Oxford Bookworms Reihe

A moving portrayal of the struggle between desire and duty in nineteenth- century New York high societyNewland Archer, an eligible young man of the establishment is about to announce his engagement to May Welland, a pretty ingenue, when May's cousin, Countess Olenska, is introduced into their circle. The Countess brings with her an aura of European sophistication and a hint of scandal, having left her husband and claimed her independence.Her sorrowful eyes, her tragic worldliness and her air of unapproachability attract the sensitive Newland and, almost against their will, a passionate bond develops between them. But Archer's life has no place for passion and, with society on the side of May and all she stands for, he finds himself drawn into a bitter conflict between love and duty.

Charles Dickens's novel portrays a world divided between Paris and London during the tumultuous French Revolution. The story begins with the release of Dr. Manette, who has spent eighteen years as a political prisoner in the Bastille, reuniting with his daughter in England. There, two contrasting men—Charles Darnay, an exiled French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a brilliant yet disreputable English lawyer—become entwined through their love for Lucie Manette. As they navigate the peaceful streets of London, they are inevitably drawn to the violent chaos of Paris during the Reign of Terror, where they face the grim reality of La Guillotine. The narrative blends epic drama and personal tragedy, exploring themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the struggle for justice. Dickens's enduring impact is evident in his ability to capture the complexities of human nature and societal upheaval, making this work a powerful reflection on the consequences of revolution and the resilience of love.