or progression. Nonetheless, the richly detailed descriptions and complex characters compensate for these minor shortcomings, maintaining the readers' interest throughout the narrative.

In conclusion, The Splendid Folly is a captivating historical romance that flawlessly captures the glamour and constraints of the early 20th century. Pedler's elegant prose, well-developed characters, and exploration of societal issues make it a must-read for fans of the genre. Though the pacing may occasionally falter, this novel stands as a testament to Pedler's storytelling prowess and ability to transport readers to another era.

First Page:

E text prepared by Al Haines

THE SPLENDID FOLLY

MARGARET PEDLER

Author of the Hermit of Far End, etc.

New York Grosset & Dunlap Publishers

1921

TO MY HUSBAND

W. G. Q. PEDLER

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I THE VERDICT II FELLOW TRAVELLERS III AN ENCOUNTER WITH DEATH IV CRAILING RECTORY V THE SECOND MEETING VI THE AFTERMATH OF AN ADVENTURE VII DIANA SINGS VIII MRS. LAWRENCE'S HOSPITALITY IX A CONTEST OF WILLS X MISS LERMONTOF'S ADVICE XI THE YEAR'S FRUIT XII MAX ERRINGTON'S RETURN XIII THE FRIEND WHO STOOD BY XIV THE FLAME OF LOVE XV DIANA'S DECISION XVI BARONI'S OPINION OF MATRIMONY XVII "WHOM GOD HATH JOINED TOGETHER" XVIII THE APPROACHING SHADOW XIX THE "FIRST NIGHT" PERFORMANCE XX THE SHADOW FALLS XXI THE OTHER WOMAN XXII THE PARTING OF THE WAYS XXIII PAIN XXIV THE VISION OF LOVE XXV BREAKING POINT XXVI THE REAPING XXVII CARLO BARONI EXPLAINS XXVIII THE AWAKENING XXIX SACRIFICE

THE HAVEN OF MEMORY

Do you remember Our great love's pure unfolding, The troth you gave, And prayed for God's upholding, Long and long ago?

Out of the past A dream and then the waking Comes back to me, Of love and love's forsaking, Ere the summer waned... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – Margaret Pedler
Wikipedia – The Splendid Folly

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