The White Riband; Or, A Young Female's Folly

"The White Riband; Or, A Young Female's Folly" by F. Tennyson Jesse is a story set in early 20th century England about Loveday Strick, a young woman of unknown heritage, who struggles against the expectations of her village and dreams of a life beyond her reach. The book looks at themes of wanting more, the separation between social classes, and the yearning to change oneself, all set in the countryside. Loveday is first introduced as an outsider who longs for a white satin ribbon that represents her hope of participating in the exclusive Flora Day dance. Right away, the story lets us know how the community views her ambitions, suggesting feelings of scorn and jealousy. The beginning of the novel shows Loveday's problems with her place in society and her growing focus on beauty and status, especially in how she sees Miss Flora Le Pettit, a rich woman who represents everything she desires. Loveday's search for the riband shows her dealing with her tough life and the attractive but distant world of the wealthy, setting the scene for the challenges she will face in finding her identity and where she belongs.