Mad: A Story of Dust and Ashes by George Manville Fenn
"Mad: A Story of Dust and Ashes" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around Septimus Hardon, a complex character whose physical awkwardness contrasts sharply with his rich inner life and unfulfilled love for Mary Grey, the widow of his childhood friend. The book explores themes of love, social standing, and the struggles of a man grappling with familial obligations and unacknowledged longing.
The opening of the novel introduces Septimus Hardon, whose unusual appearance provokes a complex mix of self-doubt and resilience. Raised by an irascible father who is consumed with writing about political reform, Septimus feels inadequately appreciated and trapped in his domestic life. As he silently pines for Mary Grey, who has become his childhood friend's wife, his anguish deepens upon the tragic news of her husband's demise. The initial chapters establish Septimus's tender devotion to Mary and his relentless efforts to support her following her husband’s death, embodying the torment of unexpressed feelings and consequent emotional turmoil. Amid the backdrop of societal expectations and familial conflict, Septimus navigates through despair and longing that shape his identity and sense of purpose. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Fenn, George Manville, 1831-1909 |
|---|---|
| Title | Mad: A Story of Dust and Ashes |
| Credits | Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 67.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PR: Language and Literatures: English literature |
| Subject | Fiction |
| Category | Text |
| EBook-No. | 35367 |
| Release Date | Feb 23, 2011 |
| Copyright Status | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 559 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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