The Regent

Description

Good old Edward Henry (“Denry”) has finally made it big. The hero of The Regent, a sequel to Arnold Bennet’s previously successful novel, The Card, is shown moving to London with his family and founding his own theatre. His personality having largely changed from that of the young opportunist who was struggling both in love and business, Edward now has numerous responsibilities a family, a large and somewhat less esthetic home and a successful business to take care of.

Bennett’s witty remarks, dialogues and storyline scenarios are certainly present here, just as they were in The Card. Here, however, the characters seem to be much more alive, diverse and sophisticated, Edward’s own personality, charm and resourcefulness reflecting this fact quite well, while his mother playing her role well, while retaining her inner desire and tendency towards independence.

Edward also has a son named Robert, who has taken on his father’s footsteps in becoming somewhat of a misfit, and Edward’s wife also makes her presence noted throughout the book.

Now established as a rich businessman, Edward still isn’t fully able to convince everyone of his honesty, and ends up facing considerable difficulties throughout the novel that are turned into remarkably humorous sections by Bennett’s masterful writing style.

This is a charming read, and if you’ve read The Card, you will certainly enjoy its sequel. Arnold Bennett expands to story through unexpected turns and twists, still managing to keep the readership on edge in some cases, despite the fact that the problems faced by the characters are not necessarily out of this world.

There are many similarities, as well as differences between Denry’s old life and his newly established status as a successful theatre owner, many of which are clearly visible once he faces his final challenges near the end of the novel.
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