Arnim Elizabeth von Books

Known as 'the author of Elizabeth and Her German Garden,' this writer was celebrated for her sharp observations on social conventions and interpersonal relationships. Her early work, often imbued with wit and irony, delved into themes of rural life and feminine aspirations. Later in her career, she explored the complexities of marriage and personal liberty. Her style is marked by keen insight and dry humor, offering readers a satirical glimpse into the upper echelons of society.

Vera
336 pages
12 hours of reading
Lucy Entwhistle's beloved father has just died, and aged twenty-two, she finds herself alone in the world. Leaning against her garden gate, dazed and unhappy, she is disturbed by the sudden appearance of the perspiring Mr Wemyss. This middle-aged man is also in mourning - for his wife, Vera, who has died in mysterious circumstances. Before Lucy can collect herself, Mr Wemyss has taken charge: of the funeral arrangements, of her kind Aunt Dot, but most of all of Lucy herself, body and soul. Elizabeth von Arnim's masterpiece, VERA is a forceful study of the power of men in marriage - and the weakness of women in love.
4.1
The Solitary Summer
144 pages
6 hours of reading
First published in 1899, The Solitary Summer picks up where Elizabeth and Her German Garden left off. Instead of a year's diary of the previous book, this sequel relates a summer in the life of Elizabeth in her patterings about the garden, care of her "babies", various escapades with servants and towns-folk, and several appearances of her husband, "The Man of Wrath".

Vera

The Solitary Summer