Robert Kimberly

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By Listen TheBook Posted on May 31, 2023

In Category - Literary Fiction

Authors: Frank H. Spearman In Year : 1911

Book Language: English

Audiobook: Robert Kimberly

Chapter 01
Chapter 02
Chapter 03
Chapter 04
Chapter 05
Chapter 06
Chapter 07
Chapter 08
Chapter 09
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48

The novel is set among the wealthy of the Northeast in the USA of the early 1900's. A close knit group of about ten couples in high society visit each others homes for dance, drink, conversation and partying. The male members are mostly affiliated with a closely held conglomerate controlling the sugar refinery industry. Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles are the top executives. Robert Kimberly is very highly respected and is seen as the leader; unlike most of the group, he is not married. He cares for his very decrepit oldest brother, with the help of a hired Catholic monk. Alice McBirney and her husband have recently moved from the Midwest to join the group. He has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and is now an officer. Robert Kimberly is soon very attracted to Alice. She tries to avoid any such improprieties; she wants him only as a friend.

The novel has some serious themes, like the sanctity of marriage, the Catholic Church, the relationship of classes in society, labor vs. management, divorce, etc. Robert has the highest of values in most regards, but falls hopelessly in love with Alice. The idea of adultery is a horror to Alice, though her marriage is an unhappy one. She will not consider divorce. The resolutions in the story are not happy ones.

It is most interesting that Frank Spearman should write this novel. He is known for his Westerns; they always concerned the early days of the railroads. He preceded this romance novel with two Westerns; after "Robert Kimberly", all were Westerns. This reader thinks "Robert Kimberly" was this best work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)