East Lynne by Ellen Wood

Description

East Lynne is a book by Ellen Wood, first published in 1861. A sensational and wildly popular novel of its time, East Lynne blends elements of domestic drama, crime, and social critique in a gripping narrative that captivated Victorian readers. At the heart of the story is Lady Isabel Vane, a noblewoman who, through a series of emotional and moral missteps, abandons her husband and children—only to suffer tragic consequences. Disguised and repentant, she later returns to her former home as a governess, hidden in plain sight, to be near the family she has lost. The novel delves into themes of identity, morality, and redemption, resonating deeply with Victorian anxieties about gender roles and social status. It also reflects the period’s preoccupation with secrecy, virtue, and the dangers of passion unchecked by reason. Ellen Wood, writing under the name Mrs. Henry Wood, achieved both critical and commercial success with East Lynne, making it one of the bestselling novels of the 19th century. Its dramatic twists and intense emotional appeal helped establish the genre of sensation fiction and influenced later writers, including Wilkie Collins and Mary Elizabeth Braddon.

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