Mary Cholmondeley Boeken

Mary Cholmondeley wrote at the beginning of the 20th century. She spent most of her life in England caring for her mother. By age 18 she was convinced she would never marry. She is best remembered for her satirical novel Red Pottage. Red Pottage is the story of adultery and a clergyman who destroys his sister's art. The first plot contained in this novel is that of Rachael West an heiress and her love for a man trapped in an illicit affair who is doomed to die by is own hand. The second plot is about a gifted female writer who is unable to break away and start her own life free of her family.

Set against the backdrop of rural England, the novel critiques the hypocrisy of religious practices and the limitations of provincial life. Mary Cholmondeley's sharp observations reflect her own aspirations as a writer, which began in her teens. Her desire for a meaningful occupation beyond domestic duties inspired her literary pursuits, leading to the success of Red Pottage, which later became a silent film. Cholmondeley's early writings in magazines like The Graphic laid the foundation for her impactful career as a novelist.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, the novel explores themes of greed, romance, and betrayal through the lens of Colonel Tempest's turmoil after his brother's death. Struggling with his emotions and a fading family fortune, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous bet concerning his illegitimate nephew, John. Meanwhile, his daughter Diana's burgeoning love for John complicates matters further. This satirical work challenges societal norms and delves into the concept of the New Woman, making it a compelling read for modern audiences.

Exploring themes of inheritance, greed, and societal expectations, the narratives focus on the wealthy Danvers family and their heirloom jewels in "The Danvers Jewels." As family members compete for the jewels, the story unfolds as a social drama that examines the impact of material wealth on relationships. In "Sir Charles Danvers," the titular character grapples with personal struggles and societal pressures. Cholmondeley's keen observations provide a nuanced look at Victorian and Edwardian society, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and complexities of human behavior during that era.