The Dim Lantern

by Temple Bailey

The Dim Lantern offers a rich exploration of family dynamics, personal aspirations, and the complexities of social expectations. The story contrasts the bright optimism of a young woman with the melancholic struggle of her brother, an artist burdened by his own expectations. Their sibling relationship serves as a canvas for examining how different personalities respond to the pressures of love, ambition, and the desire for a sense of belonging in a changing society. The narrative introduces the allure of societal status and the emotional turbulence that accompanies the pursuit of personal fulfillment. The arrival of a mysterious figure, who disrupts the quiet life of the family, further intensifies the characters' emotional growth and reflections on life’s challenges. The book enhances the exploration of self-discovery, the pursuit of art, and the internal conflict between personal desires and the constraints of societal norms. Through the unfolding events, the characters seek connection, confronting not only external influences but also their own inner struggles. This highlights the powerful tension between individual dreams and the societal frameworks that shape them.

Genres: Fiction

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1923

About the author

Known as "Queen of the Romantic Novel", Irene Temple Bailey was born in Petersburg, Virginia. Her childhood was spent in Washington, D.C., and she attended a girls' school in Richmond, Virginia. In the early 1900s, she had her fiction published in national magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, Cavalier Magazine, Cosmopolitan, American Magazine, McClure's, Woman's Home Companion, Good Housekeeping, and McCall's.

Her success with short stories inspired her to try her hand at books, and her first novel, Judy, was published in 1907. She eventually wrote over 25 best-selling books and became one of the most successful authors of her time. Later she also ventured into screenwriting; in 1914 she wrote the screenplay for the Vitagraph Studios film Auntie.

Temple Bailey is probably most famous for her short story, "A Parable of Motherhood."

Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1...

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I go on author binges.
One suggestion that Temple Bailey books have are that you overcome yourself, before you offer yourself to someone in marriage. Those who do have confidence in their marriage and those who don't struggle.
This book is about a man who is struggling from the mental, physical, and emotional effects of war. He loves a girl named Jane. The story is about how he overcomes his demons in order to make himself worthy of her and about her learning what is most important in a man and marriage.

[Johnny Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance involves a small change to the classic love triangle story. As it was being read, the brain was trying to cast different characters and turn it into a mini series. Unfortunate single use of the N-word as a general pejorative instead of specifically directed one.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending of this novel, a lovely period piece of World War I, was perfectly executed. There are no "happily ever afters," but "all manner of things shall be well."

[Erin Orchard]

I found this book at a used book store, and I had to own it. One of my most loved and cherished book of all time is Wallflowers by Temple Bailey which I first discovered at a used book store as well. I am so excited to read it, it was quite a happy find. :)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is just a romance novel, it is so well written. It is so refreshing to read a beautifully crafted story with proper grammar, excellent word choice, and upstanding characters. I highly recommend any of her books.

[Bruce Hundertmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless

This story is timeless, exquisitely written with a realness for any age. One of the best books I've ever read. I wish the story could have kept going. It would have been great fun to continue the journey.

[Morag · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Temple Bailey novels!