Autorentext

Richard Marsh, a pseudonym used by English author Richard Bernard Heldmann, was born on October 12, 1857, and died on August 9, 1915. Author of numerous best-selling books during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Marsh is most known today for his supernatural thriller The Beetle, which came out the same year as Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) and was initially sold six times more than the latter book. The Beetle was published until 1960. In addition to writing many short tales, Marsh authored about 80 volumes of fiction in the horror, crime, romance, and humor genres. Starting with The Beetle in 2004, many of these have been reissued in the last few years. Robert Aickman was a well-known author of short "strange stories" and the grandson of Marsh. On October 12, 1857, Richard Bernard Heldmann was born in North London, the son of lace manufacturer Emma Marsh (1830 1911) and trader Joseph Heldmann (1827 96). In 1880, Heldmann started releasing fiction in the style of adventure and boys' school tales for magazine publications. The most significant of these was Union Jack, a prestigious weekly journal for boys published in association with writers W.H.G. Kingston (1814 80) and G. A. Henty (1832 1902).

Klappentext

A Woman Perfected is a novel that delves into the intricate layers of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal struggles. The narrative begins with a sudden and life-changing event that leaves a man incapacitated, prompting his daughter to take charge of their lives while grappling with the mysteries of her father's hidden past. As she navigates the complexities of wealth, family legacy, and her own desires, she is confronted with the tension between paternal control and her pursuit of independence. The novel explores the tension between personal ambitions and the weight of familial duty, emphasizing the struggles of women in balancing societal roles with self-identity. Through suspenseful developments, the story gradually uncovers dark secrets that shake the foundations of the family and question the moral fabric of its members. The journey through this unfolding mystery is one of self-discovery, emotional turmoil, and the revelation of truths that forever alter the course of the characters' lives.