Twos and Threes

by G.B. Stern

Twos and Threes by G. B. Stern is a novel that explores themes of ambition, identity, and the tension between personal desire and societal expectations, the story centers on Stuart Heron and his internal struggle to define himself outside the constraints of his inheritance. The novel opens with a philosophical conversation between Stuart and his uncle Baldwin, setting the stage for the intellectual debates that run throughout the story. The discussions on literature, Nietzsche, and personal values reflect Stuart's desire for autonomy, but also his conflict with the expectations placed upon him by his privileged family.
The narrative examines Stuart's battle with his inherited identity and the pressure to conform to his family’s legacy. His journey is marked by a search for independence and self-definition in a world that demands conformity. Stern presents a complex portrait of a young man caught between the weight of familial obligations and the longing to carve out a unique, meaningful existence. At its core, Twos and Threes is a reflection on the philosophical implications of choice, identity, and the pursuit of personal freedom.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1916

About the author

Gladys Bronwyn Stern or GB Stern (17 June 1890 – 20 September 1973) born Gladys Bertha Stern in London, England, wrote many novels, short stories, plays, memoirs, biographies and literary criticism.

Reviews

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early Stern. Falls off rather after we leave the adorable friendship of two women that begins the narrative. An early essay at themes that she did better in her later work. Some good things (besides the female friendship) but a bit all over the place and unsatisfactory.

[Carol Spears · Rating 2 out of 5]

The thing that made this book so difficult to read is that the author assumed that his characters were likable. They weren't likable to me. They were annoying. So this was all about how annoying people become friends and then about how a couple of annoying people pair off and become lovers.