About this Book

The Last of the Mortimers by Mrs. Oliphant is a captivating tale of family secrets, inheritance, and unexpected revelations. Set in the mid-19th century, this novel revolves around the lives of two elderly sisters, Sarah and Elizabeth Mortimer, the last surviving members of an old and once-prosperous family. Despite their shared heritage, the sisters live estranged under the same roof, each harboring her own hidden past and unresolved tensions.

Their quiet existence is disrupted when a mysterious visitor, Louis, arrives claiming to be related to them through a long-lost branch of the family. His arrival brings with it a tangled web of secrets, and the story unfolds through the perspectives of both sisters and Louis, offering a multifaceted view of their strained relationships, family pride, and the consequences of past decisions.

The Last of the Mortimers is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, focusing on themes of love, regret, and the decline of a once-great family. Mrs. Oliphant skillfully weaves a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally rich, capturing the social expectations of the time, as well as the personal struggles of her characters. The novel’s Gothic undertones, combined with its focus on personal relationships and morality, add depth and intrigue to the storyline.

Readers are drawn to The Last of the Mortimers for its intricate character development and its portrayal of the complex emotional landscapes within families. Mrs. Oliphant’s keen insight into human nature, coupled with her ability to create suspense through domestic drama, makes this novel a compelling read for anyone interested in Victorian literature and family sagas. The themes of loyalty, identity, and the impact of time on relationships resonate deeply, making it a timeless story with universal appeal.