The Secret City

"The Secret City" by Hugh Walpole is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story delves into the intricacies of Russian psychology as observed through the lens of English characters, particularly highlighting the experiences and sentiments of young Henry Bohun, who arrives in Petrograd during a time of turmoil and distrust. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Henry Bohun, who has just traveled to Petrograd, filled with romantic notions regarding Russia. However, he quickly finds himself feeling out of place and isolated, especially in the company of the Markovitch family, who have taken him in as a lodger. The opening chapters explore his initial disillusionment with the realities of Russian life compared to his expectations. He encounters important figures such as Vera Michailovna and her sister Nina while navigating the complexities of foreign interactions. As Bohun grapples with his identity and seeks acceptance, the novel presents a vivid portrayal of the era's cultural and social dynamics, setting the stage for deeper character development and thematic exploration. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Hugh Seymour Walpole, CBE was an English novelist. He was the son of an Anglican clergyman, intended for a career in the church but drawn instead to writing. Among those who encouraged him were the authors Henry James and Arnold Bennett. His skill at scene-setting and vivid plots, as well as his high profile as a lecturer, brought him a large readership in the United Kingdom and North America. He was a best-selling author in the 1920s and 1930s but has been largely neglected since his death.