The marriage

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

78780

Title

The marriage

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this poignant drama, a newlywed couple faces a devastating revelation that threatens to shatter their happiness. As one partner grapples with a hidden identity and the other struggles with the fear of losing their love, a compassionate doctor offers a lifeline. Ultimately, the story explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the enduring power of love to overcome even the most profound societal and personal barriers.

Summary up to 500 words

In Ann Bannon's *The Marriage*, the narrative centers on Page and Sunny Pringle, a couple whose wedding night is shattered by a devastating revelation: Page is the adopted son of the family he believes he knows, making him and Sunny biological siblings. This discovery renders their marriage legally and morally invalid due to incest, plunging them into a crisis of identity and love. To escape the judgment of their hometown and the crushing weight of their situation, the couple retreats to New York. There, Sunny finds solace in Dr. Richie Settick, a compassionate obstetrician who becomes deeply concerned for her well-being as her pregnancy progresses. The strain of their volatile relationship, marked by guilt, fear, and conflicting desires, intensifies as the reality of their condition sets in. Richie's growing affection for Sunny complicates the emotional landscape, yet he remains a steadfast ally, urging the couple to reconcile and face their future. A pivotal moment arrives when Sunny's parents reveal that Page's biological brother, Roger, was not dead but given up for adoption years ago, explaining the tragic source of their connection. As the story reaches its climax, the couple must decide whether to annul their marriage or fight for their love and the life growing within Sunny. With the support of their friends and the wisdom of their doctor, they navigate the complexities of their situation. The novel concludes with a hopeful resolution, emphasizing that love and understanding can triumph over prejudice and biological fate, allowing the family to embrace their new reality and welcome their child.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78780.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg78780.epub

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2026-07-06 10:29 UTC

Categories

• Romance
• Fiction
• Lesbian Fiction