The Relentless City by E.F. Benson

Name: The Relentless City
Author: E.F. Benson

The Relentless City is a novel by E.F. Benson that explores the themes of isolation and disconnection in a bustling urban environment. The story follows the lives of several characters living in a large city, each struggling to find meaning and connection in their own way. Through their experiences, the novel critiques the superficiality and emptiness of modern society, highlighting the ways in which people can become disconnected from themselves and others despite being surrounded by others. The Relentless City is a thought-provoking and timely work that continues to resonate with readers today.

By E.F. Benson · First published 1909 · Genre: Satire, Humorous Fiction, Social Commentary · 18 chapters · 104,372 words

First lines

The big pink and white dining-room at the Carlton was full to suffocation of people, mixed odours of dinner, the blare of the band just outside, and a babel of voices. In the hall theatre-goers were having their coffee and cigarettes after dinner, while others were still waiting, their patience fortified by bitters, for their parties to assemble. The day had been very hot, and, as is the manner of days in London when June is coming to an end, the hours for most people here assembled had been pretty fully occupied, but with a courage worthy of the cause they seemed to behave as if nothing of a fatiguing nature had occurred since breakfast. The band played loud because it would otherwise have been inaudible above the din of conversation, and people talked loud because otherwise nobody could have heard what anybody else said.

What this Textopian page supports

The Relentless City is listed on Textopian as a novel by E.F. Benson, dated 1909 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: E.F. Benson
Date: 1909 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Humorous Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
Length: 104,372 words
Structure: 18 chapters, 2,062 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Relentless City by E.F. Benson
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The novel uses humor, irony, exaggeration, and ridicule to satirically criticize and expose society's folly and vices, particular London's high society at the time.
Humorous Fiction — The author's writing style is infused with comedic dialogues and situations aimed to entertain the reader and provoke laughter.
Social Commentary — The book examines societal norms and criticizes them heavily, serving as a commentary on the mores of the times.
Historical Fiction — Set in the Edwardian era, the book presents a rich tapestry of historical social life including politics, culture, and human relationships.