Michael's Crag

"Michael's Crag" by Grant Allen is a novel written in the late 19th century, which explores themes of duty, remorse, and the emotional turmoil associated with personal loss. The story centers around Walter Tyrrel, the conflicted landlord of Penmorgan, who harbors an intense dislike for his ancestral home. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the intricacies of Tyrrel's complex relationship with the picturesque yet haunting Cornish landscape, alongside the looming presence of Michael Trevennack—whose tragic past continues to cast a shadow over Tyrrel’s conscience. The opening of the novel establishes a tense encounter between Eustace Le Neve and Walter Tyrrel, as they stand on a bleak coastal moor. Through their conversation, Tyrrel's troubled feelings towards Penmorgan and the cliffs become apparent, hinting at a mysterious past filled with grief. The two friends discuss the gloomy beauty of the area, and Tyrrel's aversion to the cliffs suggests a deeper fear tied to a tragic event involving the Trevennacks. The chapter introduces a poignant backstory that hints at reckless youth leading to irreversible consequences, setting the stage for a tale intertwined with themes of guilt and fate. As the characters contemplate their surroundings, the stage is set for the eventual intertwining of their lives with the Trevennacks, propelling them toward an inevitable confrontation with their pasts. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Grant Blairfindie Allen was a Canadian science writer and novelist, educated in England. He was a public promoter of evolution in the second half of the nineteenth century.