The Unbearable Bassington by Saki
"The Unbearable Bassington" by Saki is a novel written during the early 20th century, likely in the 1910s. It explores themes of social relationships, personal ambitions, and family dynamics through the experiences of its central character, Francesca Bassington, and her son Comus, capturing the complexities of their lives in a society marked by rigid expectations and shifting fortunes. The opening of the book introduces Francesca, a woman who, despite her superficial charm
and elegance, grapples with the burdens of her circumstances, particularly concerning her son Comus—a spirited, rebellious youth who seems ill-fitted for conventional success. As Francesca contemplates her past and the precariousness of her present situation, the narrative reveals her keen desire to preserve her comfortable lifestyle, entwined with her son’s destiny. The dynamic sets the stage for a humorous yet poignant examination of Francesca's attempts to manipulate social circumstances in her favor, showcasing Saki's wit and insight into human behavior. Through Francesca’s interactions with her brother Henry and her reflections on Comus, the novel hints at an exploration of identity amidst societal expectations, suggesting that the pursuit of happiness might often come at a personal cost. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Download for free
For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.
Kindle → Use Send-to-Kindle
Kobo, Nook etc → Transfer via USB
Phone, tablet or computer → Open in a reading app
Other formats & older devices
There may be more files related to this item.
About this eBook
| Author | Saki, 1870-1916 |
|---|---|
| Title | The Unbearable Bassington |
| Credits | Transcribed from the 1913 John Lane edition by David Price |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 62.9 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PR: Language and Literatures: English literature |
| Subject | Manners and customs -- Fiction |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 555 |
| Release Date | Jun 1, 1996 |
| Last Update | Feb 4, 2013 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 671 downloads in the last 30 days. |
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!