Clayhanger

The novel follows Edwin Clayhanger's journey from a young man with architectural dreams to the reluctant leader of his family's printing business. Set in the fictional Five Towns, it delves into themes of personal ambition, love, and the struggle for autonomy amid familial obligations. Arnold Bennett intricately portrays Edwin's evolving life, highlighting the tension between individual desires and societal expectations. A century after its release, the story remains relevant, exploring the complexities of self-identity and social roles that resonate with contemporary readers.