'Lost for Love' Summary

Lost for Love by Mary Elizabeth Braddon is a novel about a young woman named Flora Everard who is lost in the world, both literally and figuratively. Flora is orphaned at a young age and is forced to live with her cruel and uncaring aunt. She dreams of a better life, but she feels trapped and powerless. One day, Flora meets a mysterious stranger named Cuthbert Ollivant, and her life is changed forever.

Ollivant is a kind and compassionate man who sees the good in Flora that she cannot see in herself. He falls in love with her, and she falls in love with him. But their happiness is short-lived when Flora discovers a dark secret about Ollivant's past.

Ollivant was once married to a woman named Marian, who is now presumed dead. However, Flora discovers that Marian is actually alive and that she has been living with Ollivant under a false identity. Flora is heartbroken and feels betrayed. She leaves Ollivant and returns to her aunt's house.

Flora is determined to forget about Ollivant and start her life over again. But she cannot deny her love for him. She eventually confronts Ollivant and he explains that he left Marian because she was unfaithful to him. He also tells Flora that he loves her and that he wants to marry her.

Flora is torn between her love for Ollivant and the truth about his past. She must decide whether to stay with him or to leave him and start her life over again.

Essence and Spirit

The essence of Lost for Love is the conflict between love and betrayal. Flora is forced to choose between her love for Ollivant and the truth about his past. The novel explores the complex nature of love and the challenges that people face when they fall in love with someone who is not who they seem to be.

The spirit of Lost for Love is one of hope and redemption. Flora is a survivor who overcomes many challenges in her life. She learns to trust herself and to follow her heart. The novel is a reminder that love can conquer all, even when it is tested to the limit.

Conclusion

Lost for Love is a classic love story that is still relevant today. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.