Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

Helbeck of Bannisdale — Volume I   By: (1851-1920)

Book cover

Helbeck of Bannisdale — Volume I by Humphry Ward is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of love, religion, and societal expectations. The story follows Laura Fountain, a strong-willed and independent woman who finds herself torn between her deep affection for Alan Helbeck, a devout Catholic, and her own beliefs and desires.

Ward's writing style effortlessly transports readers to the rural landscapes of the Lake District, painting vivid descriptions of the countryside and creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding narrative. His attention to detail brings the characters and their emotions to life, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and inner conflicts.

At its core, Helbeck of Bannisdale explores the clash between passion and duty. Laura's internal struggle to reconcile her love for Alan with her own convictions as a progressive and independent woman is at the heart of the novel. Ward expertly explores the complexities of religious zeal and the societal pressures that confine Laura's choices, creating a rich tapestry of conflicting ideologies.

The characters themselves are deeply complex and multifaceted, undergoing their own personal journeys throughout the novel. Laura emerges as a strong and determined protagonist, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations of her time. Alan Helbeck, on the other hand, is portrayed with depth and sensitivity, displaying the internal conflict between his devout faith and his burgeoning love for Laura.

What sets Helbeck of Bannisdale apart is Ward's ability to dive deep into the minds of his characters and explore the psychological intricacies of their relationships. The dialogue between Laura and Alan, filled with intellectual debates and emotional tension, is both engaging and thought-provoking. Ward skillfully portrays the power dynamics between the two and their respective struggles to find common ground.

Although the book's pacing may be slower compared to modern novels, the detailed exploration of characters and their evolving relationships is a testament to Ward's skill as a writer. The philosophical musings on religious beliefs, feminism, and the constraints of Victorian society add further depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those seeking a more introspective and thought-provoking story.

Overall, Helbeck of Bannisdale — Volume I is a beautifully written novel that skillfully intertwines themes of love, religion, and societal expectations. Humphry Ward's attention to detail, rich character development, and exploration of complex emotions make this book a worthwhile read for lovers of historical fiction and those interested in introspective storytelling.

First Page:

HELBECK OF BANNISDALE

by

MRS. HUMPHRY WARD

... metus ille ... Acheruntis ... Funditus humanam qui vitam turbat ab imo

In two volumes

Vol. I.

To

E. de V.

In Memoriam

CONTENTS

BOOK I

BOOK II

BOOK III

BOOK I

CHAPTER I

"I must be turning back. A dreary day for anyone coming fresh to these parts!"

So saying, Mr. Helbeck stood still both hands resting on his thick stick while his gaze slowly swept the straight white road in front of him and the landscape to either side.

Before him stretched the marsh lands of the Flent valley, a broad alluvial plain brought down by the rivers Flent and Greet on their way to the estuary and the sea. From the slight rising ground on which he stood, he could see the great peat mosses about the river mouths, marked here and there by lines of weather beaten trees, or by more solid dots of black which the eye of the inhabitant knew to be peat stacks. Beyond the mosses were level lines of greyish white, where the looping rivers passed into the sea lines more luminous than the sky at this particular moment of a damp March afternoon, because of some otherwise invisible radiance, which, miles away, seemed to be shining upon the water, slipping down to it from behind a curtain of rainy cloud.

Nearer by, on either side of the high road which cut the valley from east to west, were black and melancholy fields, half reclaimed from the peat moss, fields where the water stood in the furrows, or a plough driven deep and left, showed the nature of the heavy waterlogged earth, and the farmer's despair of dealing with it, till the drying winds should come... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books