A Mummer's Wife

"A Mummer's Wife" by George Moore is a book that explores the life of Kate, a woman trapped in a difficult marriage with Ralph, a constantly sick man. The story kicks off with Kate dealing with one of Ralph's asthma attacks, illustrating the deep stress and emotion in their relationship, made even harder by tension with her mother-in-law. Kate's caught between taking care of her husband and dealing with her mother-in-law, all while the arrival of Mr. Lennox, an actor and their new lodger, stirs up even more trouble. The book appears to be set in a working-class environment and uses Kate's experiences to look at themes like love, sacrifice, and the complicated nature of family life.