
PREFATORY NOTE
M. A. W. - PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
'CASA MINGHETTI 2, GRAND CANAL,
WALLACE TO KENDAL.
Set against the bustling backdrop of London’s theatrical scene, the story follows a strikingly talented young actress whose sudden arrival on the stage ignites both admiration and controversy. Through a narrator who blends keen observation with a touch of imagination, readers are drawn into the world of critics, patrons, and the clash between fleeting beauty and hard‑won skill that defines the era’s stagecraft.
As the heroine navigates the glittering yet unforgiving world of the Royal Academy’s private view, she encounters a spectrum of opinions—from those who judge solely on appearance to those who value true artistry. The novel gently probes how ambition, public perception, and personal resolve intersect, offering a vivid portrait of a London where fame can be as fragile as a spotlight and as resilient as dedication. Listeners will find a thoughtful exploration of art, reputation, and the quiet determination that fuels a rising star’s early journey.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (319K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-09-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1851–1920
A bestselling Victorian novelist and social reformer, she became famous for fiction that wrestled with faith, doubt, and the moral questions of modern life. Her novels were serious, popular, and deeply engaged with the social issues of her day.
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