Robert Orange / Being a Continuation of the History of Robert Orange

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27997

Title

Robert Orange / Being a Continuation of the History of Robert Orange

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Victorian London, this novel explores the turbulent inner lives of the aristocratic Lady Sara and the introspective Robert Orange. Blending romance, social satire, and psychological depth, it examines themes of duty versus desire, the constraints of class, and the complexities of human emotion against a backdrop of high society and personal crisis.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Robert Orange*, John Oliver Hobbes presents a poignant critique of Victorian aristocracy through the intertwined lives of Lady Sara-Louise-Tatiana-Valérie De Treverell and Robert Orange. Sara, the only child of the Earl of Garrow, is a woman of intense emotions and a calculating nature, torn between her deep love for her father and her disdain for the advantages his status provides. She faces a pressing proposal of marriage from the wealthy Duke of Marshire, whom she rejects not out of lack of affection, but because she refuses to settle for mediocrity or a life devoid of power. Instead, her mind is captivated by Robert Orange, a man of humble origins and complex character whose authenticity disrupts her carefully ordered world. Parallel to Sara's turmoil is Robert's internal journey. Following a period of profound grief and despair over a lost love, he retreats into solitude, documenting his thoughts in a journal before resolving to silence his feelings and focus on his work. His transformation from a man broken by heartbreak to one of stoic resolve forms a central pillar of the novel. As Sara becomes disillusioned with the hypocritical ambitions of the "great world," she finds herself drawn to Robert's force and authenticity. Their paths crossing again leads to a confrontation of their conflicting worlds, exploring the dichotomy of loving one's advantages while despising them. The narrative also delves into the lives of other characters, such as the devoted but suffering Beauclerk and the spirited Agnes Carillon. Their relationships highlight the novel's exploration of love, sacrifice, and the tragic consequences of societal expectations. Through vivid descriptions of London life and intimate character studies, Hobbes portrays Sara as a figure of passion and calculation, capable of both self-abandoning enthusiasm and egoism. The novel serves as a profound meditation on the human condition, questioning the nature of liberty, the limits of convention, and the often painful necessity of choosing between duty and personal happiness. Ultimately, the story offers a sympathetic yet critical look at the constraints placed upon women and men of the era, suggesting that true fulfillment often requires defying the rigid structures of society.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27997.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27997.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-06-29 22:29 UTC

Categories

• Religion
• Fiction