Description
By: Anna Maynard Barbour (d 1841)
At the Time Appointed is a captivating novel that follows the intertwining lives of two young women from different backgrounds in early 20th century America. The author, Anna Maynard Barbour, skillfully weaves together their stories, exploring themes of love, ambition, and duty.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, each facing their own struggles and challenges as they navigate society’s expectations and their own desires. The contrast between the two protagonists, a wealthy socialite and a working-class teacher, adds depth to the narrative and highlights the disparities in their experiences.
Barbour’s writing is engaging and evocative, transporting the reader back in time to a bygone era. The historical setting is richly detailed, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and customs of the early 1900s.
Overall, At the Time Appointed is a compelling story that will resonate with readers who enjoy historical fiction and character-driven narratives. Barbour’s exploration of identity, privilege, and the complexities of human relationships makes for a thought-provoking and rewarding read.
Book Description:
“Those who remember that excellent detective story, That Mainwaring Affair will expect to find plenty of mystery and exciting incidents in A. Maynard Barbour’s latest novel, called At the Time Appointed, and they will realize their expectations.The author has a certain way of forecasting events and making people utter prophetic words, all bound to find their fulfillment somewhere before the last chapter is ended, that is eminently characteristic of one who delights in the knitting and raveling of the intricate plots which are a prime necessity in a detective story. The title itself cleverly suggests a long series of events slowly converging toward some mysteriously critical moment in which all their crookedness is revealed and made straight for the delectation of at least two people; and the is exactly the kind of a title for this story of long-delayed justice and patient hoping. The main object in a story of this kind is to make the events hang together and the narration of them entertaining. Both these requisites are attained. People will be sure to read this story at one sitting, even if that involves hearing the clock strike several times after midnight and that is one test of at least one kind of excellence in a novel.” (excerpts from the NY Times review of At the Time Appointed published July 18, 1903)
