Ernest Maltravers — Volume 05

"Ernest Maltravers — Volume 05" by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton is a novel crafted during the Victorian era, a period known for its rich literary output and exploration of complex social themes. The book traces the journey of the titular character, Ernest Maltravers, as he navigates the turbulent waters of societal expectations, personal ambition, and the quest for love, grappling with his identity and purpose in a rapidly changing world. In this volume, Maltravers re-enters London society after a period spent abroad, initially full of hope but soon finding himself disillusioned by its superficial pleasures. As he moves among notable figures, he reflects on the emptiness he perceives in their lives and is ultimately drawn back to his past reminiscences, particularly regarding Alice Darvil and the enigmatic Valerie de Ventadour. The storyline unfolds through his interactions and contemplations, revealing Maltravers's inner conflicts and desires as he struggles with the dichotomy between fame and genuine connection, ambition and personal fulfillment. His literary pursuits earn him a reputation, yet he feels increasingly alienated from those around him, culminating in poignant moments of introspection and unresolved romantic tensions that linger throughout the narrative. (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.