The Disowned — Volume 01

“The Disowned — Volume 01” by Edward Bulwer Lytton is a novel written during the early 19th century. The book introduces readers to a young, adventurous protagonist whose journey leads him to encounter a vibrant gypsy community, emphasizing themes of freedom, identity, and the contrast between societal expectations and the allure of wanderlust. As the story unfolds, the main character, Clarence Linden, grapples with his heritage, societal disconnection, and aspirations for success that shape his narrative. The opening of the novel sets a picturesque scene of a warm evening in the English countryside, where the youthful Clarence meets a tall stranger—identified as a gypsy—on his way to the town of W----. Their conversation reveals Clarence’s spirited nature as he sings a joyful tune and shares an eagerness to escape the confines of society. The gypsy invites him to join his tribe for the night, leading to a lively feast filled with camaraderie and laughter. As the young traveler settles into the gypsy lifestyle, he discovers the warmth and freedom that the life of a wanderer can offer, contrasting sharply with his own feelings of abandonment and the pressures of his past. This introduction establishes both Clarence’s charming character and the deep-seated desire for adventure and belonging that will drive the unfolding story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton,, was an English writer and politician. He served as a Whig member of Parliament from 1831 to 1841 and a Conservative from 1851 to 1866. He was Secretary of State for the Colonies from June 1858 to June 1859, choosing Richard Clement Moody as founder of British Columbia. He was created Baron Lytton of Knebworth in 1866.