First the Blade - Enriched edition A Comedy of Growth

Clemence Dane

Casa editrice: DigiCat

Sinossi

In "First the Blade," Clemence Dane intricately weaves a narrative that explores the profound psychological and emotional landscapes underpinned by wartime experiences. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the novel deftly captures the clash between individual aspirations and the overarching realities of conflict. Dane's literary style is marked by rich imagery and poignant prose, immersing readers in the fragmented lives of her characters as they navigate love, loss, and the haunting specter of war. The book reflects the broader literary context of the early 20th century, where themes of disillusionment and existential inquiry took center stage, and offers a compelling examination of the human condition during times of upheaval. Clemence Dane, born in 1888, was a notable British playwright and novelist, whose own experiences and observations of World War I undoubtedly informed her writing. As a prominent figure in the literary circles of the time, she interacted with influential contemporaries and was deeply affected by the societal changes brought about by the war. This personal connection to the tumultuous events shaped her ability to portray genuine depth in her characters and settings, making "First the Blade" a reflective commentary on the era. For readers intrigued by the complexities of human emotion and the impact of history, "First the Blade" is a must-read. It stands not only as a historical narrative but also as a timeless exploration of resilience and the fragility of life. Dane's masterful storytelling and vivid characterizations will resonate with those seeking to understand the intertwining of personal and collective experiences in the face of adversity.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Disponibile da: 21/07/2022.

Lunghezza di stampa: 242 pagine.

Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

The Tainted Love of a Captain -...

Jane Lark

A delicious Regency romance filled with passion, sacrifice and the redemptive power of love.
Will they risk everything to be together?
War changes a man, and Captain Harry Marlow is no exception. Haunted by the horrors of the Crimean War, he now spends his time seeking solace in the quiet routines of military life. But when he encounters Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Cotton, a woman trapped in the gilded cage of a retired colonel’s keeping, his world is thrown into turmoil.
Charlie longs for freedom from a life she never chose, and in Harry, she sees the possibility of something more – a love born not of obligation, but of passion and choice. As their attraction deepens, the risks become greater. Defying society and the powerful man who claims her, they find themselves on the brink of scandal and ruin.
Can Harry and Charlie find a way to be together?
The fifth instalment in the addictively passionate Regency romance series The Marlow Family Secrets, for fans of Beverley Watts, Eloisa James and Bridgerton. Perfect for readers who love STEAMY, SPICY historical and regency romance.
'Read the whole series, and you'll be in for a real treat.' 5-star reader review
'Expect to have your emotions wrung out... A story with so many hooks it is easy to forget to eat, sleep or pick the kids up from school.' 5-star reader review
'An absorbing read, one which I couldn't put down.' 5-star reader review
'A must read!' 5-star reader review
Praise for Jane Lark's historical romances:
'Beautifully descriptive, emotional and can I say, just plain delicious reading?' My Devastating Reads
'What a brilliant read!! Jane Lark has an incredible talent to draw the reader in from the first page... It's a display of raw emotion, drama and intimacy.' Cosmo Chicklitan

Mostra libro

Her Little Flowers

Shannon Morgan

Set in a haunted manor house in a picturesque English village, this debut novel is a modern-day ghost story filled with emotional complexity and family secrets. Will be irresistible for fans of Eve Chase, Kate Morton, and Shirley Jackson. 
 
 
 
Francine Thwaite has lived all her fifty-five years in her family's ancestral home, a rambling Elizabethan manor in England's Lake District. No other living soul resides there, but Francine isn't alone. There are ghosts in Thwaite Manor, harmless and familiar. Most beloved is Bree, the mischievous ghost girl who has been Francine's companion since childhood. 
 
 
 
When Francine's estranged sister, Madeleine, returns to the manor after years away, she brings with her a story that threatens everything Francine has always believed. It is a tale of cruelty and desperation, of terror and unbearable heartache. And as Francine learns more about the darkness in her family's past—and the role she may have played in it—she realizes that confronting the truth may mean losing what she holds most dear. 
 
