Cover of Once a first wife

Once a first wife

    Norman Arkawy's Once a first wife is a Victorian science fiction and classic fantasy novel.

    On Project Gutenberg it was downloaded 396 times in the last 30 days.

    It is in the public domain in the United States and free to read on Project Gutenberg.

    About Once a first wife

    "Once a First Wife" by Norman Arkawy is a speculative fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, with a futuristic setting in the year 2136. The book revolves around themes of marital fidelity, societal norms, and a woman's struggle to maintain her identity and status in a highly regulated environment. It explores the legal complexities surrounding divorce and personal autonomy, highlighting the protagonist's fight against a societal system that seeks to strip her of her rights. The narrative follows Sar Wisson, a woman accused of sexual incompetence by her husband, Merl, as they navigate a contested divorce case in a futuristic court. As Sar defends her character against the humiliating accusation, her fierce desire to retain her status as a first wife serves as the driving force within the story. She grapples with the implications of divorce on her future, fearing a life as a second wife or being relegated to a public sector existence—an outcome she vehemently desires to avoid. Ultimately, Sar's unexpected decision to withdraw her objections allows her to reclaim agency over her life, leading to an ending that underscores her resilience and personal choice. The story critiques societal expectations surrounding women and marriage while capturing the complexities of love and individual rights in a futuristic context.
    Summary from Project Gutenberg (automatically generated)

    Themes, setting & tropes

    Genres

    Subjects

    • Science fiction
    • Trials, Divorce

    Quick answers

    Who wrote Once a first wife?

    Once a first wife was written by Norman Arkawy.

    What genre is Once a first wife?

    It is usually shelved as Victorian Science Fiction and Classic Fantasy.

    Is Once a first wife free to read?

    Yes. It is in the public domain in the United States and can be read free on Project Gutenberg in EPUB, Kindle and HTML formats.

    What books are similar to Once a first wife?

    Readers who like it often enjoy Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, The Time Machine and The Invisible Man.

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