Edina: A Novel

"Edina: A Novel" by Mrs. Henry Wood is a historical fiction novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative is set in a small Cornish village called Trennach, focusing on the lives of its residents, specifically the Raynor family, including Dr. Hugh Raynor and his nephew Frank Raynor, as well as Rosaline Bell, who is entangled in a web of superstition and unfolding drama. The book explores themes of love, superstition, and the social dynamics of the mining community. The opening of the story introduces the bleak yet vibrant setting of Trennach, detailing its mining culture and the rustic charm of its streets filled with humble shops. We meet Dr. Raynor and his nephew Frank, who discuss the mysterious "Seven Whistlers," a local superstition believed to forewarn of calamity. The narrative then shifts to Rosaline Bell, who becomes pivotal to the unfolding tale of love and tragedy tied to the miners' lives. As Rosaline navigates her feelings for Frank, the ominous presence of her father's unhealthy obsession with the superstition adds tension to the plot. The stage is set for a story that promises to intertwine these characters' fates in unexpected ways.