Consequences by E. M. Delafield is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of post-World War I society and the pressures faced by women in conforming to societal expectations. The story follows the protagonist, Alex Clare, as she navigates the challenges of marriage, motherhood, and societal norms.

Delafield's writing is sharp and incisive, offering a scathing critique of the constraints placed on women in the early 20th century. Through Alex's experiences, the author explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the struggle for self-fulfillment in a world that constantly seeks to diminish women's agency.

The characters in Consequences are richly drawn and compelling, each grappling with their own desires, fears, and insecurities. From Alex's conflicted relationship with her husband to her strained interactions with her children, Delafield portrays the complexities of human relationships with nuance and depth.

Overall, Consequences is a powerful and poignant novel that offers a haunting portrayal of the challenges faced by women in a society that seeks to confine them to traditional gender roles. Delafield's prose is searing and evocative, making this a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of female experience in the early 20th century.

Book Description:
Set in late Victorian England, “Consequences” follows the life of Alexandra Clare, a girl born into an upper class Catholic London family. Raised from birth for the privileged life of a wife and mother, Alexandra never quite fits in with her or her family’s expectations and fails at seemingly everything she tries – school, the marriage market, family life.