The Independence of Claire

A novel set in the Edwardian era. The story follows Claire Gifford, a young woman grappling with issues of independence and familial duty as her mother’s financial situations compel her towards marriage with a man she does not love. The narrative explores Claire's internal conflicts over the expectations placed on her as a daughter and her cravings for agency in her own life. The opening of the novel introduces Claire in her Brussels home, where she faces a newly unsettling reality of financial strain after receiving an overdraft notification from the bank. Struggling with her desire for independence and the pressure of potentially marrying Mr. Judge—who is kind and well-meaning but significantly older—Claire reflects on her relationship with her mother and what sacrifices she might need to make for their future. As the story unfolds, Claire’s inner turmoil highlights her determination to carve out her own path, setting in motion the choices that will shape her life in London. With a blend of personal stakes and societal expectations, the opening establishes a poignant context for a young woman's quest for independence against the backdrop of early 20th-century norms.