Robert Hichens

The Way of Ambition Robert Hichens

Charmian Mansfield has no lack of ambition. The problem is that she is somewhat lacking in talent, so she decides to cultivate someone else's. Claude Heath, a reclusive composer with a dread of fame, fits the bill perfectly. Inspired by the success of a flamboyant Frenchman and his controlling wife, Charmian convinces Claude to write an opera. And her plan might work, unless love gets in the way. Charmian and Claude have to test their wills against influential yet fickle patrons of the Arts. The process of conceiving, composing and performing a new opera gives an interesting case study of the compromise all artists face... Pleasing themselves versus pleasing the public.