A Mortal Antipathy

"A Mortal Antipathy" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a book exploring the strange concept of deep-seated personal dislike, focusing on the reactions it causes in people. The story introduces us to Arrowhead Village, a place filled with interesting people, including Lurida Vincent, a smart but not-so-athletic women's rights supporter, and Euthymia Tower, a strong and skilled young woman leading a rowing team. The story also features the mysterious Maurice Kirkwood, a loner known for a strange “antipathy.” All of this sets the scene for a story that questions what we believe to be the norm, looking into themes of character contrasts, gender roles, and a thrilling boat race between the male and female teams which adds excitement to the personal stories and social opinions shared in the book. It’s a setup that hints at a closer look at who people are, what society expects, and how people connect with each other as the story continues.