Alas! A Novel   By: Rhoda Broughton (1840-1920)

Alas! A Novel by Rhoda Broughton is a captivating and thought-provoking work that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. Set in the late 19th century, the story unfolds in a small English village where social norms and propriety reign supreme.

Broughton's remarkable talent for character development shines throughout the narrative. From the charming and witty protagonist, Lucy Blair, to the enigmatic and brooding love interest, Philip Carew, each character is intricately crafted with depth and complexity. Their interactions are laced with tension, passion, and moments of profound vulnerability, making them highly relatable and utterly compelling.

The plot follows Lucy, a young woman torn between societal expectations and her own desires. As she navigates the treacherous terrain of unrequited love, forbidden attractions, and personal sacrifices, the reader becomes entangled in her emotional journey. Broughton effortlessly weaves together a tale of unfulfilled longings, secret romances, and devastating heartbreak, capturing the essence of love's inherently tragic nature.

One of the novel's strengths lies in Broughton's vivid descriptions of the era. From the elaborate ballrooms to the charming countryside, every setting is meticulously depicted, transporting readers back in time. The author's attention to detail immerses readers in the world of the characters, creating an immersive reading experience.

However, the pacing of the novel can sometimes feel sluggish, with moments of excessive introspection and relatively slow plot development. While this allows for ample character analysis, it occasionally detracts from the overall momentum of the story.

Alas! A Novel excels in its exploration of the human psyche and the inherent complexities of romantic relationships. Through Lucy's experiences, Broughton delves into themes of societal expectations, personal sacrifice, and the struggle between duty and desire. In doing so, she raises compelling questions about the nature of love and the choices we make in its pursuit.

Overall, Alas! A Novel is an enchanting and evocative read that transports readers to a bygone era filled with emotional depth and social restrictions. Rhoda Broughton skillfully crafts a story that touches the heart, leaving us pondering the haunting allure of unrequited love long after turning the final page.

First Page:

"If you will allow me, I shall have the pleasure of reading aloud to you some passages from 'Mrs. Lirriper's Lodgings,' by Charles Dickens. I do not know much about the book myself, as I have never read it. I dare say that you know more about it than I do; but I am given to understand" (with a glance at the page before him) "that Mrs. Lirriper was a lodging house keeper, that she kept lodgings in London. She was a very good sort of woman, I believe" (another hasty glance), "but she sometimes had trouble with her servants. I am told that servants are troublesome sometimes" (a slight nervous laugh, the more nervous because it does not seem to be followed by any echo from the audience). "If you will allow me then, as I say, and if you think it will amuse you, I will read you a little of what she says about these troubles... Continue reading book >>