Mistress Wilding by Rafael Sabatini

Name: Mistress Wilding
Author: Rafael Sabatini

The novel follows the story of Richard Wilding, a young Englishman who is sent to the Caribbean island of St. Kitts to manage a sugar plantation owned by his uncle. Richard is determined to make a success of the plantation, but he soon finds himself in a difficult situation. He is torn between his loyalty to his uncle and his growing feelings for the beautiful and mysterious Mistress Wilding, the daughter of a local planter. Richard soon discovers that Mistress Wilding is not who she appears to be. She is actually a French spy, sent to the island to gather information about the English forces stationed there. Richard is forced to choose between his loyalty to his uncle and his love for Mistress Wilding. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, and explores themes of loyalty, love, and betrayal. It is a classic adventure story, full of romance, intrigue, and suspense.

By Rafael Sabatini · First published 1910 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 24 chapters · 90,036 words

First lines

Then drink it thus, cried the rash young fool, and splashed the contents of his cup full into the face of Mr. Wilding even as that gentleman, on his feet, was proposing to drink to the eyes of the young fool's sister.

The moments that followed were full of interest. A stillness, a brooding, expectant stillness, fell upon the company - and it numbered a round dozen - about Lord Gervase's richly appointed board. In the soft candlelight the oval table shone like a deep brown pool, in which were reflected the gleaming silver and sparkling crystal that seemed to float upon it.

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Mistress Wilding is listed on Textopian as a novel by Rafael Sabatini, dated 1910 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Rafael Sabatini
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Drama
Length: 90,036 words
Structure: 24 chapters, 3,182 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The novel is set in the early 19th century and follows the story of a young woman who is forced to make difficult decisions in order to survive in a society that is largely dominated by men.
Romance — The novel follows the story of a young woman who falls in love with a man who is not of her social class, and the obstacles they face in their relationship.
Adventure — The novel follows the protagonist's journey as she embarks on a quest to find her place in the world and to discover her true identity.
Drama — The novel follows the protagonist's struggles as she navigates a world of social conventions and expectations, and deals with the consequences of her decisions.