Doctor Cupid: A Novel

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

35548

Title

Doctor Cupid: A Novel

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set against the backdrop of a grand estate, this novel explores the lives of two young sisters navigating social expectations, romantic entanglements, and the stark reality of mortality. With a blend of Victorian charm and poignant sentiment, the story delves into themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory, offering a tender look at the human heart's capacity for both joy and sorrow.

Summary up to 500 words

In Rhoda Broughton's *Doctor Cupid*, the narrative unfolds within the shadow of a magnificent 'Big House,' where two sisters, Margaret and Prue Lambton, navigate the social complexities of their neighborhood. Living in a modest cottage, the sisters manage the domestic chaos and social demands of their wealthier neighbors, including the eccentric Lady Betty Harborough and her household of servants. The story is driven by the presence of Freddy Ducane, a charming suitor who becomes the center of the sisters' social orbit. While Margaret, the elder and more reserved sister, observes with a mix of amusement and melancholy, Prue, the younger and more spirited, eagerly embraces the social whirlwind, particularly her growing affection for Freddy. The plot thickens as the sisters prepare for a grand theatrical evening hosted by the Hartleys, an event eagerly anticipated by Prue. However, beneath the surface of social satire and the lively banter regarding the Hartleys' eccentricities and Lady Betty's dramatic visitors, a tragic undercurrent develops. Prue succumbs to a wasting sickness, marking a sharp turn from the novel's earlier lighthearted tone. The narrative shifts to a poignant depiction of her final days, characterized by hallucinations of spring, blooming flowers, and the comforting presence of Freddy, who appears to her in her dying moments despite his physical absence. Margaret remains by her sister's side through the long, silent nights, witnessing Prue's peaceful passing. The novel captures the Victorian era's blend of social observation and deep sentimental pathos, exploring themes of love, loss, and the endurance of memory. The story concludes with a postscript featuring an anonymous ode to Prue, celebrating her memory and the enduring love that survives death. Through its focus on intimate domestic life and emotional depth, *Doctor Cupid* offers a moving portrait of sisterly devotion and the bittersweet nature of human connection.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg35548.epub

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2026-06-30 06:16 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Welsh Literature