Where love is

William J. Locke's "Where Love Is" is a novel that emphasizes how money and social standing in life cannot substitute for the spiritual satisfaction brought by love and compassion. The story focuses on Aline, a character who sacrifices her life by marrying a wealthy, older man, dedicating herself to the demanding needs of her family. Although Aline views the soulless nature of her marriage as a necessity to support her family, the true theme of the novel revolves around the value of true love, self-sacrifice, and human unity. The book references the proverb, "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith," exploring emotional richness over material gain and societal compulsions, and ultimately the protagonist's potential to find genuine happiness where love resides.