The optimist: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The optimist: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The optimist is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Delafield, E. M. (1890–1943).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Optimist" by E. M. Delafield is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Owen Quentillian as he reflects on his past experiences and relationships with the Morchard family while grappling with his own identity and aspirations. In particular, it explores the dynamics within the Canon Morchard's household, highlighting themes of duty, love, and self-discovery. The opening of the novel introduces Owen Quentillian embarking on a voyage and recalling his childhood connection with the Morchard family, particularly his recollections of Valeria and her siblings. Reflecting on his poignant experiences at St. Gwenllian, Owen navigates memories of interactions with the Canon, his daughters, and the dynamics of their family life. As Owen reconnects with Lucilla and the Canon, he wrestles with feelings of nostalgia and a desire to understand his place in their lives, while Valeria emerges as a significant figure, embodying complexities of personal expectations versus familial duty. The beginning sets the stage for an exploration of relationships, individual aspirations, and the intricacies of family loyalty, eventually leading Owen toward a more profound introspection about partnership and belonging.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The optimist
- Author credits: Delafield, E. M. (1890–1943)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Children of clergy -- Fiction
- Clergy -- England -- Fiction
- England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction
- World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


