Under False Pretences: A Novel

by Adeline Sergeant

"Under False Pretences: A Novel" by Adeline Sergeant is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Edward Luttrell and his wife, Margaret, who move to a villa in Italy with their children. The plot thickens when a tragic illness and subsequent mistaken identity lead to a complete disruption of their lives, ultimately calling into question issues of motherhood and familial bonds. At the start of the narrative, Edward and Margaret Luttrell arrive at their villa amidst concerns over Margaret's health. With the birth of their second child, Brian, their happy family life is soon shattered when Margaret, suffering from a fever, fails to recognize her own baby and insists that he is the illegitimate child of their nurse, Vincenza. This pivotal moment sets off a chain of events that raises questions about identity, maternal instincts, and the implications of mistaken belief, leaving readers to wonder about the deeper psychological and moral dilemmas surrounding the characters.