Bessy Rane: A Novel

"Bessy Rane: A Novel" by Mrs. Henry Wood is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Dr. Oliver Rane, a medical practitioner who is called to attend to a young man named Edmund North, who falls critically ill after receiving an anonymous letter revealing damaging information about him. The narrative explores themes of mystery, societal scrutiny, and personal tragedy, while introducing a range of characters, particularly Bessy North, who is intertwined in the unfolding drama surrounding her family. At the start of the novel, the intensity of the night adds to the urgency as Dr. Rane rushes to Dallory Hall after hearing about Edmund North's condition. Delving into the backstory, we learn about the anonymous letter that has sparked a fierce confrontation between Edmund and his family's trusted surgeon, Mr. Alexander. This altercation leads to Edmund's collapse, raising questions about the implications of the letter's contents and the motivations behind its writing. As Dr. Rane navigates the complexities of his professional responsibilities and his personal ties to the North family, the opening establishes a tense atmosphere filled with intrigue, setting the stage for the unfolding of relationships and secrets that define the characters' fates. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ellen Price was an English novelist better known as Mrs. Henry Wood. She is best remembered for her 1861 novel East Lynne. Many of her books sold well internationally and were widely read in the United States. In her time, she surpassed Charles Dickens in fame in Australia.