The Lost Girl

By D.H. Lawrence, Richard Aldington, John Worthen

Book Overview

"The Lost Girl" is a compelling exploration of social class, personal rebellion, and the search for identity in early 20th-century England and Italy. The story follows Alvina Houghton, a woman trapped by the suffocating conventions of her provincial upbringing in the mining town of Woodhouse. As her father's business ventures fail, Alvina faces a life of stagnation as a "lost girl"-one who remains unmarried and without prospects. Her fate takes a dramatic turn when she joins a traveling theater troupe and becomes entangled with Cicio, an enigmatic Italian performer.

This encounter leads her away from the familiar constraints of English society toward the rugged, untamed landscapes of the Italian Abruzzo. David Herbert Lawrence masterfully captures the internal conflict of a woman torn between her sense of duty and a visceral desire for freedom. Rich in psychological insight and evocative descriptions, "The Lost Girl" remains a significant work in Lawrence's canon, showcasing his unique perspective on the complexities of human relationships and the transformative power of the natural world.

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 was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

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.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025811542
• ISBN13: 9781025811543
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 386 Pages
• Weight: 1.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Wonderful Find

This book was given to me on the last day of High School in 1972 by a girl friend. I've kept this book ever since and it ranks up there with my all time favorite books even though I agree with one other reviewer that this is not the best example of Lawrence's work. However, with that said, this book also has a heart and tenderness that really meant something to me. I'm amazed no one has ever written a screenplay of this work since it's worth it. It was the only book Lawrence ever won a prize for, which says something about it. Take a chance and read it.

Extroidinary Novel

This book was beautifully and passionately written. It is a love story unique and philosophical. Do we choose our own fates? Alvina will tell you.

Soul Searching

Just like SISTER CARRIE, THE LOST GIRL is about a young woman searching for her place in the world. Meaning, floucing from one man to another, flirting, playing, getting engaged then dashing away for fun. And just like JEANNIE GERHARDT, this old man gets herself in trouble.But the most fascinating part of this book is it's glimps into her background. How she was brought up in a wealthy and rich household, only to try out different occupations against her father's wishes, then ends up as a lower classed female in life. Very tragic.

A Touching, Soul-Searching Novel

I recently got done reading this wonderful, yet forgotten novel of Lawrence's. Truly compelling in it's intricate details of a young woman trying to find herself. Literally. She goes on the 'universal' self journey and discovers that she was lost and finally finds her identity and sensuality in the man she loves. D.H. Lawrence has a wonderful way of not wrapping up the ending in a nice,neat little package. As always, Lawrence is the ultimate man of mystery, sensual needs and desires. A "must read" for those who love to read Lawrence and for those who never have!