Kerfol 1916

"Kerfol" by Edith Wharton is a short story written in the early 20th century. This tale melds elements of gothic fiction and psychological drama, exploring themes of love, loneliness, and the supernatural. Set in a desolate, atmospheric mansion in Brittany, the story delves into the haunting legacy of past tragedies and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative follows an unnamed narrator who visits the eerie estate of Kerfol, intrigued by its desolate beauty and dark history. He learns about the tragic tale of Anne de Cornault, who marries the strict lord of Kerfol, Yves de Cornault. Their marriage becomes suffocating, as Anne's husband controls her every move, leading to her loneliness exacerbated by a series of tragic events involving their beloved dogs. Following the mysterious death of Yves, Anne becomes embroiled in a courtroom drama where her sanity is questioned, as she claims that ghostly dogs were present during the murder. Ultimately, the story hints at themes of isolation and the haunting echoes of the past, leaving readers with a chilling reflection on the nature of love and loyalty. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edith Newbold Wharton was an American writer and designer. Wharton drew upon her insider's knowledge of the upper-class New York "aristocracy" to portray, realistically, the lives and morals of the Gilded Age. In 1921, she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, for her novel, The Age of Innocence. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, in 1996. Her other well-known works are The House of Mirth, the novella Ethan Frome, and several notable ghost stories.