Set in Victorian England, The Heir of Redclyffe tells the story of Guy Morville, the young heir to the country estate of Redclyffe. Following the death of his grandfather Guy comes to live with his relations the Edmonstone’s of Hollywell Hall where he falls in love with the youngest daughter Amy. The Morville’s have a dark reputation for rage and violence, a character trait Guy is afraid he has inherited. With the help of Mrs. Edmonstone, Guy struggles to overcome his dark side. While Guy is embraced by his new family, his cousin Philip, an army officer with little inheritance, raises suspicions about the true nature of Guy’s character, while carrying on a covert affair with Any’s sister Laura. The feud between Philip and Guy leads to a dramatic conclusion.

The Heir of Redclyffe treats themes of faith, love, betrayal, redemption, and self-sacrifice. First published in 1853 it was the best-selling novel of the nineteenth-century. Inspired by its story, artists William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones, among others, adopted the novel as ‘a pattern for actual life.’

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Unfortunately Charlotte Mary Yonge's books have been a little forgotten by the publishing industry and you will need to look around the internet for the most affordable copy. If you do not mind reading digital version then you can get her books for free through the Project Gutenberg. The books are well worth reading nevertheless!

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