Cover of Between Friends

Between Friends

  • Free to read
  • 60 min read
  • 7 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"Between Friends" by Robert W. Chambers is a novel written in the early 20th century, during the time leading up to World War I. This introspective work revolves around themes of love, friendship, and personal tragedy, exploring the complex emotional landscape of its characters amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. With a focus on the intertwined lives of a sculptor and his model, the novel delves into the impact of past relationships and the haunting shadow of love lost. The story centers on Drene, a sculptor grappling with the pain of past betrayals and a sense of isolation. As he works with Cecile, a vivacious model, their relationship evolves from a strictly professional one into a bond marked by tenderness and emotional complexity. Drene’s inner turmoil regarding love and friendship is exacerbated by the presence of his former friend Graylock, who has a complicated history with Drene that influences their current interactions. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals Drene's struggle to reconcile his feelings for Cecile while simultaneously confronting the ghosts of his past. Ultimately, the novel culminates in moments of revelation and redemption, highlighting the transformative power of love and the often painful lessons learned in relationships.

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  • Man-woman relationships
  • Sculptors
  • Artists' models

Read the opening

Chapter I

Like a man who reenters a closed and darkened house and lies down; lying there, remains conscious of sunlight outside, of bird-calls, and the breeze in the trees, so had Drene entered into the obscurity of himself.

Through the chambers of his brain the twilit corridors where cringed his bruised and disfigured soul, there nothing stirring except the automatic pulses which never cease.

Sometimes, when the sky itself crashes earthward and the world lies in ruins from horizon to horizon, life goes on.

The things that men live through—and live!

But no doubt Death was too busy elsewhere to attend to Drene.

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Contents

  1. Chapter I
  2. Chapter II
  3. Chapter III
  4. Chapter IV
  5. Chapter V
  6. Chapter VI: He wrote to Cecile once
  7. Chapter VII

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About this edition

This free edition of Between Friends by Robert W. Chambers comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #8441, released 2005-07-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Novels, American Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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