A Life's Secret: A Novel

"A Life's Secret: A Novel" by Mrs. Henry Wood is a work of fiction written in the late 19th century. The story opens in Ketterford, England, showcasing various characters such as Austin Clay, a promising young builder’s apprentice, and Miss Gwinn, a mysterious woman rumored to be mad. The novel hints at themes of love, societal expectations, and the impact of secrets on personal lives. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Austin Clay, who is now out of his apprenticeship with Mr. Thornimett, a builder. The setting illustrates the relationship between Austin and the Thornimett family, who took him in after he lost his parents. As Austin goes about his holiday, he encounters Miss Gwinn, who accuses a stranger, Mr. Henry Hunter, of something hidden in their past. This interaction is charged with mystery and foreshadows the entangled relationships that will unfold throughout the story, emphasizing the idea that secrets often lead to unforeseen consequences. As events unfold, the foreshadowing hints at potential conflicts and resolutions tied to the characters' pasts, as well as their aspirations for the future. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ellen Price was an English novelist better known as Mrs. Henry Wood. She is best remembered for her 1861 novel East Lynne. Many of her books sold well internationally and were widely read in the United States. In her time, she surpassed Charles Dickens in fame in Australia.