Major Frank

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27425

Title

Major Frank

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A romantic comedy of manners set in 19th-century Holland, this novel follows Leopold van Zonshoven, a modest writer who unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune. However, his aunt's will imposes a strict condition: he must marry her chosen granddaughter, Major Frank, a spirited and unconventional woman who despises social hypocrisy. The story explores themes of love versus duty, the constraints of class and gender, and the redemptive power of genuine friendship as the unlikely couple navigates family feuds, financial ruin, and...

Summary up to 500 words

In A. L. G. Bosboom-Toussaint's *Major Frank*, the narrative follows Leopold van Zonshoven, a frugal twenty-nine-year-old writer in The Hague, who unexpectedly inherits a million guilders from a distant aunt. However, the inheritance is conditional: he must marry the aunt's granddaughter, Miss Sophia Roselaer de Werve, a woman he has never met. An anonymous letter warns Leopold that the fortune is not unconditional, prompting him to consult his friend, barrister William Verheyst. Upon meeting his intended bride, Leopold discovers she is the formidable Major Frank, a woman who openly rejects traditional femininity and scorns the 'privileges of the fair sex.' Frank, the granddaughter of a disgruntled General, is trapped in a garrison life and forced into an unwanted marriage to secure her grandfather's fortune. Initially repelled by her rough manners and lack of etiquette, Leopold gradually perceives the intelligence and passion beneath her abrasive exterior. Their relationship develops through tense, humorous confrontations and misunderstandings, including Frank's dramatic outbursts and Leopold's attempts to reason with her. The plot intensifies as Frank's grandfather dies, leaving her in a precarious financial position due to his debts and legal battles. Complications arise from Leopold's own family history, including a dead son and a complicated guardianship. The story takes a dramatic turn when Frank receives a packet from England containing letters and a will from her late lover, Lord William. Having died, he leaves her a substantial fortune and the freedom to marry whom she chooses. This revelation clears the path for Leopold and Frank to reconcile their differences. They realize that their mutual respect and affection have grown despite their initial clashes. The novel concludes with the couple marrying privately, escaping to Geneva to start a new life together. Framed by letters to a friend in India, the story offers a reflective perspective on their journey, teaching that true happiness lies in loving dependence rather than forced independence.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Translations