Kenelm Chillingly — Volume 08

"Kenelm Chillingly — Volume 08" by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton is a novel written during the mid-19th century. The story centers on Kenelm Chillingly, a young man caught in a web of familial expectations and romantic longings, as he navigates the complexities of love, societal norms, and personal identity while dealing with the tensions between his desires and those of his parents. The opening of the book reveals Sir Peter, Kenelm's father, grappling with emotional turmoil following the reading of a letter from Kenelm that hints at a romantic disappointment. The scene unfolds in a breakfast setting, where Sir Peter's distress is subtly noted by other characters, including Lady Chillingly and her daughter Cecilia. Through the interactions, we see Sir Peter's conflicting loyalties between conforming to traditional expectations of a suitable match for his son and the deep concern for Kenelm's happiness, especially as he reacts to indications that his son has chosen a love unmatched by social status. Following this, we are introduced to themes of love, duty, and personal freedom, setting the stage for Kenelm's journey toward self-discovery and romantic fulfillment amidst societal pressures. (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.