Second String

Second String by Anthony Hope is a compelling novel set in the Victorian/Edwardian era, focusing on the intricacies of romance and social dynamics in a small British town. The story revolves around a love triangle, where the characters are caught between love, duty, and the expectations of society. As they navigate the emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas that arise from their relationships, the novel explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the consequences of their choices. The characters grapple with the tension between honor and desire, leading to a poignant exploration of marriage, friendship, and the complexities of human emotions. Through the lens of class differences and societal expectations, Hope paints a vivid picture of British society, where the struggle between heart and obligation often leads to unexpected outcomes. Second String is a richly woven narrative that delves into the depths of human experience, offering a timeless reflection on love and life.

Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins, as Anthony Hope (9 February 1863 - 8 July 1933), was a British novelist and playwright. He was a prolific writer, particularly of adventure stories, yet he is best known for only two works: The Prisoner of Zenda (1894) and its sequel Rupert of Hentzau (1898). These writings, considered "minor classics" of English literature, are set in the contemporaneous fictional kingdom of Ruritania and gave rise to the Ruritanian romance genre, which includes books set in fictional European places comparable to the novels. Zenda has inspired numerous adaptations, most notably the 1937 Hollywood film of the same name and the 1952 remake. Hope attended St John's School, Leatherhead, Marlborough College, and Balliol College, Oxford. In an intellectually distinguished career at Oxford, he earned first-class honours in Classical Moderations (Literis Graecis et Latinis) in 1882 and Literae Humaniores ('Greats') in 1885. Hope studied law and became a barrister in 1887, when the Middle Temple called him to the Bar. He studied under the future Liberal Prime Minister H. H. Asquith, who saw him as a potential barrister but was disillusioned by his decision to pursue a career in writing.