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.
Sophia (Baines) Scales
Sophia (Baines) Scales
The younger and more attractive Baines sister who embodies impulsivity and independence but grows into a successful businesswoman through personal trials and growth.
Mrs. Baines
Mrs. Baines
The mother of Constance and Sophia, noted for her calm demeanor and strong will, who manages the family business while providing a guiding influence in her daughters' early lives.
Samuel Povey
Samuel Povey
A longtime employee of the Baines shop who marries Constance and takes on managing the family business but struggles with expressing his emotions and strong opinions.
Gerald Scales
Gerald Scales
A dashing traveling salesman whose relationship with Sophia highlights contrasts and complexities in their personalities, driving significant developments in her character.
Cyril Povey
Cyril Povey
The bright but self-centered son of Constance and Samuel, who excels in sports and art but causes tension with his inattention to familial empathy and morals.
565
Novel • Fiction
England, France • 1860s
1908
Adult
18+ years
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