Hermia Suydam by Gertrude Atherton

Name: Hermia Suydam
Author: Gertrude Atherton

Hermia Suydam is a novel by Gertrude Atherton that tells the story of a young woman who struggles to find her place in society and navigate the complexities of love, family, and friendship. The book explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and social expectations in early 20th century America.

By Gertrude Atherton · First published 1902 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 39 chapters · 51,082 words

First lines

When Crosby Suydam died and left exactly enough money to bury himself, his widow returned to New York, and, taking her two little girls by the hand, presented herself at the old Suydam mansion on Second Avenue. "You must either take care of us or see us go to the poor-house," she said to her brother-in-law; "I am not strong enough to work, and my relatives are as poor as myself. " And she sank into one of the library chairs with that air of indifference and physical weakness which makes a man more helpless than defiance or curse. Did John Suydam still, in his withered, yellow frame, carry a shrunken remnant of that pliable organ called the heart? His brother's widow did not add this problem to the others of her vexed existence-she had done with problems forever-but in his little world the legend was whispered that, many years before, the last fragment had dried and crumbled to dust.

What this Textopian page supports

Hermia Suydam is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gertrude Atherton, dated 1902 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Gertrude Atherton
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Psychological Fiction
Length: 51,082 words
Structure: 39 chapters, 757 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Hermia Suydam?
How does this novel by Gertrude Atherton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period, with detailed descriptions of the era's social and cultural context.
Romance — The plot centers around romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters.
Drama — The story involves intense character development and emotional themes, focusing on personal and interpersonal conflicts.
Psychological Fiction — The writing delves into the psychological motivations and inner thoughts of the characters.