
A witty, turn‑of‑the‑century commentary, this novel follows a sharp‑tongued narrator who decides to examine the life of an unmarried woman at a time when “old maid” and “spinster” carry more weight than mere descriptors. With playful musings on language, marriage, and society’s expectations, the opening pages set a tone that is both humorous and surprisingly tender, inviting listeners into a world where names shape destinies.
The story’s heroine, confronting her own self‑disparagement, recounts a series of everyday encounters that reveal the hidden vitality of her solitary world—friends, a loyal cat, and the lingering hope of romance. As she navigates the quirks of social gatherings and the subtle politics of courtship, the narrative balances witty observation with heartfelt moments, promising an engaging blend of comedy and gentle reflection for anyone curious about the complexities of love and independence in a bygone era.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (191K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2007-07-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1867–1929
A bestselling American novelist and travel writer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she was known for witty, lively books that mixed humor, romance, and sharp social observation. Her work helped make her one of the popular women writers of her day.
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