Between the Dark and the Daylight

"Between the Dark and the Daylight" by William Dean Howells is a romance novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around Matthew Lanfear, a doctor, who finds himself captivated by a mysterious young woman, Miss Gerald, who is grappling with the psychological aftermath of a traumatic event — the death of her mother in an accident. The narrative dives into themes of memory, identity, and the intricacies of human relationships as Lanfear navigates his growing feelings for Miss Gerald while being drawn into her complex situation. At the start of the novel, Lanfear arrives in San Remo to assist a friend with his ailing wife, only to become acquainted with Miss Gerald and her anxious father. The opening scenes introduce their initial interactions, characterized by confusion and a contrast between the serene landscape and the turmoil within Miss Gerald, who has lost her memory of the tragic incident. Despite her tranquil demeanor, it becomes evident that her mental state is fragile, captivating Lanfear, who is torn between professional boundaries and personal attraction. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of Miss Gerald's condition as her father seeks Lanfear's expertise to navigate her affliction, creating tension between the hope for recovery and the fear of reliving painful memories. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters". He was particularly known for his tenure as editor of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as for the novels The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria, and the Christmas story "Christmas Every Day," which was adapted into a 1996 film of the same name.