The Avalanche by Gertrude Atherton is a novel that tells the story of a young woman named Louise who is forced to confront the harsh realities of life after her father's sudden death. The novel is set in San Francisco in the late 19th century and explores themes of love, loss, and social class.Louise is a sheltered and privileged young woman who has never had to worry about money or her future. However, when her father dies unexpectedly, she is left with nothing but debt and a crumbling estate. Forced to sell off her belongings and move to a small apartment, Louise struggles to adjust to her new life.As she tries to rebuild her life, Louise meets a young man named Paul who is also struggling to make ends meet. Despite their different backgrounds, the two fall in love and begin a passionate affair. However, their happiness is short-lived when Paul is accused of a crime he did not commit.The novel explores the social and economic divides that existed in San Francisco during this time period, as well as the challenges faced by women who were forced to navigate a world dominated by men. Through Louise's journey, the novel ultimately asks questions about the nature of love, sacrifice, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.Overall, The Avalanche is a gripping and emotional novel that offers a vivid portrait of life in San Francisco during the late 19th century. With its complex characters and richly detailed setting, it is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or women's literature.1919. A Mystery Story. Atherton, was an American Feminist and writer of social and historical fiction, much of it set in California. Although her reputation is founded primarily on her California fiction and essays, as well as her biography of Alexander Hamilton, Atherton also produced a number of Gothic stories, some of them, such as The Bell in the Fog, were considered significant achievements in the Gothic/supernaturalist tradition. The Avalanche begins: Price Ruyler knew that many secrets had been inhumed by the earthquake and fire of San Francisco and wondered if his wife's had been one of them. After all, she had been born in this city of odd and whispered pasts, and there were moments when his silent mother-in-law suggested a past of her own. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.