"Poor, Dear Margaret Kirby" by Kathleen Thompson Norris is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the complexities of marriage and personal identity through the experiences of the protagonist, Margaret Kirby, who grapples with the disillusionment of her seemingly perfect life after her marriage to John Kirby begins to unravel. The opening of the narrative introduces Margaret and her husband John at a moment of quiet desperation. Margaret reflects on their marriage and her own feelings of bitterness, realizing they are nearing the point of downfall as their relationship has soured. As the story unfolds, Margaret learns of their financial ruin, which pushes John to the brink, resulting in a dramatic turn of events that tests their marriage and individual resilience. The beginning sets the stage for a deep exploration of societal expectations, personal sacrifice, and the search for happiness amidst tragedy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)