Cat's Cradle

by Maurice Baring

This sophisticated and intricate novel, based on true events, takes place in the late nineteenth century and begins with Henry Clifford, a man of taste and worldly philosophy, whose simple determination to do as he likes and live as he wishes is threatened when his daughter falls in love with an unsuitable man. With subtle twists and turns in a fascinating portrait of society, Maurice Baring conveys the moral that love is too strong to be overcome by mere mortals.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Literature, Novels

First published January 1, 1925

About the author

Maurice Baring OBE (27 April 1874 – 14 December 1945) was an English man of letters, known as a dramatist, poet, novelist, translator and essayist, and also as a travel writer and war correspondent, with particular knowledge of Russia. During World War I, Baring served in the Intelligence Corps and Royal Air Force.

Reviews

[Fonch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a sad book, but very powerful and Beauty. It is a beautiful remembrance of the England of the 19th century, and the England of the beggining of the 20th century. With marevellous characters Tremoustre, Rendall and others. Blanche is a femme fatale despite not to wanting to be. With all this heroine concluded to conquer the hearts of the readers. Virginia Woolf commited a mistake. Maurice Baring is not a superficial writer. He is really deep. Without Baring we would not be able enjoy of Evelyn Waugh of "Brideshead Revisited" (in fact i would recomend to the fans of tv series like Downton Abbey). He was a pioneer of the excellent English catholic fiction with the permison of the father Robert Hugh Benson. One advice dear potential reader of this novel. In case you are going to read this novel reflect in it.
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Es un libro triste, pero muy poderoso y hermoso. Es una bella evocación de la Inglaterra de la Belle Poque del siglo XIX, y principios del XX. Con brillantes personajes como Walter Tremoustre o el padre Rendall, aunque hay muchos. Blanca a su pesar es una femme fatal a pesar de no querer serlo. Con todo esta noble heroína termina conquistando el corazón de los lectores. No es fácil leer esta historia, que a ratos me recordaba a Balzac, y en otros a François Mauriac, porque es una historia de pasiones. En ocasiones amargas. Los personajes sufren mucho, por elecciones equivocadas en sus vidas.
Virginia Woolf se equivocó. Baring no es un escritor superficial. Por el contrario. Pienso que es mucho mejor escritor que ella. Maurice Baring es un escritor muy profundo, y sabio, gran conocedor de la naturaleza femenina. Sin él (uno de los precursores de la ficción católica con el padre Robert Hugh Benson) no podríamos haber disfrutado del Evelyn Waugh de "Retorno a Brideshead". Un consejo querido lector, si decides leerla, meditala.

[Oana · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book may have been much more interesting if the author would have considered describing more events and not just parties and fancy dinners. This is what most disturbed me, that I had to read about 500 pages with parties descriptions. I did not liked the main character and I am disappointed to see that Baring did not include almost anything besides the descriptions of the social life.

[Steve Vetsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book with lots of strong character portrayals with many weaknesses and faults. It causes the reader to reflect on how our decisions and selfishness can haunt and hurt us and those we love.

[Mihaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minunată relatare a vietii unei familii de burghezi prin care sesizăm lumea la sfârșit de secol XIX si început de secol XX.
Excepțională scriere si descriere a societății cu o frazare elegantă, aerisită, cursivă si fermecătoare.
Constructiile frazelor te învăluie blând într-un mister diafan iar ritmul si tonalitatea cuvintelor te mângâie catifelat creând stări memorabile.
Atmosfera calmă si liniștită ce decurge din modul în care autorul înțelege să relateze destinul acestei femei si familia ei de-a lungul timpului, este întreruptă de zguduiri inerente vieții dar care sunt redate în aceeași notă a bunului simt si esteticii unei realități care nu are nevoie de exagerari inutile.
Este un roman ca o poezie.

[Luiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming novel with lot of unexpected situations and romance. I recommend it. Is an excellent and disruptive lecture. Despite this, I need to admit that I am a little bit disappointed by the ending.