Mr. Waddington of Wyck

In May Sinclair’s captivating 1921 novel, we meet the absurd Mr. Horatio Bysshe Waddington—a pompous, self-deluded man who navigates life with a singular focus on how he appears to others. His long-suffering wife Fanny, devoted secretary Barbara, and the mischievous young Ralph watch in amused admiration as he plays out his daily charades. Like spectators at a theatrical performance or scientists observing an odd specimen, they are both entertained and perplexed by his relentless pursuit of outrageous pretensions. Sinclair’s seemingly innocent prose cleverly disguises a deeper narrative, weaving themes of sexual passions and human flaws into a rich tapestry that reflects the complexities of her post-war society. (Summary by Expatriate)