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The Painted Room
Paperback
General FictionLiterary Fiction
ISBN13: 9781025893112
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 290
Weight: 0.90
Height: 0.61 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Painted Room is a compelling novel of domestic realism and generational shifts set against the backdrop of 1920s America. Written by Margaret Wilson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Able McLaughlins, this work explores the complex dynamics of a family grappling with the changing social mores of the Jazz Age. The story focuses on Martha Kenworthy, a young woman whose modern sensibilities and desires often clash with the more traditional expectations of her parents.
Through vivid characterizations and sharp social observation, Wilson examines the tension between the Victorian values of the older generation and the burgeoning independence of the youth. The titular painted room serves as a powerful symbol of Martha's interior world and her attempts to define her own space within the family home. As the narrative unfolds, Wilson masterfully depicts the subtle misunderstandings and deep-seated affections that define the Kenworthy household.
A sophisticated study of manners and morals, The Painted Room remains a poignant reflection on the universal themes of identity, rebellion, and the enduring bonds of family. It stands as a significant contribution to early 20th-century American fiction, capturing the spirit of a transformative era with nuance and emotional depth.
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This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
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