Odd Women, The by GISSING, George

George Gissings 1893 novel takes on the 19th century Woman Question by looking at themes of feminism, marriage, and love. The novel raises these issues through the lives of several contrasting women: Mary Barfoot, a feminist philanthropist who helps train women for careers; her close friend Rhoda Nunn, who believes marriage is a disastrous choice for women; and Monica Madden, who starts out as one of their protegees but chooses to marry a seemingly kind older man. As Monica experiences the challenges of married life, Rhoda finds herself drawn to Marys cousin, the charming but apparently profligate Everard. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)