The Purple Parasol E-Book

George Barr Mccutcheon

• Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

In "The Purple Parasol," George Barr McCutcheon weaves a captivating tale that intricately blends romance with elements of mystery and adventure. Set against the backdrop of an early 20th-century society filled with wealth and intrigue, the narrative follows the protagonist's quest for love and self-discovery, captured through McCutcheon's vivid prose and engaging dialogue. His literary style reflects a keen understanding of the zeitgeist of the Belle Époque, emphasizing themes of social ambition and the complexities of human relationships. The interplay of humor and dramatic tension enriches the narrative, making it a compelling read that invites reflections on class and desire. George Barr McCutcheon, an acclaimed American novelist and playwright, drew inspiration for "The Purple Parasol" from his numerous travels and keen observations of high society. Known for his vivid storytelling and insightful characterizations, McCutcheon often explored the nuances of social status and its impact on personal relationships. His background as a successful playwright imbued his writing with a theatrical quality, enhancing the dramatic elements in his novels. I highly recommend "The Purple Parasol" to readers who appreciate well-crafted narratives that delve into the intricacies of human emotion while providing a keen social commentary. McCutcheon's ability to blend humor with serious themes makes this novel not only entertaining but also an insightful exploration of love in a society constrained by expectations, ensuring it remains a timeless classic.

Leseprobe

George Barr McCutcheon

The Purple Parasol

Published by Good Press, 2019

[email protected]

EAN 4064066150020

Table of Contents

Cover

Titlepage

Text

THURSDAY.

"Settled comfortably in Eagle Nest House. Devilish rugged and out-of-the-way place. Mrs. Van Haltford is called Aunt Josephine. She and Miss Debby Crozier have rooms on the third floor. Mine is next to theirs, Havens's is next to mine, and Mrs. Wharton has two rooms beyond his. We are not unlike a big family party. They're rather nice to me. I go walking with Aunt Josephine. I don't understand why I'm sandwiched in between Havens and Aunt Josephine. Otherwise the arrangement is neat. There is a veranda outside our windows. We sit upon it. Aunt Josephine is a great bluff, but she's clever. She's never napping. I've tried to pump her. Miss Crozier is harmless. She doesn't care. Havens never takes his eyes off Mrs. W. when they are together. She looks at him a good bit, too. They don't pay much attention to me. Aunt Josephine's husband is very old and very busy. He can't take vacations. Everybody went to bed early to-night. No evidence to-day."

FRIDAY NIGHT.

"Havens and Mrs. W. went hill-climbing this afternoon and were gone for an hour before I missed them. Then I took Aunt Jo and Debby out for a quick climb. Confound Aunt Jo! She got tired in ten minutes and Debby wouldn't go on without her. I think it was a put-up job. The others didn't return till after six. She asked me if I'd like to walk about the grounds after dinner. Said I would. We did. Havens went with us. Couldn't shake him to save my life."

SATURDAY NIGHT.

"I have to watch myself constantly to keep from calling her Mrs. Wharton. I believe writing her real name is bad policy. It makes me forget. After this I shall call her Miss Dering, and I'll speak of him as Dudley. This morning he asked me to call him 'Jim.' He calls me 'Sam.' Actors do get familiar. When she came downstairs to go driving with him this morning I'll swear she was the prettiest thing I ever saw. They took a lunch and were gone for hours. I'd like to punch his face. She was very quiet all evening, and I fancied she avoided me. I smelt liquor on his breath just before bedtime.

"One A. M.—I thought everybody had gone to bed, but they are out there on the veranda talking. Just outside her windows. I distinctly heard him call her 'dearest.' Something must have alarmed them, for they parted abruptly. He walked the veranda for an hour, all alone. Plenty of evidence."