3 Review(s)

The story of "A Mortal Antipathy" centers around the character of Maurice Kirkwood, a successful and accomplished young man. However, Maurice harbors a deep-seated aversion to a woman named Elsie Venner, which he cannot explain. This intense antipathy colors his interactions with Elsie and significantly affects his emotional life.The novel delves into the psychological and emotional complexities of Maurice's character, his past experiences, and the reasons behind his antipathy toward Elsie. It also explores themes of love, identity, and the impact of past traumas on the present.Elsie Venner, a character who had previously appeared in Holmes's earlier novel of the same name, makes a return in "A Mortal Antipathy." Her presence and her own mysterious background play a significant role in Maurice's emotional journey.Holmes's writing in this novel is characterized by its introspective and psychological depth. He delves into the inner workings of the human mind and explores the nature of emotions and personal antipathies. The novel is considered one of Holmes's contributions to the genre of psychological fiction in American literature.