The Odd Women

George Gissing (1857 - 1903)

George Gissing's 1893 novel takes on the 19th century "Woman Question" by looking at themes of feminism, marriage, and love. The novel raises these issues through the lives of several contrasting women: Mary Barfoot, a feminist philanthropist who helps train women for careers; her close friend Rhoda Nunn, who believes marriage is a disastrous choice for women; and Monica Madden, who starts out as one of their protegees but chooses to marry a seemingly kind older man. As Monica experiences the challenges of married life, Rhoda finds herself drawn to Mary's cousin, the charming but apparently profligate Everard. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Genre(s): General Fiction

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 The Fold and the Shepherd Elizabeth Klett
00:15:38
Play 02 Adrift Elizabeth Klett
00:33:01
Play 03 An Independent Woman Elizabeth Klett
00:12:55
Play 04 Monica's Majority Elizabeth Klett
00:34:32
Play 05 The Casual Acquaintance Elizabeth Klett
00:29:33
Play 06 A Camp of the Reserve Elizabeth Klett
00:32:12
Play 07 A Social Advance Elizabeth Klett
00:35:21
Play 08 Cousin Everard Elizabeth Klett
00:31:09
Play 09 The Simple Faith Elizabeth Klett
00:22:48
Play 10 First Principles Elizabeth Klett
00:22:11
Play 11 At Nature's Bidding Elizabeth Klett
00:20:58
Play 12 Weddings Elizabeth Klett
00:28:52
Play 13 Discord of Leaders Elizabeth Klett
00:31:01
Play 14 Motives Meeting Elizabeth Klett
00:28:28
Play 15 The Joys of Home Elizabeth Klett
00:31:54
Play 16 Health From the Sea Elizabeth Klett
00:30:36
Play 17 The Triumph Elizabeth Klett
00:34:09
Play 18 A Reinforcement Elizabeth Klett
00:21:39
Play 19 The Clank of the Chains Elizabeth Klett
00:18:49
Play 20 The First Lie Elizabeth Klett
00:16:56
Play 21 Towards the Decisive Elizabeth Klett
00:27:02
Play 22 Honour in Difficulties Elizabeth Klett
00:35:00
Play 23 In Ambush Elizabeth Klett
00:19:59
Play 24 Tracked Elizabeth Klett
00:22:55
Play 25 The Fate of the Ideal Elizabeth Klett
00:37:14
Play 26 The Unideal Tested Elizabeth Klett
00:28:42
Play 27 The Reascent Elizabeth Klett
00:34:22
Play 28 The Burden of Futile Souls Elizabeth Klett
00:30:56
Play 29 Confession and Counsel Elizabeth Klett
00:32:39
Play 30 Retreat With Honor Elizabeth Klett
00:23:18
Play 31 A New Beginning Elizabeth Klett
00:23:49