Hotel

It was an exciting time for young women of the 1920s as they embraced liberation from the pre-World War I traditions of their mothers. In the mild Mediterranean climate of the Italian Riviera a rebellious young Sydney Warren cautiously tested her newfound freedom developing an intimate relationship with the charming middle-aged widow Mrs. Kerr that caused rumors and speculation to stir among the wealthy British guests of a luxurious seaside hotel. <p/> A sapphic affair simmers beneath the surface of Elizabeth Bowen's captivating first novel published in 1927. With its masterful storytelling combined with Bowen's keen observations and elegant prose <i>The Hotel</i> beautifully illuminates the contrast between the tranquil Italian setting and the underlying tensions among the privileged characters. The novel is a thoughtful exploration of social norms personal identity and the subtle dynamics of group interaction resulting in a rich story that often relies on what is left unsaid as much as what is written on the page.