 
  
As moving and poignant as it is chilling, Her Little Flowers is a story of grief and enduring love—and of the haunting regrets only forgiveness can dispel.

Mostra libro

Honourable Rebel - The Memoirs...

Elizabeth Montagu

Honourable Rebel tells the remarkable story of The Honourable Elizabeth Montagu, a woman born into the upper echelons of British society who defied expectations to forge a life of fierce independence, artistic brilliance, and covert service. 
  
 Raised in a world of privilege, Elisabeth chose passion over propriety, becoming a celebrated pianist, a gifted librettist, and a powerful presence in British cultural life. She was fluent in four European languages, a skill that not only deepened her creative reach but would later prove vital during wartime intelligence work. 
  
 She moved easily among artistic giants — Toscanini, Horowitz, Edwin Fischer, Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears — not as a mere admirer, but as a creative collaborator and kindred spirit. In theatre and film, she worked both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, collaborating with cinematic legends like Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Graham Greene, and Sir Alexander Korda, as both an actress and respected film dialogue director. 
  
 During the Second World War, Elizabeth turned her intellect and multilingual talents to espionage, serving in British intelligence. She lived many lives — artist, spy, aristocrat, and cultural connector — but was always herself: daring, original, and unapologetically independent. Her story, long hidden in the margins of history, comes vividly to life in this audiobook, wonderfully narrated by Dorothea Myer-Benett who also played Elizabeth in the Drama Documentary based on the book, reminding us that rebels don’t always ride into battle — sometimes they play the piano.

Mostra libro

Emma

Jane Austen

"Emma" is a novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1815. The story revolves around Emma Woodhouse, a well-off young woman who prides herself on her matchmaking abilities. Despite her best intentions, her meddling often leads to misunderstandings and complications. As Emma navigates the challenges of friendships, romance, and social standings in her small English village, she also undergoes a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. The novel deals with themes of social class, marriage, and individual agency within the context of early 19th-century England.

Mostra libro

The Blue Butterfly - A Novel of...

Leslie Johansen Nack

New York 1915, Marion Davies is a shy eighteen-year-old beauty dancing on the Broadway stage when she meets William Randolph Hearst and finds herself captivated by his riches, passion and desire to make her a movie star. Following a whirlwind courtship, she learns through trial and error to live as Hearst’s mistress when a divorce from his wife proves impossible. A baby girl is born in secret in 1919 and they agree to never acknowledge her publicly as their own. In a burgeoning Hollywood scene, she works hard making movies while living a lavish partying life that includes a secret love affair with Charlie Chaplin. In late 1937, at the height of the depression, Hearst wrestles with his debtors and failing health, when Marion loans him $1M when nobody else will. Together, they must confront the movie that threatens to invalidate all of Marion’s successes in the movie industry: Citizen Kane.

Mostra libro

Welcome To The Hamilton - A...

Tanya E Williams

A family fallen on hard times. Two sisters with different dreams. Can a luxurious hotel forever change their lives? 
Vancouver, Canada, 1927. The Roaring Twenties are anything but extravagant for seventeen-year-old Clara Wilson. With her family struggling to make ends meet and under the threat of eviction, she applies for a job at the soon-to-be-opened Hotel Hamilton. But with her impulsive, adventure-seeking sister quick on her heels, she may find herself battling more than she anticipated. 
Feeling the intense burden of responsibility and doing her best to navigate the opulent hotel's rigorous training program, her hopes for survival crumble when she encounters rivalry from an out-of-place socialite. And as both women strive to win the coveted position, Clara fears she could be losing the only way to keep her family afloat. 
Will Clara overcome extreme adversity and save her loved ones from ruin? 
Welcome To The Hamilton is the heartwarming first book in the Hotel Hamilton historical fiction series. If you enjoy resilient protagonists, illustrious backdrops, and blossoming sibling relationships, then you’ll adore Tanya E William’s tale of strength.

Mostra libro