Lodore, Vol. 1 (of 3)

"Lodore, Vol. 1 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Fitzhenry family, highlighting their genteel existence amid social challenges and personal dramas in England and America. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for identity, featuring characters such as the noble yet troubled Lord Lodore and his devoted sister Elizabeth, as well as his daughter Ethel, who represents innocence and hope. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the quiet village of Longfield, Essex, where Elizabeth Fitzhenry resides, burdened by family misfortunes and the absence of her brother, Lord Lodore. As she reminisces about her past and expresses her longing for his return, the narrative shifts to Lodore, who has sought refuge in the American wilderness, grappling with his own restlessness and remorse. He is depicted as a man who has fled from the chaos of aristocratic life, yet remains haunted by unresolved feelings. The excerpt sets the stage for a story rich in emotional depth, exploring the impact of familial bonds and the trials of love against the backdrop of societal expectations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an English novelist who wrote the Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818), which is considered an early example of science fiction. She also edited and promoted the works of her husband, the Romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley. Her father was the political philosopher William Godwin and her mother was the philosopher and women's rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft.