Publisher's Synopsis
The Massarenes is a novel by Ouida, originally published in 1897. The story follows the lives of the Massarene family, a wealthy and aristocratic English family who reside in their ancestral home, Wrayth. The family consists of the patriarch, Sir Victor Massarene, his wife Lady Maude, and their three children, Lady Ursula, Lord Beltran, and Lady Enid. The novel explores the themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal as the Massarene family navigates their way through the social and political landscape of late 19th century England. Sir Victor is a respected politician and member of the House of Lords, but he is also a philanderer who has had numerous affairs throughout his marriage. Lady Maude is aware of her husband's infidelities but chooses to turn a blind eye to them in order to maintain the family's social standing. The story takes a dramatic turn when Lady Ursula falls in love with a young artist named Cecil Burleigh, who is not of the same social class as the Massarenes. Despite her family's objections, Ursula marries Cecil and is disowned by her father. Meanwhile, Lord Beltran becomes involved in a scandalous affair with a married woman, which threatens to ruin the family's reputation. As the novel progresses, the Massarene family faces a series of challenges and tragedies that force them to confront their own flaws and weaknesses. Through it all, they must learn to navigate the complex world of high society while remaining true to themselves and their values. Overall, The Massarenes is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that offers a vivid portrait of Victorian England and the complexities of family life.1897. English author, pseudonym of Marie Louise de la Ramee, she was a prolific writer of flamboyant, romantic tales, the best of which are Under Two Flags, Moths, and In Maremma. Her stories for children include Two Little Wooden Shoes, Bimbi, and the well-known Dog of Flanders. The Massarenes begins: Mouse, said her husband to Lady Kenilworth, one morning at Homburg, do you see that large pale woman over there, with a face like a crumpled whitey-brown paper bag? Lady Kenilworth looked. Yes, she said impatiently. Yes. Well?-what?-why? Well, she rolls-she absolutely rolls-wallows-biggest pile ever made out West.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.