Poor Miss Finch

"Poor Miss Finch" by Wilkie Collins is a novel set in the late 19th century, focusing on the themes of love, human relationships, and societal judgments, particularly around the character of a blind girl named Lucilla Finch. The narrative explores her interactions with various characters, including her new companion, Madame Pratolungo, and a mysterious man named Nugent Dubourg, whose past and intentions raise questions about morality and trust. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Madame Pratolungo, a foreign woman who recounts her own tumultuous history and her arrival in a secluded English village. She takes a position to care for Lucilla Finch, who is depicted as a lovely yet blind girl living with her chaotic family. As Madame Pratolungo settles in, she becomes intrigued by Lucilla and the strange occurrences surrounding her, particularly the enigmatic figure of Nugent Dubourg. The opening chapters establish a contrast between Lucilla's optimistic view of the world and the complexities that will arise from her encounters, laying the groundwork for a story that blends emotional depth with social commentary.