Linnet: A Romance

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

48296

Title

Linnet: A Romance

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the Tyrol, this romance follows Linnet, a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage to Andreas Hausberger. When a blackmail attempt involving her husband's infidelity fails due to her Catholic faith, a series of violent events ensues, including a murder. Ultimately, Linnet finds redemption and true love with Will Deverill, challenging rigid religious laws against her natural instincts.

Summary up to 500 words

Grant Allen's *Linnet: A Romance* is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Zillerthal in the Tyrol, exploring the conflict between rigid religious dogma and the natural instincts of the human heart. The story introduces Florian Wood, an idealistic but detached critic, and his friend Will Deverill, who arrive in Zell to encounter Linnet, the wife of the wealthy Andreas Hausberger. Linnet is deeply unhappy in her marriage, despising her husband while feeling spiritually bound by Catholic doctrine to remain with him. The plot intensifies with the arrival of 'the Seer,' an American named Joaquin Holmes, who attempts to blackmail Linnet with evidence of her husband's affair with an actress named Philippina. Linnet refuses to sell the compromising letter, citing her faith, leading to a physical struggle. The confrontation is interrupted by Andreas's return, resulting in a violent ejection of the Seer. The narrative takes a dark turn with the introduction of Franz Lindner and Ludwig Dangl, culminating in a tragic leap from a cliff that claims the lives of Franz, Ludwig, and Andreas. Following the tragedy, Linnet mourns her husband and the other victims, feeling isolated among her fellow countrymen who view her only as a great lady rather than a grieving widow. Her solitude is broken by the arrival of her friend Rue, who provides comfort and support. Eventually, Linnet reunites with Will Deverill. Will argues that Linnet's marriage was a 'legalised lie' and that her desire for him aligns with God's true law, not the restrictive interpretations of priests. With a papal dispensation secured, Linnet and Will find happiness, having overcome the conflict between societal expectations and their own nature. The novel serves as a critique of institutions that force individuals to live against their own hearts, suggesting that true morality lies in following one's innate instincts rather than artificial bonds.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Travel