Nevermore by Rolf Boldrewood (1882)

Name: Nevermore
Author: Rolf Boldrewood

The narrative follows Launcelot "Lance" Trevanion, the heir of an ancient Cornish family, who, after a violent quarrel with his father, Sir Mervyn Trevanion, decides to leave England for Australia in search of fortune. The conflict stems from Lance's gambling debts and reckless behavior, which his father vehemently disapproves of. Lance's departure is marked by a promise to his cousin Estelle Chaloner, whom he loves, that he will return in five years. Upon arriving in Australia, Lance quickly becomes embroiled in the gold rush, initially enjoying success at the diggings. He forms friendships with fellow miners, including Jack Polwarth and the Lawless family, particularly Kate Lawless, who captivates him with her beauty and adventurous spirit. However, his association with the Lawlesses, known for their dubious dealings, leads to trouble. Lance is arrested on suspicion of horse theft after being seen with stolen horses, including one he purchased from Ned Lawless. Despite his protests of innocence, he is remanded for trial. The evidence against him appears strong, particularly the testimony of Kate, who claims to have seen him involved in the theft. However, as the trial progresses, it becomes evident that there is a lookalike, Lawrence Trevenna, who may have been mistaken for Lance. Throughout the trial, tensions rise as Lance grapples with betrayal, particularly from Kate, who seems to turn against him. The courtroom drama unfolds with various witnesses, including friends and family, testifying to Lance's character and his whereabouts, ultimately leading to a complex web of deceit and mistaken identity. As the trial reaches its climax, the truth about the Lawless family's criminal activities begins to surface, and the possibility of Lance's innocence becomes clearer. The narrative explores themes of honor, betrayal, and the consequences of one's choices, culminating in a tense courtroom showdown that will determine Lance's fate and the future of his relationships, particularly with Estelle and the Lawless family.

By Rolf Boldrewood · First published 1882 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 24 chapters · 142,061 words

First lines

'Then, by Heaven! I'll leave the country. I won't stop here to be bullied for doing what scores of other fellows have done and nothing thought about it. It's unjust, it's intolerable -- '

Thus spoke impetuous Youth.

What this Textopian page supports

Nevermore is listed on Textopian as a novel by Rolf Boldrewood, dated 1882 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Rolf Boldrewood
Date: 1882 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Romance
Length: 142,061 words
Structure: 24 chapters, 1,703 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Nevermore?
How does this novel by Rolf Boldrewood fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes and character development, typical of literary fiction.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, it reflects the social and cultural issues of the time.
Adventure — The plot involves elements of adventure and exploration, central to the narrative.
Drama — The story contains dramatic elements and conflicts that drive the plot.