52 pages 1 hour read

Arnold Bennett

The Old Wives' Tale

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1908

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

British Literature

Themes

Relationships: Siblings

Society: Community

Relationships: Family