So Big

"Some Do Not..." by Ford Madox Ford is a novel set in the early 20th century, exploring the complexities of social class, personal relationships, and moral dilemmas. The story begins with two young Englishmen, Tietjens and Macmaster, traveling in a train carriage. Tietjens, a member of the English public official class, is portrayed as a man of principle, grappling with the recent departure of his wife, Sylvia, who has left him for another man. Despite the personal turmoil, Tietjens remains committed to his work in the Imperial Department of Statistics, where he is respected for his encyclopedic knowledge and analytical skills. Macmaster, Tietjens' friend and colleague, is depicted as an ambitious man, striving for recognition and success in his career. He is in the process of publishing his first book, a monograph on the poet Rossetti, which he hopes will solidify his position in the intellectual and social circles of London. The novel delves into the dynamics of their friendship, highlighting the differences in their personalities and life choices. The narrative also shifts to Lobscheid, a German spa town, where Sylvia is staying with her mother, Mrs. Satterthwaite, and a group of eccentric characters, including Father Consett, a priest, and Mr. Bayliss, a disreputable young man. Sylvia's return to her husband is a central theme, as she grapples with her feelings and the societal expectations placed upon her. Ford Madox Ford weaves a rich tapestry of Edwardian society, examining themes of fidelity, honor, and the constraints of social conventions. The novel is a poignant exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.