Beyond These Voices

"Beyond These Voices" by M. E. Braddon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces Lady Felicia Disbrowe, a proud but financially struggling woman, and her daughter, Cara, who becomes infatuated with Lancelot Davis, a poet. Faced with societal pressures and the distinctions of class and wealth, their lives take a tumultuous turn, shaped by love, loss, and the burdens of familial expectation. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Lady Felicia and her struggles after the death of her husband, Captain Cunningham, leaving her to raise Cara with limited means. The narrative explores Cara's beauty and her mother's aspirations for her to secure a wealthy marriage. However, Cara defies these expectations by falling for the handsome yet financially unstable poet, Lancelot Davis. In their passionate romance, which comes at a price, the themes of love versus societal norms are intricately woven, reflecting the complexities and consequences of their choices. The beginning sets the stage for a poignant exploration of familial relationships, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness amidst adversity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Elizabeth Braddon was an English popular novelist of the Victorian era. She is best known for her 1862 sensation novel Lady Audley's Secret, which has also been dramatised and filmed several times.