An Engagement of Convenience A Novel By: Louis Zangwill (1869-1938)
An Engagement of Convenience is an enchanting novel that weaves together themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. Louis Zangwill masterfully takes readers back to the early 20th century, immersing us in a world where arranged marriages and social status are paramount. The story follows Gerald Challis, a young man of noble lineage who finds himself trapped in a predicament. In order to save his family's reputation and secure his inheritance, he agrees to an arranged marriage with the wealthy but headstrong Miss Sybil Sabin. However, their engagement is nothing more than a business transaction, devoid of any genuine affection. What starts as a marriage of convenience gradually transforms into a fascinating journey of self-discovery. As the protagonists navigate their new roles as husband and wife, they encounter obstacles that challenge their preconceived notions about love and marriage. Zangwill skillfully explores the complexities of human relationships, portraying the characters' emotional turmoil and growth with compassion and depth. The author delves into the societal pressures of the time, shedding light on the constraints placed upon individuals, especially women, to adhere to the expectations of their class and social standing. Miss Sybil Sabin embodies the struggle between conforming to these norms and seeking personal fulfillment, which creates a captivating conflict that drives the narrative forward. Zangwill's prose is elegant and evocative, transporting readers to the opulent settings and grand ballrooms of high society. His vivid descriptions breathe life into the story, making the reader feel like a guest amidst the characters' conversations and gatherings. One of the novel's strengths lies in the multi-dimensional characters that Zangwill expertly brings to life. Each individual, from the principled Gerald Challis to the spirited Miss Sybil Sabin, is endowed with distinct personalities and desires, making them relatable and engrossing. While An Engagement of Convenience explores universal themes of love and personal freedom, it also provides historical context and social commentary. Through the characters' interactions, Zangwill highlights the conflicts and tensions arising from the collision of tradition and progressiveness in early 20th century England. Despite these merits, the novel occasionally suffers from a meandering pace, with certain sections feeling drawn out. At times, the narrative dives into tangents that do not contribute significantly to the overarching plot, which may test the patience of some readers. In conclusion, An Engagement of Convenience is a remarkable novel that transports readers to a bygone era while delving into timeless human experiences. Louis Zangwill's storytelling prowess and well-developed characters make this a captivating read, replete with societal intrigue, personal growth, and a dash of romance. It is a worthy addition to any historical fiction enthusiast's bookshelf. First Page: An Engagement of Convenience A Novel By Louis Zangwill Author of "The World and a Man," "One's Womenkind," &c., &c. London Brown, Langham & Co., Ltd. 78 New Bond Street, W. 1908 "In tragic life, God wot, No villain need be!" GEORGE MEREDITH. An Engagement of Convenience I Miss Robinson had first seen Wyndham and fallen in love with him on the day that he appeared in the road as a neighbour and set up his studio there. But that was years before, and she had never made his acquaintance. He was the Prince Charming of the romances, handsome, of knightly bearing, with a winning smile on his frank face. From her magic window in the big corner house where the road branched off into two, she had narrowly observed his goings and comings, had watched eagerly all that was visible of his romantic, mysterious profession the picturesque Italian models that pulled his bell, the great canvasses and frames that, during the earlier years at least, were borne in through his door, to reappear in due course as finished pictures on their way to the exhibitions and it was sometimes possible to catch glimpses of stately figure paintings and fascinating scenes and landscapes. Then, too, there was the suggestion of his belonging to a brilliant social world: she had indeed felt that at her first sight of him... Continue reading book >>

An Engagement of Convenience A Novel By: Louis Zangwill (1869-1938)

An Engagement of Convenience is an enchanting novel that weaves together themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. Louis Zangwill masterfully takes readers back to the early 20th century, immersing us in a world where arranged marriages and social status are paramount.

The story follows Gerald Challis, a young man of noble lineage who finds himself trapped in a predicament. In order to save his family's reputation and secure his inheritance, he agrees to an arranged marriage with the wealthy but headstrong Miss Sybil Sabin. However, their engagement is nothing more than a business transaction, devoid of any genuine affection.

What starts as a marriage of convenience gradually transforms into a fascinating journey of self-discovery. As the protagonists navigate their new roles as husband and wife, they encounter obstacles that challenge their preconceived notions about love and marriage. Zangwill skillfully explores the complexities of human relationships, portraying the characters' emotional turmoil and growth with compassion and depth.

The author delves into the societal pressures of the time, shedding light on the constraints placed upon individuals, especially women, to adhere to the expectations of their class and social standing. Miss Sybil Sabin embodies the struggle between conforming to these norms and seeking personal fulfillment, which creates a captivating conflict that drives the narrative forward.

Zangwill's prose is elegant and evocative, transporting readers to the opulent settings and grand ballrooms of high society. His vivid descriptions breathe life into the story, making the reader feel like a guest amidst the characters' conversations and gatherings.

One of the novel's strengths lies in the multi-dimensional characters that Zangwill expertly brings to life. Each individual, from the principled Gerald Challis to the spirited Miss Sybil Sabin, is endowed with distinct personalities and desires, making them relatable and engrossing.

While An Engagement of Convenience explores universal themes of love and personal freedom, it also provides historical context and social commentary. Through the characters' interactions, Zangwill highlights the conflicts and tensions arising from the collision of tradition and progressiveness in early 20th century England.

Despite these merits, the novel occasionally suffers from a meandering pace, with certain sections feeling drawn out. At times, the narrative dives into tangents that do not contribute significantly to the overarching plot, which may test the patience of some readers.

In conclusion, An Engagement of Convenience is a remarkable novel that transports readers to a bygone era while delving into timeless human experiences. Louis Zangwill's storytelling prowess and well-developed characters make this a captivating read, replete with societal intrigue, personal growth, and a dash of romance. It is a worthy addition to any historical fiction enthusiast's bookshelf.

First Page:

An Engagement of Convenience

A Novel

Louis Zangwill

Author of "The World and a Man," "One's Womenkind," &c., &c.

London Brown, Langham & Co., Ltd. 78 New Bond Street, W. 1908

"In tragic life, God wot, No villain need be!"

GEORGE MEREDITH.

An Engagement of Convenience

Miss Robinson had first seen Wyndham and fallen in love with him on the day that he appeared in the road as a neighbour and set up his studio there. But that was years before, and she had never made his acquaintance. He was the Prince Charming of the romances, handsome, of knightly bearing, with a winning smile on his frank face. From her magic window in the big corner house where the road branched off into two, she had narrowly observed his goings and comings, had watched eagerly all that was visible of his romantic, mysterious profession the picturesque Italian models that pulled his bell, the great canvasses and frames that, during the earlier years at least, were borne in through his door, to reappear in due course as finished pictures on their way to the exhibitions and it was sometimes possible to catch glimpses of stately figure paintings and fascinating scenes and landscapes.

Then, too, there was the suggestion of his belonging to a brilliant social world: she had indeed felt that at her first sight of him... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – Louis Zangwill
Wikipedia – An Engagement of Convenience A Novel

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac