A Woman-Hater

by Charles Reade

Overview

A Woman-Hater by Charles Reade is a mid-19th-century novel that explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. The story centers around Ina Klosking, a talented singer who is struggling with the emotional aftermath of betrayal and loss. Her lover’s jealousy and gambling have caused their relationship to fall apart, leaving Ina devastated and searching for him. The novel opens at a hotel in Homburg, where two strangers are absorbed in their own concerns. Ina is determined to find her absent lover, while one of the characters is on a mission to find a replacement for a sick singer. When the agent recognizes Ina, their paths intersect, leading to a conversation in which she reveals her personal turmoil. This interaction sparks a shift in the narrative, as the agent proposes to help Ina rebuild both her career and her emotional life. As the story unfolds, Ina navigates the challenges of healing from her past while grappling with societal expectations and her own desires for independence. The novel examines themes of self-discovery, the power of emotional resilience, and the transformative impact of love and support.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789369076321
Publisher:	Double 9 Books
Publication date:	01/15/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	817 KB

About the Author

Charles Reade was born at Ipsden, Oxfordshire, to John Reade and Anne Marie Scott-Waring, and had at least four brothers. He studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, taking his B.A. in 1835, and became a fellow of his college. He was subsequently dean of arts and vice-president, taking his degree of D.C.L. in 1847. His name was entered at Lincoln's Inn in 1836; he was elected Vinerian Fellow in 1842, and was called to the bar in 1843. He kept his fellowship at Magdalen all his life but, after taking his degree, he spent most of his time in London. William Winwood Reade, the influential historian, was his nephew.

Read an Excerpt

" I'm in your hands," said she, and smiled languidly, to please him. But by-and-by he looked at her, and found she was taking a little cry all to herself. " Dear me !" said he ; " what is the matter ? " " My friend, forgive me. He was not there to share my triumph." CHAPTER IV. As the opera drew to an end, Zoe began to look round more and more for Severne ; but he did not come, and Lord Uxmoor offered his arm earnestly. She took it; but hung back a moment on his very arm, to tell Harrington Mr. Severne had been taken ill. At the railway station the truant emerged suddenly, just as the train was leaving; but Lord Uxmoor had secured three seats, and the defaulter had to go with Harrington. On reaching the hotel, the ladies took their bed-candles; but Uxmoor found time to propose an excursion next da Sunday, to a lovely little lake—open carriage, four horses. The young ladies accepted, but Mr. Severne declined ; he thanked Lord Uxmoor politely, but he had arrears of correspondence. Zoe cast a mortified, and rather a haughty glance on him ; and Fanny shrugged her shoulders incredulously. These two ladies brushed hair together in Zoe's room. That is a soothing operation, my masters, and famous for stimulating females to friendly gossip; but this time there was, for once, a guarded reserve. Zoe was irritated, puzzled, mortified, and even grieved by Severne's conduct. Fanny was gnawed by jealousy, and out of temper. She had forgiven Zoe Ned Severne. But that young lady was insatiable ; Lord Uxmoor, too, had fallen openly in love with her; openly to a female eye. So then a blonde had no chance with a dark girl by ; thus reasoned she, and it was intolerable. It was some time beforeeither spoke an atom of what was uppermost in her mind. They each doled out a hund...