The City of Pleasure: A Fantasia on Modern Themes

Arnold Bennett

Publisher: DigiCat

Summary

Arnold Bennett's "The City of Pleasure: A Fantasia on Modern Themes" is a compelling exploration of urban life and the complexities of human desire. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a fictionalized modern city, Bennett employs a distinctive blend of realism and fantasy, intertwining rich descriptive passages with dialogues that capture the essence of contemporary social dynamics. The work echoes the modernist themes of the early 20th century, while also critiquing the prevailing notions of happiness and fulfillment in an increasingly industrial society. Bennett's nuanced narrative invites readers to contemplate the juxtaposition of pleasure and disillusionment in urban existence. Arnold Bennett, a prominent figure in English literature, derived his insights from his own experiences in early 20th-century industrial England. Growing up in the potteries of Staffordshire, Bennett witnessed the socio-economic transformations of his time, which profoundly influenced his writing. His works often reflect a keen understanding of the struggles and aspirations of the working and middle classes, making "The City of Pleasure" a resonant commentary on the societal shifts of his era. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in an astute examination of modern life through Bennett's unique lens. Its rich tapestry of characters and thought-provoking themes offers valuable insights into the pursuit of happiness in a rapidly changing world, making it an essential read for anyone keen on the intersection of literature and social critique.

Available since: 09/04/2022.

Print length: 153 pages.

Contemporary Fiction

Other books that might interest you

Dueling Shoulder Angels

Ben Schenkman

When there's a devil on one shoulder, isn't there supposed to be an angel on the other? 
Nick managed not to die, saved the day, and settled in for a comfortable career at Devil Co. That means it’s the perfect time for God to have other plans for him– and guess who shows up to try and poach Nick for Their organization? Why have one complicated job working for a personified deity, when you can have two? 
Caught between worlds, and moonlighting for the “good guys,” Nick learns his deal with Lucifer might not be what it seems. Uncovering a scheme to take advantage of the Devil himself rocks Nick to his core, and makes him question everything. The line between good and evil gets blurrier by the day, and Nick doesn’t know which shoulder angel to trust. 
His partner Amy, a witch growing into powers of her own, warns him of the danger he faces, but can’t stop Nick from running headlong into it. Can Nick save himself, or will Amy need to make an ally of a former foe to save him from a fate worse than decaf?

Show book

Forever With You

Heatherly Bell

She forgot something on the way to the courthouse . . . 
 
 
 
Sophia Abella has a good life, even if she is a little stuck. Not quite single, not quite married, she keeps men at a safe distance. But when her Marine husband returns to town and takes the job of chief of police, it might finally be time to get that paper work done once and for all. After all, most of her family already thinks she's divorced. 
 
 
 
They're not actually, in the fullest sense of the word . . . divorced. 
 
 
 
Years ago, Riley Jacobs chose the Marine Corps over his wife and has regretted his decision every day since. But once a Marine always a Marine, and he'll use every tactical advantage he has to get Sophia to realize that she's the only one for him. 
 
 
 
Love and marriage . . . take two.

Show book

Wish You Were Mine - A Professor...

Judy Corry

Kissing a handsome stranger in a hot tub? Bold.
Finding out that stranger is your professor? Mortifying.
And your dad is the university president? Just perfect.
Lucy Archibald is in her final semester at Eden Falls University, balancing the pressure of being a D1 gymnast with the even heavier weight of her high-society family’s expectations. She’s the good girl. The polished one. The girl who never breaks the rules.
Until one snowy night at a party in the Hamptons… when she kisses a gorgeous stranger in a hot tub.
She figured it would be a one-time thing. Just fun. No consequences.
Then she walks into her chemistry class the next week and sees him standing at the front of the room.
Professor Owen Park knows better than to get involved with a student. He’s a first-year professor, currently applying for research grants with hopes of landing a promotion. The last thing he needs is a scandal. But Lucy, with her sharp mind, easy smile, and way-too-flirty glances from the back row, is making it nearly impossible to forget the forbidden kiss they shared.
They’re both trying to play it cool. But when a new threat pulls them closer, the tension between them heats up fast, and staying away starts to feel less like the smart choice and more like the one thing they can’t do.
WISH YOU WERE MINE is perfect for fans of flirty banter, forbidden slow burns, and dangerously hot chemistry. This swoony college romance will keep you hooked with every stolen glance, secret touch, and the one question that could change everything: is love worth the fallout?

Show book

Moose Be Love

Jacqueline Winters

When I travel to the small town of Sunset Ridge for the reading of my great aunt’s will, I have no idea that my sisters and I are about to inherit a lodge. Or that my rugged Alaskan neighbor is the caretaker I’ll be spending all my time with. 
Falling for Ford Harris would be unwise. I’m supposed to get the lodge listed for sale and leave. Not to mention that he hasn’t dated anyone since his wife died four years ago. The little sister he’s super protective over let it slip that he swore off ever falling in love again. 
But he’s cooking me dinner, showing me around town, and saving me from getting trampled by the town’s favorite moose. Don’t even get me started on the way my brain short circuits when I catch him shirtless and towel-drying his hair. 
The truth is? I’m falling hard, and I wish I didn’t have to leave. 
If you love fun small-town romance, Moose Be Love is packed full of that charm—a fun cast of characters, a quirky small-town Alaskan setting, and a swoony-romance with all the feels. All inspired by the decade the author lived in Alaska. 
Heat Level: Sweet/Mild

Show book

The Violins Played Before Junstan

Lou Kemp

Celwyn has avoided caring about anyone for hundreds of years, but he's about to learn the advantage, and cost, of true friendship. 
While on a mission to avenge the death of his lover, the immortal peyote-eating magician Celwyn is hired to deliver an automat, Professor Kang, to a priest. But Celwyn quickly learns that everything he's been told is a lie. Now his ship, the Zelda, is stuck in a horrific storm and Celwyn knows he must reconsider his allegiance if he is to steer his vessel in the right direction and continue his quest. 
Choosing a new ally, the pair journey west, hunting for revenge. To deflect the attention of the city’s police, they allow an American heiress to join their party as she escapes matrimony in search of adventure. When the trio encounters an intelligent but superstitious widower––their misfit group is complete. Through battles against malevolent forces and dangerous rescues, the companions start to feel like family to Celwyn, but he has lost someone he loves before and is in no hurry to watch it happen again.

Show book

Ancient Voyager Book 3 Secret of...

Brian Afton

This is the continuing story of four students who have entered the workaday world and find themselves unhappy with what they are doing and where that path is leading. Once again they seek the help of Tenzin the Tibetan and, in the process, learn the terrifying truth about timeships. Together they take a journey which reveals far more about themselves and the history of earth than they had suspected or been taught. They are also about to learn the secret of this world.

Show book