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Villa Rubein, and other stories   By: (1867-1933)

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Villa Rubein, and other stories by John Galsworthy is a collection of gripping and thought-provoking narratives that showcase the author's exceptional storytelling and remarkable insight into human nature. The collection consists of six diverse tales, each exploring different aspects of life, love, and society.

The first story, "Villa Rubein," serves as the anchor of the collection, introducing readers to a complex and fascinating protagonist, Mrs. Bellew. Galsworthy crafts a character with remarkable depth, fully capturing the complications and contradictions of human emotions. Set against the backdrop of an Italian villa, this story offers a profound exploration of the tensions between desire, loyalty, and social expectations.

As readers progress through the collection, they encounter a range of equally captivating tales. "A Man of Devon" delves into the complexities of family bonds and societal pressures in rural England. Galsworthy's ability to navigate delicate relationships and expose the vulnerabilities of his characters shines through in this moving narrative.

Another standout story is "A Knight," which explores the concept of duty and sacrifice through the eyes of a fallen war hero. The emotional weight of this story is palpable, and Galsworthy's evocative prose skillfully captures the psychological toll that war inflicts upon individuals and societies as a whole.

Galsworthy's talent for drawing out the subtleties of human relationships is further exemplified in "Schopenhauer," a story that delves into the intricacies of love, infidelity, and forgiveness. Through rich character development and vivid descriptions, he presents a profound exploration of the human capacity for forgiveness and redemption.

"Defeat" is arguably one of the most thought-provoking stories in the collection, delving into the inherent struggles of social norms and the desire for personal freedom. Galsworthy's storytelling acumen shines through in this narrative, weaving a compelling tale of a woman's fight against societal convention.

Overall, Villa Rubein, and other stories is a remarkable collection that showcases Galsworthy's brilliance as a storyteller. The author's ability to delve into the depths of human emotions, expose societal nuances, and captivate readers with his prose is truly commendable. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking profound and thought-provoking literature that explores the complexities of the human condition.

First Page:

VILLA RUBEIN AND OTHER STORIES

By John Galsworthy

[ED. NOTE: Spelling conforms to the original: "s's" instead of our "z's"; and "c's" where we would have "s's"; and "...our" as in colour and flavour; many interesting double consonants; etc.]

Contents: Villa Rubein A Man of Devon A Knight Salvation of a Forsyte The Silence

VILLA RUBEIN

PREFACE

Writing not long ago to my oldest literary friend, I expressed in a moment of heedless sentiment the wish that we might have again one of our talks of long past days, over the purposes and methods of our art. And my friend, wiser than I, as he has always been, replied with this doubting phrase "Could we recapture the zest of that old time?"

I would not like to believe that our faith in the value of imaginative art has diminished, that we think it less worth while to struggle for glimpses of truth and for the words which may pass them on to other eyes; or that we can no longer discern the star we tried to follow; but I do fear, with him, that half a lifetime of endeavour has dulled the exuberance which kept one up till morning discussing the ways and means of aesthetic achievement. We have discovered, perhaps with a certain finality, that by no talk can a writer add a cubit to his stature, or change the temperament which moulds and colours the vision of life he sets before the few who will pause to look at it... Continue reading book >>




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