St. Martin's Eve: A Novel

"St. Martin's Eve: A Novel" by Mrs. Henry Wood is a Victorian novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly around the contrasts of duty and affection after the death of a beloved spouse. The story follows George Carleton St. John, who is reeling from the death of his young wife shortly after the birth of their son, Benjamin, as he navigates the challenges of starting anew while grappling with societal expectations and personal grief. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the somber atmosphere at Alnwick Hall, where the young wife, Caroline Carleton St. John, is on her deathbed shortly after giving birth. As George experiences the pain of impending loss, thoughts of a future without her weigh heavily on him. The arrival of various household members highlights the emotional turmoil and the stillness juxtaposed with the bustle surrounding the events of life and death. Meanwhile, the narrative hints at Mrs. Darling's ambitions for her daughter Charlotte, who stands at the precipice of romance with the widowed master of Alnwick Hall. The stage is set for a tale of complex interpersonal dynamics filled with jealousy, love, and the quest for happiness against a backdrop of loss. (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.