Early autumn

"Early Autumn" by Louis Bromfield is a story that takes place in early twentieth century New England, where a family reunion sets the stage for drama. We meet the Pentlands as they try to reclaim their place in society with a fancy ball. At the heart of it all is Sybil Pentland, who's just back from Paris, but it's her mother, Sabine Callendar, who really steals the show. The book looks at family ties, where everyone stands in society, and the struggle between sticking to old ways and embracing change. Aunt Cassie doesn't approve of Sabine's choices, which causes even more tension beneath the surface of this lavish party, showing how different ideas about the world are clashing.