3 Review(s)

"April Hopes" is a realist novel that explores the themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th-century America. The story follows the lives of its central characters, Charlton and Imogen March, a married couple who find themselves facing challenges and uncertainties in their relationship.The novel delves into the complexities of their marriage, including issues related to their differing social backgrounds and expectations. Howells uses the story to comment on the societal norms and expectations of the time, as well as the impact of changing social and economic circumstances on personal relationships.As with many of Howells's works, "April Hopes" reflects his interest in portraying the everyday lives and experiences of his characters with a focus on realism. The novel offers insights into the dynamics of marriage and the challenges faced by individuals as they navigate the evolving social and cultural landscape of the late 19th century.Overall, "April Hopes" is a character-driven novel that provides readers with a window into the social and cultural milieu of its era. It showcases Howells's talent for exploring the complexities of human relationships and his commitment to depicting the challenges and aspirations of ordinary people.