52 pages • 1 hour read
The Old Wives' Tale
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Book Brief
565
Novel • Fiction
England, France • 1860s
1908
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Old Wives' Tale by Arnold Bennett follows sisters Constance and Sophia Baines from their youth in a small town, through their separate paths in adulthood, and back together in their later years. Constance marries and manages the family business, while Sophia elopes to Paris, facing hardships and triumphs. They reunite in their hometown, reflecting on their life journeys and changes in their environment.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Arnold Bennett’s The Old Wives' Tale is widely praised for its rich character development and realistic portrayal of everyday life. Readers appreciate its compelling narrative and detailed depiction of early 20th-century English society. However, some critics find its pacing slow and the plot meandering. Overall, it remains a significant and enduring work in literature.
Who Should Read The Old Wives' Tale?
A reader who enjoys The Old Wives' Tale by Arnold Bennett would likely appreciate intricate character studies, rich historical contexts, and evolving family dynamics. Fans of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina or Eliot's Middlemarch will find similar depth and detail. This novel appeals to those with a penchant for literary realism and Edwardian-era narratives.
565
Novel • Fiction
England, France • 1860s
1908
Adult
18+ years
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