3 Review(s)

The novel follows the lives of two young women, Cytherea Graye and her friend Miss Aldclyffe. Cytherea, an orphan, takes up a position as a lady's maid in Miss Aldclyffe's household. However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that there are hidden connections and secrets between the characters.The plot of "Desperate Remedies" revolves around love, deception, and mistaken identities. Cytherea becomes entangled in a complicated romantic situation involving a suitor named Edward Springrove and his rival, Owen Graye. The narrative unfolds with twists and turns as the characters' lives intersect and their destinies become increasingly intertwined.Hardy explores themes of fate, social class, and the constraints placed on individuals by societal expectations. He also touches upon the notion of the "desperate remedies" that characters resort to in order to achieve their desires and navigate the challenges they face.As a sensation novel, "Desperate Remedies" incorporates elements of mystery and suspense. It showcases Hardy's early storytelling skills and displays the influence of popular Victorian novelists such as Wilkie Collins. However, it is worth noting that this novel does not possess the same level of literary complexity and depth as some of Hardy's later works.