The Marriage of Souls by Warwick Collins is a sophisticated work of historical fiction that continues the story begun in The Rationalist, Collins’s critically acclaimed 1993 novel. Set in the atmospheric coastal town of Lymington in the 1790s, the book follows the lives of two physicians, Silas Grange and Dr Hargood, as they navigate a world of shifting social values, sensual intrigue, and moral debate. Collins’s rich prose offers both an intimate portrait of his characters’ inner conflicts and a vivid recreation of Georgian England on the cusp of intellectual and social change.
Much like John Fowles’s portrayal of Lyme Regis in The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Collins makes the town of Lymington a character in its own right. The sea, the salt furnaces, and the restless horizon infuse the novel with a tangible sense of place, shaping the characters’ desires and dilemmas. Through imagery-laden, reflective writing, The Marriage of Souls explores themes of love, loyalty, and the tension between reason and passion, as personal convictions clash with the constraints of society.
A deeply intelligent and sensual novel, The Marriage of Souls is perfect for readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven historical fiction rich in atmosphere, moral complexity, and philosophical insight.
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