The Vicissitudes of Evangeline

"The Vicissitudes of Evangeline" by Elinor Glyn is a novel written in the early 20th century. This fictional work introduces the journey of Evangeline, a young woman trying to navigate the complexities of life as she shifts from an heiress to an adventuress following her adopted mother's death. The story explores themes of independence, social status, and romantic aspirations through Evangeline's reflections on her past and her uncertain future. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Evangeline’s character as she reflects on her newfound status after the death of her wealthy guardian, Mrs. Carruthers. Evangeline expresses her determination to embrace life as an adventuress, musing on her beauty and the challenges of living without substantial means. As she prepares to meet Christopher Carruthers, the heir to the estate, to potentially discuss her fate, she contemplates the disappointments of her upbringing and the prospect of an unhappy marriage. Her dynamic thoughts convey a blend of youthful ambition and naivety, setting the stage for her adventures and romantic encounters in a changing social landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Elinor Glyn was a British novelist and scriptwriter who specialised in romantic fiction, which was considered scandalous for its time, although her works are relatively tame by modern standards. She popularized the concept of the it-girl, and had tremendous influence on early 20th-century popular culture and, possibly, on the careers of notable Hollywood stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson and, especially, Clara Bow.