The Jervaise Comedy

"The Jervaise Comedy" by J.D. Beresford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Jervaise family and their social circle as they navigate relationships and intrigue surrounding the mysterious disappearance of the family member, Brenda Jervaise, during an evening dance. With a mix of drama and social commentary, the protagonist's interactions with key figures like Frank Jervaise and Anne Banks hint at deeper themes of class and personal aspiration. At the start of the novel, the scene is set during a lively post-dance gathering where camaraderie and tension are palpable. The audience, made up of family and guests, experiences an unsettling delay of their transportation due to a chauffeur’s absence. As speculation grows, the atmosphere shifts from merry to anxious, especially as Brenda’s sudden absence raises suspicions of a more serious issue. The protagonist observes the dynamics among the characters, particularly Frank's bullying demeanor and his evident concern for his sister, which adds layers to what initially appears to be a simple societal affair, hinting at underlying romantic tensions and family conflicts. The setting and the interactions gradually build up to a sense of impending drama, establishing a gripping opening that encourages readers to delve deeper into the Jervaise family's intricate relationships. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Davys Beresford was an English writer, now remembered mainly for his early science fiction and some short stories of the horror story and ghost story genres. Beresford was a great admirer of H. G. Wells, and wrote the first critical study of Wells in 1915. His Wellsian novel The Hampdenshire Wonder (1911) was a major influence for the author Olaf Stapledon. His other science-fiction novels include The Riddle of the Tower, about a dystopian, hive-like society.