Kept in the Dark

By Anthony Trollope

Book Overview

Anthony Trollope, master of Victorian social fiction, delves into the complexities of marriage and relationships in "Kept in the Dark." This meticulously prepared edition allows readers to experience Trollope's nuanced portrayal of domestic life within the confines of 19th-century society. A classic exploration of love, secrets, and the intricate dance between husbands and wives, this novel offers a window into a world where appearances often mask deeper truths. "Kept in the Dark" examines the delicate balance of power within a marriage, offering insights into the challenges and expectations faced by women of the era. With its focus on character and social dynamics, this story resonates with enduring themes of trust, betrayal, and the search for happiness. Perfect for readers interested in literary fiction, romance, and the lives of women in the Victorian era.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023161125
• ISBN13: 9781023161121
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 170 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A fun, easy-to-read Trollope

Not as much politics as in most Trollope books, so an easy, fast read, and immensely entertaining and satisfying.

Kept in the Dark (Kindle edition)

Kept in the Dark by Anthony Trollope. Published by MobileReference (mobi). Trollope uses this novel to show that honesty and integrity are not just virtues - they are essentials. Trollope's characters come to the end of this short novel stronger, more true, and still married. And those who are untrue are exposed along the way.

Secrets and the strength of love

One of Trollope's later and shorter novels, this tells the story of a woman who keeps secret from her husband a previous engagement to another man; when he finally finds out about it he leaves her. What happens is this: Cecilia Holt decides to break off her engagement to the neglectful Sir Francis Geraldine. Later she meets and falls in love with George Western, who has also been jilted; he tells her about his past, but she doesn't reveal hers to him, and then they marry. But Sir Francis writes to Western and spills the beans; appalled by Cecilia's silence and soon suspicious of her motives, leaves her. By the end all is made right by Western's sister Lady Grant. The central episode that drives the novel seems like a mountain made out of a molehill today, but Cecilia Holt is an excellently drawn character - strong and determined (maybe too much so). She refuses Western's money after he leaves her and expects him to apologize to her when he returns. Trollope's realism is in full control when at the end Cecilia has romantic notions regarding Western's return, but Trollope will have none of it; Western's stoicism is something Cecilia is just going to have to accept. Some of the secondary scenes, especially those involving Sir Francis and Miss Altifiorla, are quite humorous. This novel doesn't rank with Trollope's very best work, but it's still entertaining and interesting in its own way.

an affirmation of marriage

An editorial review mentioned that this is a story about the near-destruction of a marriage. I see it, rather, as the affirmation of true marriage. Both the hero and heroine--having been misled about the character of previous betrothal connections must overcome feelings of distrust and personal pride to come to a true understanding . . . Trollope uses this novel to show that honesty and integrity are not just virtues; they are essentials. In a time when so many best-sellers end in divorce, Trollope's characters come to the end of this short novel stronger and more true--and still married. And those who are untrue are exposed along the way.