Cruel as the grave

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23789

Title

Cruel as the grave

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this gripping Victorian gothic novel, newlyweds Lyon and Sybil Berners face a terrifying reality when a law officer arrests Sybil for a crime she did not commit. Forced into a desperate flight across the rugged Virginia landscape, the couple must evade a relentless pursuit while battling Sybil's consuming jealousy and the supernatural terrors of the Haunted Chapel. A tale of passion, betrayal, and suspense.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the atmospheric and often terrifying landscapes of Virginia, Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth's *Cruel as the Grave* presents a melodramatic tale of romance, social class, and supernatural dread. The narrative centers on Lyon Berners and Sybil Berners, a young couple whose idyllic honeymoon is abruptly shattered by a sudden arrest. Sybil, a proud heiress from Black Hall, is accused of a heinous crime by a law officer who boards their ship and declares her a prisoner. Despite Lyon's desperate pleas and his willingness to sacrifice his own life, Sybil is forced to flee, initiating a tense chase sequence through the dark, mountainous terrain of the Black Valley. Accompanied by their loyal servant, Joe, the couple attempts to escape the pursuing authorities. Their flight is punctuated by eerie sounds, such as the roaring of the Black Torrent, and the ominous presence of the Haunted Chapel, a place of refuge that transforms into a site of terror. During their harrowing journey, Sybil's internal struggle intensifies; she is plagued by a profound sense of 'darkness and coldness' and a paralyzing fear that Lyon's love might wane. This insecurity is exacerbated by the arrival of Rosa Blondelle, a beautiful stranger whom Lyon admires, seeding a 'bitter, bitter seed of jealousy' that threatens to destroy their union. Seeking safety, the fugitives eventually reach the Haunted Chapel. Sybil is moved there while unconscious, only to be woken in a panic by spectral figures who drag her into a vault, leaving her to the mercy of her captors. The novel explores themes of unchecked passion, the dangers of social ambition, and the supernatural elements characteristic of Southworth's gothic style. The story builds to a climax involving a 'fatal crisis' and a 'ghastly procession,' promising a resolution where the couple faces the ultimate consequences of their flight and the formidable forces arrayed against them. It stands as a substantial tale of romance turned to horror, typical of the author's dramatic storytelling.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• American Literature