Holiday (novel)

Holiday is a 1938 novel by American author Philip Barry. It tells the story of Johnny Case, a self-made man from a humble background who becomes engaged to Julia Seton, a wealthy heiress. However, Johnny's unconventional plans to take a holiday from work and "find himself" clash with the expectations of Julia's wealthy and tradition-bound family.

The novel primarily explores themes of wealth, social class, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment versus societal expectations. Johnny's desire to take a break from the relentless pursuit of wealth is viewed as bizarre and unsettling by the Seton family, particularly by Julia's father, Edward Seton, a powerful and controlling banker.

The conflict arises from Johnny's unwillingness to conform to the life of luxury and social status that awaits him upon marrying Julia. He finds allies in Julia's unconventional and free-spirited siblings, Linda and Ned, who are also disillusioned with the stifling atmosphere of their family's wealth and privilege. Linda, in particular, becomes a close confidante of Johnny and shares his desire for a more meaningful life.

Throughout the novel, Johnny's genuine nature and simple desires force the Seton family to confront their own values and question the importance they place on money and social standing. The story culminates in a resolution that challenges the established norms of the Seton family and allows for the possibility of individual happiness outside of societal constraints. Holiday is a social comedy that satirizes the wealthy elite while celebrating the importance of personal freedom and the pursuit of a life beyond material possessions. It was adapted into two films of the same name, in 1938 and 1930.