009 - Chapter IX

Vera (1921) by Elizabeth von Arnim is a darkly comedic exploration of her tumultuous second marriage to Earl Russell, offering a sharp critique of the romantic illusions that lead wives to tolerate their husbands tyrannies. This unromantic tale weaves a narrative that foreshadows Daphne du Mauriers Rebecca. Naive Lucy Entwhistle finds herself swept into marriage with widower Everard Wemyss, whose imposing mansion, The Willows, is haunted by the ghost of his late wife, Vera—an obsession that consumes Lucy. The households servants play both sides, cleverly undermining Everards oppressive routines. With its extraordinarily bleak yet humor-infused portrayal of marriage, the novel showcases Von Arnims sharp wit and concise storytelling.