A Life's Secret

Henry Wood. Written towards the beginning of her career as a leading English novelist of the Victorian era, A Life's Secret: A Novel is a sweeping exploration of class, society, and the dangers of keeping secrets. Blending several literary genres, including mystery and romance, Wood's novel is a masterful and underappreciated work of fiction that remains essential nearly two centuries after it was published Orphaned at a young age, Austin Clay has found success working for his uncle, a builder. When his uncle dies unexpectedly, the young man moves to London, where he hopes to make a name for himself despite his limited upbringing. There, he meets the young Florence, a twelve-year-old girl whose uncle Clay rescues from a near-deadly accident. As the years go by, Austin and Florence develop a budding romance, but are unable to marry without the approval of her uncle, Mr. Hunter. Meanwhile, Hunter is forced to defend