The House of Egremont : $b a novel

by Molly Elliot Seawell

"The House of Egremont" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of English history, following the fortunes of the Egremont family, particularly focusing on the character of Roger Egremont, who navigates the tumult and decline of his family's legacy while grappling with themes of loyalty, identity, and social status. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Roger Egremont, a boy raised in isolation due to the indifference of his father, John Egremont, who is more concerned with courtly affairs than his son's upbringing. Roger’s childhood is marked by a close relationship with his cousin, Dicky, amidst the grandeur and decay of the Egremont estate. As the narrative unfolds, significant family dynamics come to light with the arrival of Roger's younger half-brother, Hugo, which complicates Roger’s feelings of inheritance and identity. The opening chapters establish a richly detailed historical context, setting the stage for Roger's eventual trials and tribulations that revolve around family loyalty, societal expectations, and the search for personal worth in a world dictated by lineage and fortune.