An Act in a Backwater by E.F. Benson

Name: An Act in a Backwater
Author: E.F. Benson

An Act in a Backwater by E.F. Benson is a novel that follows the life of a young man named John Ambercrombie who has recently inherited his uncle's estate, which includes a large house and a small village. The story takes place in the 1920s and explores themes such as classism, social hierarchy, and the role of women in society. The novel begins with John arriving at his new home and meeting the villagers who live there. He soon discovers that he is not welcome by many of the locals due to his upper-class background. However, he also meets a young woman named Diana who becomes his love interest. As the story progresses, John struggles with his identity as an outsider in the village and tries to find ways to fit in. He also faces challenges from the villagers who do not approve of his relationship with Diana due to her lower social status. Overall, An Act in a Backwater is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes such as classism, social hierarchy, and the role of women in society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in literature from this era.

By E.F. Benson · First published 2023 · Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller · 20 chapters · 73,176 words

First lines

It was approaching half-past five on a June afternoon, and in consequence Colonel Raymond was approaching the Wroxton County Club. He was a man of method, and a retired Colonel of Volunteers, and thus he left his house (christened Lammermoor by his wife) with great regularity at a quarter past five in summer, and a quarter past four in winter, and marched rather than walked with an inflated chest and a gallant bearing. The Colonel, even at the age of fifty-six, remained one of those harmless idiots who draw themselves up and try to look interesting whenever a pretty woman passes them; indeed, he went further, for, being a little short-sighted, he drew himself up and tried to look interesting when he saw any female figure approaching, on the chance that at nearer range she might prove to be pretty. He had a somewhat flaming face, and a long mustache "silver sabled."

What this Textopian page supports

An Act in a Backwater is listed on Textopian as a novel by E.F. Benson, dated 2023 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: E.F. Benson
Date: 2023 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Drama
Length: 73,176 words
Structure: 20 chapters, 1,451 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a series of mysterious events in a secluded region, with characters seeking answers.
Suspense — The plot creates a feeling of anticipation and excitement, with many intense moments and cliffhangers.
Thriller — The book contains elements of tension, surprise, and mental challenges often associated with the thriller genre.
Drama — The plot involves conflicts between characters and internal struggles, characteristic of the drama genre.