Kept in the Dark

"Kept in the Dark" by Anthony Trollope is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the life of Cecilia Holt, a young woman whose seemingly idyllic existence is disrupted by the entrance of Sir Francis Geraldine, with whom she becomes engaged. The story explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the consequences of personal choices, particularly through Cecilia's tumultuous relationship with Geraldine and her subsequent internal struggles. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the comfortable life of Cecilia Holt and her widow mother living in Exeter. Although Cecilia initially scoffs at the idea of love, her engagement to Sir Francis ignites a change in her sentiments, leading to her brief period of happiness. However, as the engagement progresses, Cecilia begins to confront Sir Francis's neglect and emerging coldness, eventually leading her to doubt their compatibility. In a bold move, she resolves to end the engagement, creating a ripple effect that not only impacts her life but also alters her views on love, friendship, and self-identity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Anthony Trollope was an English novelist and civil servant of the Victorian era. Among his best-known works is a series of novels collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, which revolves around the imaginary county of Barsetshire. He also wrote novels on political, social, and gender issues, and other topical matters.