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Cover of As It Was in the Beginning

As It Was in the Beginning

Written by Philip Verrill Mighels

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IslandsShipwreck survivalRobinsonades

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About this book

"As It Was in the Beginning" by Philip Verrill Mighels is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Grenville, a man chosen by his wealthy friend Fenton to travel to China and bring back Fenton's fiancée, Elaine. The narrative quickly develops into a tale of unexpected romance and peril as Grenville finds himself caught between loyalty to his friend and his growing feelings for Elaine during their ocean voyage. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Grenville, who initially appears skeptical and reserved about his friend’s request. However, as he prepares for the journey, he begins to feel excitement for the adventure ahead. Along the way, Grenville and Elaine embark on a transformative journey across the sea, where they face personal conflicts, dangerous storms, and the mysterious wildlife of a deserted island after their ship wrecks. The opening sets up a tension-filled exploration of love, duty, and survival, hinting at the challenges they will face as they navigate this uncharted territory both physically and emotionally.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in As It Was in the Beginning, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • romantic
  • adventurous
  • tense

Philip Verrill Mighels's "As It Was in the Beginning" thrusts Grenville into a moral and emotional maelstrom when his wealthy friend Fenton tasks him with retrieving his fiancée, Elaine, from China. What begins as a mission of loyalty quickly transforms into a perilous journey across the ocean, where Grenville and Elaine find themselves drawn to each other amidst growing challenges. A devastating shipwreck strands them on a deserted island, forcing them to confront not only the harsh realities of survival but also the burgeoning, forbidden romance that threatens to redefine their understanding of duty, love, and self. The novel explores themes of loyalty, desire, and transformation against a backdrop of wild, untamed nature.

“"The sea, Grenville mused, held secrets even deeper than the human heart, yet both could be equally treacherous and compelling."”

Key themes

Love vs. Duty/Loyalty
This is the central conflict of the novel, exploring the moral dilemma Grenville faces between his unwavering loyalty to his friend Fenton and his undeniable, growing love for Elaine. The theme questions whether one's heart can truly be bound by prior commitments when faced with a profound, authentic connection forged under extreme circumstances.
Survival and the Human Spirit
The novel deeply explores human resilience and resourcefulness when confronted with life-threatening situations. The shipwreck and subsequent isolation on a deserted island force Grenville and Elaine to tap into primal instincts for survival, testing their physical and mental limits and revealing their true character.
Transformation and Self-Discovery
Through their shared ordeal, both Grenville and Elaine undergo significant personal growth and self-discovery. The extreme circumstances force them to confront their inner selves, re-evaluate their values, and shed the societal masks they once wore, leading to a profound change in their understanding of themselves and their desires.

Worth discussing

How does the novel explore the conflict between loyalty and personal desire? Can one truly reconcile these two forces?

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