Some do not...: A novel

"Some Do Not" by Ford Madox Ford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative initiates with the accounts of Christopher Tietjens and his friend Macmaster, who are both members of the English public official class. The story seemingly revolves around Tietjens' troubled marriage to Sylvia, who has left him for another man, alongside their discussions about societal norms and personal morality, setting the stage for a complex exploration of relationships, duty, and self-identity. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Tietjens and Macmaster in a railway carriage, which vividly depicts their surroundings and characterizations. Tietjens appears to be a man of deep thought, grappling with the recent departure of his wife, while Macmaster is consumed with the proof of his first book, highlighting their contrasting personalities. Their conversation reveals Tietjens' stoic demeanor in facing his marital troubles, reflecting on themes of masculinity, social expectations, and the moral dilemmas surrounding love and fidelity. This opening establishes a sense of impending conflict and the emotional weight that will influence their lives as the story progresses.