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Avery cover

Avery

By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps
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About This Book

The narrative follows Jean Avery, a beautiful but physically fragile woman whose recurring breathless attacks and heart weakness shape daily life in a well-to-do household. Medical visits, domestic caretaking, and social obligations reveal strains between her quiet resilience and her husband's public ambitions, including courtroom contests and leisure on a racing yacht with a friend. Through scenes of household detail, clinical diagnosis, and social interaction, the story examines marital responsibility, the limits of medical authority, feminine endurance, and the conflicts between personal health and social expectation.

About the Author

Phelps, Elizabeth Stuart portrait

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps was an American author and feminist known for her contributions to 19th-century literature. Her works often explore themes of gender, spirituality, and social reform. One of her most notable books, "The Gates Ajar," reflects her progressive views on life after death and women's roles in society. Phelps wrote across various genres, including novels, poetry, and essays, with titles such as "A Chariot of Fire" and "Men, Women, and Ghosts" showcasing her diverse literary talents. Her writing not only entertained but also challenged societal norms, making her a significant figure in American literary heritage.

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