The Splendid Fairing
Description
In the rural English community of Blindbeck, the elderly Simon and Sarah Thornthwaite picture what the future holds for them after facing their most recent bouts of misfortune: the need to abandon the farm that allowed them a somewhat-comfortable lifestyle, Sarah’s gradual loss of her sight, and troubled finances that seem impossible to manage.
In The Splendid Fairing, Constance Holme presents a character study of elderly life during the early 20th century, reflecting on the physical and emotional problems that arise with aging, the sense of loneliness and sadness caused by living away from your loved ones, the negative influence of family rivalries, and how youthful romance can lead to either life-long companions, or to grudges, resentment, and envy.
The couple’s reluctant journey to the nearby town of Witham and the rumors that start upon their arrival give the reader a glimpse into the history the Thornthwaites share with Blindbeck’s inhabitants, as well as their poor relationship with Simon’s more affluent brother Will and his wife Eliza. Both Simon and Sarah each have moments of introspection that contrast their present existence with nostalgic memories of their younger selves.
As the story develops, Simon, Sarah, and Eliza think about Geordie and Jim, their sons who left Blindbeck twenty years ago. Geordie’s upcoming return home only deepens the mystery regarding the fate of the Thornthwaite cousins and whether or not they accomplished their goals of finding fortune and a better future.
Read free
This ebook is thought to be free of copyright restrictions in the United States. It may still be under copyright in other countries. If you’re not located in the United States, you must check your local laws to verify that this ebook is free of copyright restrictions in the country you’re located in before accessing, downloading, or using it.
Download for ereaders
-
Compatible epub — All devices and apps except Kindles and Kobos.
-
azw3 — Kindle devices and apps. Also download the Kindle cover thumbnail to see the cover in your Kindle’s library. Despite what you’ve been told, Kindle does not natively support epub. You may also be interested in our Kindle FAQ.
-
kepub — Kobo devices and apps. You may also be interested in our Kobo FAQ.
-
Advanced epub — An advanced format that uses the latest technology not yet fully supported by most ereaders.
Read online
A brief history of this ebook
More details
Sources
Transcriptions
Page scans
Improve this ebook
Anyone can contribute to make a Standard Ebook better for everyone!
To report typos, typography errors, or other corrections, see how to report errors.
If you’re comfortable with technology and want to contribute directly, check out this ebook’s GitHub repository and our contributors section.
You can also donate to Standard Ebooks to help fund continuing improvement of this and other ebooks.