Lothair

"Lothair" by Benjamin Disraeli is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story opens with the introduction of characters within the affluent and distinguished setting of the Brentham estate, where the duchess fondly reminisces about a boy named Lothair, the orphaned son of her deceased friend. The narrative hints at the complexities surrounding Lothair's upbringing and the influence of his guardians on his character and education, setting the stage for intertwining personal dynamics and societal issues that will unfold throughout the plot. The opening of the book features lively interactions among members of the ducal family and their visitors, particularly focusing on Lothair's background as a posthumous child raised under strict guardianship. Initially depicted as shy and awkward, Lothair gradually forms connections with the family, notably with Lady Corisande, suggesting a deepening emotional theme that will likely play a significant role in his development. The mix of earnest dialogues and character observations introduces readers to the various societal dynamics and expectations of the period, whilst foreshadowing the tensions that Lothair will face as he navigates his identity within these circumstances. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, was a British statesman, Conservative politician and writer who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He played a central role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party, defining its policies and its broad outreach. Disraeli is remembered for his influential voice in world affairs, his political battles with the Liberal Party leader William Ewart Gladstone, and his one-nation conservatism or "Tory democracy". He made the Conservatives the party most identified with the British Empire and military action to expand it, both of which were popular among British voters. He is the only British Prime Minister to have been born Jewish.