The unpretenders

"The Unpretenders" by Ruth Cranston is a story set at the start of the 1900's that follows characters like Anne, an average woman, and Timothy, a writer, as they deal with what society expects of them and figuring out who they really are. The main idea is being real versus pretending, and each person struggles with what they want to be and what society tells them to be. The book starts by showing us the different people in a calm home scene. Anne is doing normal things, like fixing hats and taking care of the house, when her friends, Michael and Doromea, talk to her about Timothy coming over. They are getting ready to see Timothy who writes simple stories. What they say to each other shows who they are to each other and also suggests bigger ideas. Timothy has thoughts about who is "plain" and who isn't, and it's funny how society has certain expectations. With light humor and smart talks, the story gets ready to show how each person is trying hard or fighting against fitting in while also facing their own problems.