The Great House

A historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. Set primarily in 19th-century France and England, the story begins with Mary Audley, a young woman navigating her precarious situation as the daughter of an artist and a dependent figure in a Polish household. The narrative sheds light on themes of social class, identity, and belonging through her experiences and interactions with the other characters, particularly as she starts to encounter her estranged English relatives. At the start of the narrative, we meet Mary Audley, who spends her 20th birthday in a poverty-stricken dormitory, reflecting on her isolation and yearning for a more fulfilling life. After learning about a potential connection to her uncle in England, she faces a whirlwind of emotions as she prepares to leave France for her new life. During her journey, she receives unexpected kindness from her English cousin, Lord Audley, which influences her perspective on family and belonging. Meanwhile, the backdrop of social and political turmoil sets the stage for further developments in Mary’s interactions with her relatives and her quest for a sense of purpose.