A Question of Marriage

"A Question of Marriage" by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book centers around Vanna Strangeways, a young woman grappling with the revelation from her doctor that due to her family's history of mental illness, she is forbidden to marry. This edict dramatically alters her future and opens a dialogue on the nature of marriage, independence, and societal expectations for women during that era. At the start of the novel, Vanna is in the doctor's office receiving the heartbreaking news about her health risks associated with marriage. The doctor advises her to focus on building a fulfilling life as an independent woman, rather than pursuing a traditional marriage that could lead to potential suffering for both her and a husband. This sets the tone for her internal struggle as she contemplates not only her own desires but also the impact of her choices on those around her. As Vanna begins to navigate this uncharted territory, the ensuing chapters introduce friendship dynamics and romantic interests, creating a rich backdrop for her contemplation of love, loss, and self-discovery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Jessie Bell, later Jessie Mansergh, was an English writer born in Liverpool, who wrote under her married name Mrs George de Horne Vaizey.