Lost Hearts by M.R. James (1894)

Name: Lost Hearts
Author: M.R. James

The story follows Stephen Elliott, a young orphan who is sent to stay with his distant relatives, the Ayres family, at their estate in the English countryside. Stephen quickly discovers that the Ayres family is hiding a dark secret. He soon finds himself in a terrifying situation as he is haunted by a mysterious figure and strange events begin to occur. As Stephen investigates the strange occurrences, he discovers that the Ayres family is connected to a centuries-old curse that has been passed down through generations. He must find a way to break the curse before it is too late. Lost Hearts is a classic horror story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is a perfect example of M.R. James' mastery of the genre and is sure to delight fans of classic horror.

By M.R. James · First published 1894 · Genre: Horror, Mystery, Fantasy · 3,975 words

First lines

It was, as far as I can ascertain, in September of the year 1811 that a post-chaise drew up before the door of Aswarby Hall, in the heart of Lincolnshire. The little boy who was the only passenger in the chaise, and who jumped out as soon as it had stopped, looked about him with the keenest curiosity during the short interval that elapsed between the ringing of the bell and the opening of the hall door. He saw a tall, square, red-brick house, built in the reign of Anne; a stone-pillared porch had been added in the purer classical style of 1790; the windows of the house were many, tall and narrow, with small panes and thick white woodwork. A pediment, pierced with a round window, crowned the front. There were wings to right and left, connected by curious glazed galleries, supported by colonnades, with the central block. These wings plainly contained the stables and offices of the house. Each was surmounted by an ornamental cupola with a gilded vane.

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Lost Hearts is listed on Textopian as a novel by M.R. James, dated 1894 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: M.R. James
Date: 1894 CE
Language: English
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, Gothic
Length: 3,975 words
Structure: 1 section, 123 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Horror — Lost Hearts is a horror novella by M.R. James, a renowned author of horror fiction. The story follows a young boy who discovers a supernatural force in his home, and the plot is full of suspense and terror.
Mystery — Lost Hearts is a mystery as the protagonist attempts to uncover the truth behind the supernatural force in his home. The story is full of suspense and intrigue as the protagonist attempts to solve the mystery.
Fantasy — Lost Hearts contains elements of fantasy, as the protagonist discovers a supernatural force in his home. The story contains elements of the supernatural and the fantastical, making it a fantasy novella.
Gothic — Lost Hearts is a gothic novella, as it contains elements of the supernatural and the macabre. The story is set in a dark and mysterious atmosphere, and the protagonist is faced with a supernatural force that he must confront.