3 Review(s)

A charming novel based on the theme of ‘deceit’. Locksley went into seaside retreat upon discovering that his fiancée Josephine was marrying him for his money. There he meets Esther Blunt with who he falls in love. Living with the Blunts, he conceals his identity and about being wealthy. Whilst he was ill, Esther read his diaries. Later on, Locksley marries Esther, but dies at the age of only thirty-five. The end is surprising opening different layers of pretense. This is an early work by Henry James, first appeared in 1866.