'A Strange Story' is an extraordinary testament to the belief in and fascination with the Occult and spiritualism that was prevalent in nineteenth century society, and reflects Bulwer Lytton's own particular views. The young hero, Doctor Allen Fenwick, is utterly unable to counteract the malign influence of the sinister mesmerist Margrave over his beloved, the mystical Lilian, by scientific methods - will this lead him to put aside his rationalist creed and embrace the notion of a world beyond our own?
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'A Strange Story' is an extraordinary testament to the belief in and fascination with the Occult and spiritualism that was prevalent in nineteenth century society, and reflects Bulwer Lytton's own particular views. The young hero, Doctor Allen Fenwick, is utterly unable to counteract the malign influence of the sinister mesmerist Margrave over his beloved, the mystical Lilian, by scientific methods - will this lead him to put aside his rationalist creed and embrace the notion of a world beyond our own?
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After reading this I find it hard to believe Edward Bulwer-Lytton has a bad writing contest associated with his name. He was a skillful writer and a wonderful story-teller.
The novel is told from the perspective of Dr. Allan Fenwicke, a rational materialist. He publically debunks the spiritualist beliefs of his fellow physician Dr. Lloyd, and thereby hastens his colleague's demise. Soon after, the Mysterious enters Dr. Fenwicke's logical life in the form of the lovely and dreamy Lillian and the wickedly amoral Mr. Margrave.
Mr. Margrave may or may not be the evil Louis Grayle made young again with black magic. But our hero Dr. Fenwicke will brave all to rescue his Lillian.
The book a real page turner. You don't know until the last page if all will turn out well for Allan.