About this book
Arnold Bennett's *The Regent* follows the further adventures of Denry Machin, the resourceful protagonist who captivated readers in *The Card*. Now forty-three and restless despite his success, Denry finds himself questioning whether accumulating wealth and maintaining a comfortable home in the Five Towns are truly enough. Seized by an unexpected craving for reinvention, he declares, "What I want is change—and a lot of it too!" A fateful encounter at a local theatre sets him on an unexpected path to London, where ambition, theatrical intrigue, and romantic entanglements await.
This witty novel of adventure showcases Bennett's keen eye for human nature and social satire. Set against the backdrop of early twentieth-century England, the narrative skillfully explores themes of aging, ambition, and the perpetual human hunger for purpose beyond material success. Bennett's humor sparkles throughout as his protagonist navigates the complexities of reinvention and discovers whether his entrepreneurial magic can flourish in unfamiliar territory.
Perfect for listeners who appreciate sharp-witted literary fiction with memorable characters and social commentary, *The Regent* offers both entertainment and insight into the timeless struggle between contentment and yearning for something more.
