In "Strangers And Pilgrims" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, readers are taken on a captivating journey filled with mystery, romance, and suspense. The complex characters and intricate plot keep you engaged from beginning to end, as you try to unravel the secrets and motives of each character.

Braddon's vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, transporting you to the picturesque English countryside and bustling streets of London. The storyline is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you try to piece together the puzzle.

The themes of love, betrayal, and redemption are woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, adding depth and richness to the story. The author's writing style is eloquent and engaging, drawing you in and making you feel like you are a part of the characters' world.

Overall, "Strangers And Pilgrims" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Braddon has once again proven herself to be a master storyteller, and this novel is a testament to her talent.

Book Description:
Strangers and Pilgrims follows the journey of Elizabeth Lutterell from a vain, beautiful and self-centred although good-hearted 19 year old to a mature woman. She begins her journey to maturity when she meets the Rev. Malcolm Forde, whose influence opens her eyes to the trivial and selfish ways of the wealthier levels of society. When her genuine love for Malcolm Forde is thwarted and she becomes trapped in a cold, loveless marriage of convenience, she suffers illness, tragedy and regret. Will she find ultimate happiness?

A hugely prolific and popular author, M. E. Braddon was known as the “queen of the Sensation Novel” because of the taboo social subjects in some of her novels. In her own life she courted scandal by living in a de facto relationship with her publisher and becoming mother to six children and also step-mother to five of his children – his wife reportedly being in an asylum in Ireland, although her family denied this. In this novel, published about a year after the wife’s reported death, the scenes dealing with mental illness, its treatment and the difficulties of those seeking divorce are well observed, perhaps from the personal experiences of the author.