The Side Of The Angels: A Novel

"The Side of the Angels: A Novel" by Basil King is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the intertwined lives of families in a small village, particularly focusing on Thorley Masterman, a young doctor struggling to establish himself in practice, and Rosie Fay, a woman from a family that has fallen into hardship. Through their experiences, the novel explores themes of social class, ambition, and the burdens of familial obligations. The opening of the novel sets the stage for a complex social landscape marked by generational differences and economic challenges. Thorley Masterman returns to his village with hopes of serving his community, but he quickly becomes aware of the socio-economic disparities that impact his patients, especially the Fay family. In particular, Mrs. Fay is revealed to be a proud woman plagued by despair, while her daughter Rosie appears caught between her love for Claude Masterman, Thorley's half-brother, and the harsh realities of her family's situation. As Thor navigates his relationships with the Fays and his own family, the opening chapters hint at underlying tensions that will likely shape their destinies as they seek to find hope and purpose amid adversity.