The Westcotes

"The Westcotes" by Arthur Quiller-Couch is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story centers around the Westcote family, particularly Endymion Westcote, a prominent local figure in Axcester, and his siblings, Narcissus and Dorothea, exploring themes of social standing, familial duty, and romance amid the backdrop of early 19th century English society. The eclectic background of their lives offers a peek into their relationships and the societal expectations for men and women in their era. The opening of the novel introduces us to Endymion Westcote, his brother Narcissus, and their half-sister Dorothea, establishing their character dynamics and roles within their small town. Endymion is portrayed as a respected bachelor and community leader, actively involved in civic duties and philanthropy, while Narcissus is depicted as a scholarly and eccentric individual immersed in Roman archaeology. Dorothea, on the other hand, is characterized as plain yet eager to embrace aspects of social life, often overshadowed by her brothers. As the narrative unfolds, we see the Westcotes’ interactions with prisoners of war from the recent conflicts, hinting at impending developments in both their domestic and public lives. The family is set against the backdrop of a changing society, and the opening lines suggest that their lives will intertwine with the complexities of history, culture, and personal desires as they navigate their intertwined fates. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch was a British writer who published using the pseudonym Q. Although a prolific novelist, he is remembered mainly for the monumental publication The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250–1900 and for his literary criticism. He influenced many who never met him, including American writer Helene Hanff, author of 84, Charing Cross Road and its sequel, Q's Legacy. His The Oxford Book of English Verse was a favourite of John Mortimer's fictional character Horace Rumpole.