The Adventures of Harry Richmond

After his father drove his mother to insanity, Harry Richmond spent the early years of his childhood under his maternal grandfather's care. As one of the richest men in England, Harry's grandfather, Squire Beltham, provides an extravagant life for the young boy, but when Roy, Harry's father, shows up and demands custody, no one can deny him of the right. After leaving the care of his grandfather, Harry came of age in a London boarding school, making friends and going on adventures. After a particularly wild trip causes Harry to cross paths with a princess, Harry and his father become dedicated to the idea of marriage. Though his grandfather offers him a generous yearly allowance to marry a woman of his choosing, Harry is more inclined to marry the princess, as his father promises he can convince the princess to accept the proposal. This disagreement, paired with past transgressions, strains Roy and the squire's relationship greatly, sowing discord and distrust. As his conflicting father figures each attempt to accomplish their goal for Harry, the young man must navigate his own feelings and overcome the tragedy that their feud welcomes.

With exquisite description and emotive prose, The Adventures of Harry Richmond by George Meredith is a sentimental and picaresque romance. With strong elements of autobiography and drama, The Adventures of Harry Richmond is compelling from start to finish, entertaining with a strong narrative and fascinating with quality character development. Though first published in 1871, Meredith's storytelling is unconventional and continues to capture the minds and hearts of its audience.