The Old Wives' Tale by Arnold Bennett
This novel explores the lives of two sisters, Constance and Sophia Baines, who are brought up in a small town drapery shop in the mid-19th century. Constance remains in their hometown, marries and leads a relatively uneventful life, while Sophia elopes to Paris with a traveling salesman, living through the Siege of Paris and the Franco-Prussian War. The book contrasts the sisters' different experiences and how their choices shape their lives, ultimately reuniting them in their old age.
The 326th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 87th on The Modern Library | 100 Best Novels (Modern Library)
- 87th on The 100 Greatest British Novels (BBC)
- 530th on Our Users' Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)
- A Hundred Novels to Change Your Life (The Daily Mail)
- Famous Authors Name Their Favorite Novels(from 1915) (New York Times)
- Masterpieces of World Literature (Frank N. Magill)