The Roll-Call

"The Roll-Call" by Arnold Bennett is a novel written in the early 20th century, likely around the time of the Edwardian era. The book revolves around George Edwin Cannon, an ambitious young architect who is navigating his professional life in London while simultaneously exploring his personal relationships, particularly with Marguerite Haim, the daughter of his landlady. The themes of ambition, romance, and the struggles of aspiring artists in a competitive world are integral to the story, set against a backdrop of burgeoning urban life. The opening of the novel introduces George and his workplace at Lucas & Enwright architects, where he is an articled pupil. George is contemplating a move from the Orgreave’s home, which he shares, expressing a desire to live in Chelsea—a place he perceives as artistically vibrant. His first encounter with Mr. Haim, the factotum of the office who owns the house where George will soon stay, leads him to discover Marguerite, a young woman engaged in artistic pursuits. As George navigates his daily responsibilities and aspirations, he is clearly infatuated by Marguerite's presence, and their relationship promises to develop into a broader exploration of love and artistic ambition amidst the complexities of life in early 20th-century London.