Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of A Crooked Mile

A Crooked Mile

Written by Oliver Onions

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
Man-woman relationshipsMarriageWomen

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"A Crooked Mile" by Oliver Onions is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Lady Tasker, a seventy-year-old woman, who finds herself lost while navigating the London Underground as she attempts to visit acquaintances in Hampstead. As she ventures into an unfamiliar area, her encounter with various characters, including a policeman and the eccentric Cosimo and Amory Pratt, hints at themes of social class, generational differences, and perhaps the absurdities of modern life. The opening of the novel sets a whimsical yet contemplative tone as Lady Tasker grapples with her disorientation and a sense of obligation to visit the Pratts. Her interactions reveal her strong-willed, somewhat prickly personality and her reflections on life as she navigates her way through the city. Upon reaching the Pratts' home, she encounters not only the contrast between her traditional values and the modern artistic community surrounding the Pratts but also an unexpected revelation regarding the presence of seemingly "invisible" individuals, hinting at deeper societal observations. As Lady Tasker’s visit unfolds, the reader is introduced to a world rich with colorful characters and underlying social commentaries.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Crooked Mile, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • whimsical
  • contemplative
  • social commentary

Oliver Onions' "A Crooked Mile" introduces Lady Tasker, a strong-willed seventy-year-old, who embarks on a disorienting journey through the London Underground, struggling with both modern city life and her own traditional values. Her quest to visit the eccentric Cosimo and Amory Pratt in Hampstead evolves into a whimsical yet contemplative exploration of social class, generational divides, and the absurdities of the early 20th century. As she navigates unfamiliar territories and interacts with a diverse cast of characters, Lady Tasker's reflections offer a sharp, often prickly, perspective on life and societal changes. The novel culminates in a profound encounter at the Pratts' home, where she confronts not only the bohemian art world but also the unsettling reality of 'invisible' individuals, challenging her perceptions of society and existence.

“"One does not simply 'get lost' in London; one merely takes a detour through the unexpected byways of the human condition."”

Key themes

Modernity vs. Tradition
This theme explores the clash between the established values and customs of Victorian-era Britain, represented by Lady Tasker, and the emerging, often disorienting, forces of early 20th-century modernity, embodied by the London Underground, new social circles, and the avant-garde Pratts. It examines the difficulty of adaptation and the inherent friction when old and new worlds collide.
Perception, Reality, and the Unseen
This profound theme is central to the novel, particularly with the introduction of the 'invisible' individuals. It questions what constitutes reality, how individuals perceive their surroundings, and what—or who—remains unseen or unacknowledged by society. Lady Tasker's journey forces her, and the reader, to reconsider the limitations of conventional sight and understanding.
Social Class and Generational Differences
The novel subtly yet incisively examines the divides between different social strata and the growing gap between generations in early 20th-century London. Lady Tasker's interactions with various characters, from a policeman to the artistic Pratts, highlight the nuances of class distinctions and the differing perspectives held by older, established generations versus younger, more experimental ones.

Worth discussing

How does Lady Tasker's physical journey through London mirror her internal journey or her struggle with societal changes?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Sign up freeLog in

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!