Splashing Into Society

"Splashing Into Society" by Iris Barry is a humorous novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Harold Withersq, a somewhat hapless young man of modest means, and his aspiration to ascend the social ladder after inheriting a fortune from his dead uncle. The book captures their whimsical adventures and misadventures as they seek acceptance in high society, with Harold's love interest, Selia, playing a crucial role in their social escapades. The opening of the novel introduces Harold Withersq as he arrives at Selia’s home to share the news of his newfound wealth. Selia, who has a knack for captivating piano performances, is intrigued by Harold's proposition to dive into society. Their dynamic showcases a blend of ambition and naïveté, as they quickly decide to venture into a world that seems glamorous yet perplexing. The dialogue is peppered with playful language and errors, emphasizing their innocence as they embark on their first adventure to a social party, where they navigate the complexities of high-class gatherings, encounter eccentric characters, and entertain aspirations of wealth and status. The tone sets the stage for a lighthearted exploration of social aspirations and the absurdities that accompany them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Iris Barry was a film critic and curator. In the 1920s she helped establish the original London Film Society, and was the first curator of the film department of the Museum of Modern Art, New York City in 1935.