The Parlor Car By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)
The Parlor Car by William Dean Howells is a captivating piece of literature that transports readers to a bygone era. Set in the late 19th century, the story unfolds within the confines of a luxurious parlor car of a speeding train, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into the lives of its diverse passengers. Howells expertly captures the essence of each character, allowing readers to truly understand their motivations, hopes, and fears. From the well-to-do aristocrat to the struggling writer, each passenger has a story to tell, a secret to hide, and a connection waiting to be made. The author masterfully weaves these individual narratives together, creating a tapestry of human emotions and experiences that touch upon themes of love, social class, and the pursuit of happiness. What stands out most about The Parlor Car is Howells' elegant prose. Every sentence is meticulously crafted, with rich descriptions that effortlessly transport readers into the lavish interiors of the train car or the scenic landscapes passing by outside the windows. The author's attention to detail is astonishing, making it impossible not to become fully immersed in the world he has created. Moreover, the book’s pacing is superb. The storyline unfolds at a steady and engaging pace, gradually revealing the passengers' intertwining lives and allowing for moments of reflection and introspection. Howells skillfully balances the right amount of suspense and surprise, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. While The Parlor Car is undoubtedly a character-driven novel, it also offers insightful commentary on the socio-political issues of its time. The stark contrast between the upper-class elite and the working class is vividly depicted, shedding light on the disparities that existed during this era. Howells tackles these topics with sensitivity and nuance, prompting readers to question the societal norms and expectations that often dictate our lives. In conclusion, The Parlor Car is an exceptional work of fiction that captures the essence of an era with elegance and grace. William Dean Howells' ability to craft relatable characters and paint vivid scenes with his words makes this book a standout in the genre. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply appreciate a well-crafted narrative, this is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. First Page: This etext was produced from the 1911 Houghton Mifflin Company edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk THE PARLOR CAR by William D. Howells SCENE: A Parlor Car on the New York Central Railroad. It is late afternoon in the early autumn, with a cloudy sunset threatening rain. The car is unoccupied save by a gentleman, who sits fronting one of the windows, with his feet in another chair; a newspaper lies across his lap; his hat is drawn down over his eyes, and he is apparently asleep. The rear door of the car opens, and the conductor enters with a young lady, heavily veiled, the porter coming after with her wraps and travelling bags. The lady's air is of mingled anxiety and desperation, with a certain fierceness of movement. She casts a careless glance over the empty chairs. CONDUCTOR: "Here's your ticket, madam. You can have any of the places you like here, glancing at the unconscious gentleman, and then at the young lady, "if you prefer, you can go and take that seat in the forward car." MISS LUCY GALBRAITH: "Oh, I can't ride backwards. I'll stay here, please. Thank you." The porter places her things in a chair by a window, across the car from the sleeping gentleman, and she throws herself wearily into the next seat, wheels round in it, and lifting her veil gazes absently out at the landscape... Continue reading book >>

The Parlor Car By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)

The Parlor Car by William Dean Howells is a captivating piece of literature that transports readers to a bygone era. Set in the late 19th century, the story unfolds within the confines of a luxurious parlor car of a speeding train, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into the lives of its diverse passengers.

Howells expertly captures the essence of each character, allowing readers to truly understand their motivations, hopes, and fears. From the well-to-do aristocrat to the struggling writer, each passenger has a story to tell, a secret to hide, and a connection waiting to be made. The author masterfully weaves these individual narratives together, creating a tapestry of human emotions and experiences that touch upon themes of love, social class, and the pursuit of happiness.

What stands out most about The Parlor Car is Howells' elegant prose. Every sentence is meticulously crafted, with rich descriptions that effortlessly transport readers into the lavish interiors of the train car or the scenic landscapes passing by outside the windows. The author's attention to detail is astonishing, making it impossible not to become fully immersed in the world he has created.

Moreover, the book’s pacing is superb. The storyline unfolds at a steady and engaging pace, gradually revealing the passengers' intertwining lives and allowing for moments of reflection and introspection. Howells skillfully balances the right amount of suspense and surprise, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

While The Parlor Car is undoubtedly a character-driven novel, it also offers insightful commentary on the socio-political issues of its time. The stark contrast between the upper-class elite and the working class is vividly depicted, shedding light on the disparities that existed during this era. Howells tackles these topics with sensitivity and nuance, prompting readers to question the societal norms and expectations that often dictate our lives.

In conclusion, The Parlor Car is an exceptional work of fiction that captures the essence of an era with elegance and grace. William Dean Howells' ability to craft relatable characters and paint vivid scenes with his words makes this book a standout in the genre. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply appreciate a well-crafted narrative, this is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

First Page:

This etext was produced from the 1911 Houghton Mifflin Company edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk

THE PARLOR CAR

by William D. Howells

SCENE: A Parlor Car on the New York Central Railroad. It is late afternoon in the early autumn, with a cloudy sunset threatening rain. The car is unoccupied save by a gentleman, who sits fronting one of the windows, with his feet in another chair; a newspaper lies across his lap; his hat is drawn down over his eyes, and he is apparently asleep. The rear door of the car opens, and the conductor enters with a young lady, heavily veiled, the porter coming after with her wraps and travelling bags. The lady's air is of mingled anxiety and desperation, with a certain fierceness of movement. She casts a careless glance over the empty chairs.

CONDUCTOR: "Here's your ticket, madam. You can have any of the places you like here, glancing at the unconscious gentleman, and then at the young lady, "if you prefer, you can go and take that seat in the forward car."

MISS LUCY GALBRAITH: "Oh, I can't ride backwards. I'll stay here, please. Thank you." The porter places her things in a chair by a window, across the car from the sleeping gentleman, and she throws herself wearily into the next seat, wheels round in it, and lifting her veil gazes absently out at the landscape... Continue reading book >>

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