Frank Swinnerton: 11 books

This is Frank Swinnerton's 1917 novel, “Nocturne”. Written in response to a challenge which required him to write a novel that takes place in a single evening, “Nocturne” is set firmly in the world of the working classes and follows the story of Jenny and Emmy, two sisters whose differences...

'I have tried to depict Arnold Bennett as a man of character and integrity, a fundamentally innocent humorist, a superlative friend, and, to others, not myself, a difficult personality; but I have worked under considerable difficulties, with many interruptions, and the result may be unsatisfactory....

Coquette by Frank Swinnerton.

From Frank Swinnerton comes the engrossing story of young Sally Minto, a nineteen-year-old dressmaker’s assistant. A moving journey through a year and a half of Sally’s life, this novel is at its core a passionate love story. Coquette also has themes of ambition, power, and wealth, all depicted in scenes of delicate realism.

This portrait of the prolific English novelist George Gissing, known for his realistic portrayal of the lower middle class, is inspired reading for any student of Gissing and his work. Swinnerton presents a biographical sketch of the late 19th century author, along with a discussion of Gissing’s short stories, novels, his love of the works of Charles Dickens, influences, and travels.

Swinnerton’s thoughtful overview of the work of Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) discusses the Scottish novelist’s life, but focuses more on his writing—devoting individual chapters to his travel books, essays, poems, plays, short stories, novels, and romances.

Marian Forster and her husband Howard are in the country for the summer. While Marian is beguiled by Nigel Sinclair, she is also intrigued by their houseguest, the beautiful Cherry Mant. Cherry’s relationship with Howard, and Marian’s brief happiness with Nigel—will be tested when they all return to town in September in this poignant tale.

“ . . . when you are done with it you feel that you are on speaking terms with three-fourths of the English nation.” So wrote the New York Times approvingly about Nocturne. This captivating story—about a lower-class London family and a romantic adventure—unfolds over the course of just one evening.

Here is a captivating portrait of the Amerson family, a “happy family” of eight who live in suburbia. And while each family in the town seems in all ways similar to the others, they could not be more different—a set of character studies which the New York Times deemed “interesting, often brilliant.”

A humorous and exquisitely drawn portrait of small-town snobbishness, Shops and Houses tells the story of one of the town’s finest families, and the black sheep who has the nerve to return home to work as a grocer. Of course complications ensue, but true love tends to conquer all.

Written with genial sympathy, cynical humor, and distinguished realism, On the Staircase is an entrancing novel about the experiences, adventures, and emotions of a small group of ordinary young people. The story follows two households, one a cramped ménage, and the other an uninhibited, cheerful group—it is ultimately a hymn to the family.