A Mummer's Wife

"A Mummer's Wife" by George Moore is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Kate, the wife of a sickly man named Ralph Ede, who is navigating the challenges of her domestic life and her marriage, marked by her husband's constant ill-health and irritability, as well as the tension with her mother-in-law. At the start of the novel, we find Kate caring for Ralph during one of his asthma attacks, showcasing the strain and emotional turmoil within their relationship. The scene unfolds in a modest setting, where Kate is depicted as both devoted and weary, caught in the crossfire between her husband and her mother-in-law. The narrative delves into her thoughts and feelings as she contemplates her responsibilities, the dynamics of her household, and the intrusion of a lodger, Mr. Lennox, who is an actor—a source of contention with her mother-in-law. This opening sets the stage for exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of life within a working-class family, all through the lens of Kate's experiences and aspirations.