The frantic master

: "The Frantic Master" by Douglas Pulleyne is a story set in the early 1900s, following Cyprian Sterne, a thoughtful man caught in a web of complicated love and social pressures, especially his one-sided feelings for Muriel Vane, a captivating woman representing the challenges of the time. The story examines the nuances of relationships, personal ambition, and the search for emotional clarity within the realms of love, friendship, and social standards. The book begins at a dinner party, where Cyprian's hidden feelings become more intense because Muriel is there; she is his object of affection. The narrative alternates between Cyprian having sad thoughts about his love and the viewpoints of other characters, like Mrs. Carmichael, who notices how relationships are changing. As the night goes on, the conversations expose different attitudes towards relationships and raising children, highlighting emotional conflict and societal pressures that affect Cyprian's journey throughout the book, creating the perfect environment for exploration of feelings.