A Woman of Substance is a novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford that tells the story of Emma Harte, a young girl from a poor family who rises to become a successful businesswoman and matriarch of her family. The novel explores themes such as the importance of hard work, the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries, and the impact of wealth and power on personal relationships.
Table of Content
A Woman of Substance Book Summary
Overview
The novel is divided into three parts, each covering a different period in Emma's life. Part One follows Emma's childhood and early adulthood, including her time working as a maid for a wealthy family and her eventual rise to become the owner of a successful department store. Part Two covers Emma's middle age, including her marriage, the birth of her children, and her continued success in the business world. Part Three explores Emma's later years and eventual death, as well as the struggles her family faces in the wake of her passing.
Themes
A Woman of Substance explores themes such as the importance of hard work and determination in achieving success, the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries, the complex relationships between family members, and the impact of wealth and power on personal relationships.
Character Analysis
The novel features a diverse cast of characters, including Emma Harte, the protagonist and matriarch of the Harte family; Blackie O'Neill, Emma's childhood friend and eventual business partner; Paula McGill Fairley, Emma's daughter and rival; and Edmund Swann, Emma's love interest and eventual husband.
Setting
The novel is set in England and spans several decades, from the early 1900s to the 1970s. The various settings include Emma's childhood home in Yorkshire, the department store she eventually owns, and the various homes of the Harte family members.
Writing Style
The writing style is engaging and easy to read, with vivid descriptions of both characters and settings. However, some readers may find the pacing slow at times.
Quotes
"There are moments in life that change everything. Moments that divide time into two parts: before and after, into the what is and the what was."
"The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work."
FAQs for A Woman of Substance
1. What is the novel about?
A Woman of Substance follows the life of Emma Harte, a young girl from a poor family who rises to become a successful businesswoman and matriarch of her family.
2. Who is the protagonist?
The protagonist is Emma Harte.
3. What are some of the themes explored in the novel?
The novel explores themes such as the importance of hard work and determination in achieving success, the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries, the complex relationships between family members, and the impact of wealth and power on personal relationships.
4. What is Emma's background?
Emma comes from a poor family and works as a maid for a wealthy family before eventually rising to become the owner of a successful department store.
5. How does Emma rise to success?
Emma rises to success through hard work and determination, eventually becoming the owner of a successful department store.
6. Who are some of the other important characters in the novel?
Other important characters include Blackie O'Neill, Emma's childhood friend and eventual business partner; Paula McGill Fairley, Emma's daughter and rival; and Edmund Swann, Emma's love interest and eventual husband.
7. What is the setting of the novel?
The novel is set in England and spans several decades, from the early 1900s to the 1970s. The various settings include Emma's childhood home in Yorkshire, the department store she eventually owns, and the various homes of the Harte family members.
8. What are some of the challenges faced by Emma and her family?
Emma and her family face challenges such as personal and professional rivalries, illness, and the struggle to maintain their wealth and status.
9. How does the novel explore the impact of wealth and power on personal relationships?
The novel explores how wealth and power can strain personal relationships and create tension between family members.
10. What is the writing style of the novel like?
The writing style is engaging and easy to read, with vivid descriptions of both characters and settings. However, some readers may find the pacing slow at times.
Conclusion
A Woman of Substance is a captivating novel that follows the life of Emma Harte, a young girl who rises to become a successful businesswoman and matriarch of her family. The novel explores themes such as hard work, determination, and the impact of wealth and power on personal relationships. With engaging characters and vivid descriptions of both characters and settings, A Woman of Substance is a must-read for anyone interested in stories of success and the challenges that come with it.