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A Woman-Hater   By: (1814-1884)

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In "A Woman-Hater" by Charles Reade, readers are presented with a captivating tale woven with complex characters and thought-provoking themes. Reade's skillful storytelling and attention to detail bring the late 19th-century setting to life, immersing us in a world that is both familiar and foreign.

The novel revolves around its protagonist, Henry Little, a self-proclaimed woman-hater who is cynical and mistrustful of the opposite sex due to a traumatic childhood experience. Little finds solace in his solitary lifestyle, retreating to a remote countryside residence away from the reaches of society. However, this carefully crafted sanctuary is challenged when a series of unexpected events forces him to confront his deeply ingrained beliefs.

Reade masterfully explores themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and the redemptive power of love. Through the character of Little, readers are prompted to question their own prejudices and confront the consequences of deeply held biases. The author's undeniable talent lies in his ability to draw empathy even for characters with less-than-desirable traits, ultimately crafting a narrative that pushes us to reevaluate our own perceptions of others.

Additionally, Reade's richly detailed descriptions and meticulous research give an authentic feel to the time period. From the opulence of upper-class social gatherings to the grit and hardship of working-class life, the author paints a vivid picture of the Victorian era. The historical accuracy effortlessly blends with the emotional depth of the characters, transporting readers to a bygone era that is both enchanting and fraught with societal constraints.

One aspect worth noting is Reade's portrayal of female characters. While the title may suggest a one-sided narrative, the author defies expectations by presenting a diverse range of women who challenge the protagonist's preconceived notions. Whether it's the strong-willed and fiercely independent Helen Rolleston or the kind-hearted and tender Mary Bartley, each female character defies stereotypes and showcases their individual strengths.

However, some readers may find the novel's pacing to be a bit slow at times, especially in the initial chapters where the stage is set for the conflicts ahead. Nevertheless, this deliberate pacing allows for the depth of the characters and their relationships to fully unravel, cultivating a sense of investment and anticipation as the plot progresses. Patience is rewarded as the narrative reaches its climactic moments, and the resolutions are deeply satisfying.

In "A Woman-Hater," Charles Reade delivers a timeless tale that resonates with readers today. With a keen understanding of human nature, Reade explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and personal growth in a setting that feels both historically accurate and emotionally resonant. This novel is an excellent choice for those seeking a thought-provoking and engaging read that challenges societal conventions and encourages introspection.

First Page:

A WOMAN HATER.

by Charles Reade

CHAPTER I.

"THE Golden Star," Homburg, was a humble hotel, not used by gay gamblers, but by modest travelers.

At two o'clock, one fine day in June, there were two strangers in the salle a' manger, seated at small tables a long way apart, and wholly absorbed in their own business.

One was a lady about twenty four years old, who, in the present repose of her features, looked comely, sedate, and womanly, but not the remarkable person she really was. Her forehead high and white, but a little broader than sculptors affect; her long hair, coiled tight, in a great many smooth snakes, upon her snowy nape, was almost flaxen, yet her eyebrows and long lashes not pale but a reddish brown; her gray eyes large and profound; her mouth rather large, beautifully shaped, amiable, and expressive, but full of resolution; her chin a little broad; her neck and hands admirably white and polished. She was an Anglo Dane her father English.

If you ask me what she was doing, why hunting; and had been, for some days, in all the inns of Homburg. She had the visitors' book, and was going through the names of the whole year, and studying each to see whether it looked real or assumed. Interspersed were flippant comments, and verses adapted to draw a smile of amusement or contempt; but this hunter passed them all over as nullities: the steady pose of her head, the glint of her deep eye, and the set of her fine lips showed a soul not to be diverted from its object... Continue reading book >>




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