Elizabeth Series by Elinor Glyn

An epistolary novel, following the observations made by a young debutante to her mother -- the marriages, morals, fashion, and homes of high society are revealed, along with the intimate, clandestine relationships between those at the top of the social ladder... moreAn epistolary novel, following the observations made by a young debutante to her mother -- the marriages, morals, fashion, and homes of high society are revealed, along with the intimate, clandestine relationships between those at the top of the social ladder. Elizabeth may be naive and innocent but she sees it all! "They asked also about England, and was it really true that when we went to a ball we stayed with our danseurs till the next dance? I said I had not been to a ball yet, but had always heard that is what one did. One of the friends is quite nice-looking, but with such dirty nails. It appears you don't wash much till you are married, it is not considered bien vu, in fact rather lance, and you can't have fine under-clothes, it has all got to be as unattractive as possible, and that shows you are as good as gold and will make a nice wife." less

The Visits of Elizabeth by Elinor Glyn is about the marriages, homes, and morals observed by a debutante going around enjoying high society as she describes in letters to her mother. "Dearest Mamma,—I got here all right, without even a smut on my face, for Agnès tidied me up in the brougham before we arrived at the gate. The dust in the train was horrid. It is a nice house. They were at tea when I was ushered in; it was in the hall…"

Elinor Glyn's novel 'The Visits of Elizabeth' is a captivating tale of love, scandal, and societal norms in early 20th century England. The book is written in a lush and descriptive style, transporting the reader to a world of luxurious estates and complex relationships. Glyn expertly weaves themes of class hierarchy and gender dynamics throughout the narrative, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read... moreElinor Glyn's novel 'The Visits of Elizabeth' is a captivating tale of love, scandal, and societal norms in early 20th century England. The book is written in a lush and descriptive style, transporting the reader to a world of luxurious estates and complex relationships. Glyn expertly weaves themes of class hierarchy and gender dynamics throughout the narrative, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read. The novel is a prime example of the romantic fiction popular during the Edwardian era, with its focus on passion, desire, and societal expectations. Glyn's attention to detail and character development make 'The Visits of Elizabeth' a standout work in the genre. Elinor Glyn, a prolific writer and screenwriter, was known for her scandalous and daring works that pushed the boundaries of societal norms. Her own experiences with love, marriage, and social expectations likely influenced the themes present in 'The Visits of Elizabeth'. Glyn's bold storytelling and keen observations of human behavior set her apart as a pioneering voice in romantic fiction. I highly recommend 'The Visits of Elizabeth' to readers who enjoy richly detailed historical fiction with a focus on romance and social commentary. Elinor Glyn's masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. less

"Now we are staying in a country palace with the family we met on the boat, whom the Americans we know in England would not speak to; in fact, I am sure they are rather hurt at our coming here; but Octavia says she prefers to see something we do not see in England. The Van Verdens, and Courtfields and Latours are almost like us, only they are richer and have better French furniture. So she says she wants to see the others, the American Americans we don't meet at home."