The narrative follows Harriett Frean, a woman shaped by her upbringing in a Victorian household, where her parents instilled in her a sense of moral duty and the importance of behaving beautifully. The story begins with her childhood, marked by innocence and a longing for love and acceptance. Harriett's relationship with her parents is central; her mother embodies beauty and grace, while her father represents intellect and moral complexity. As Harriett grows, she navigates friendships and societal expectations, particularly with her close friend Priscilla Heaven. Their bond is tested when Priscilla marries Robin Lethbridge, a man Harriett once loved but sacrificed for the sake of Priscilla's happiness. This decision haunts Harriett, leading her to grapple with feelings of guilt and loss. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, societal pressure, and the quest for identity. Harriett's life unfolds against the backdrop of her family's decline, her father's financial ruin, and her mother's illness. As she ages, Harriett becomes increasingly isolated, clinging to memories of her past and the ideals instilled in her by her parents. The story delves into Harriett's internal struggles as she confronts her choices and the consequences of her actions. Her relationships with friends and family become strained, and she finds herself at odds with the very values she was raised to uphold. The narrative culminates in Harriett's realization of her own mortality and the emptiness of her life, leading to a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the passage of time. Ultimately, Harriett's journey is one of self-discovery, marked by a longing for connection and a deep-seated fear of loneliness. The narrative closes with her confronting the ghosts of her past, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the weight of societal expectations.
By May Sinclair · First published 1934 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Modernist Fiction · 15 chapters