Colin II: A Novel

by E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson

"Colin II: A Novel" by E. F. Benson is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. This novel serves as the continuation of the saga begun in "Colin," exploring themes of legacy, love, and the supernatural bargain struck by the protagonist's ancestors with Satan. Central to the story is Colin Stanier, the current heir to a family legacy entwined with both prosperity and infamy due to their storied pact. The opening of "Colin II" sets the stage for a richly detailed narrative revealing the history of the Stanier family—a lineage that gained fame and fortune through a legendary deal with the devil, initiated by Colin's ancestor, a shepherd boy who saved Queen Elizabeth I. As the story unfolds, we meet Violet Yardley, Colin's wife, who grapples with her complex feelings towards Colin, a man embodying both charisma and darkness. The narrative dives into their lives at Stanier, a grand estate filled with family secrets and strained relationships, against a backdrop of Colin's increasingly sinister nature, intertwined with his family's fabled past. The reader is introduced to a cast of characters that highlights the peculiar dynamics of their interrelations, setting up an intriguing exploration of love, betrayal, and the consequences of ancestral choices.