The Return Of The Soul: 1896: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Return Of The Soul: 1896: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Return Of The Soul: 1896 is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Hichens, Robert (1864–1950).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Return Of The Soul" by Robert Hichens is a gothic novel written in the late 19th century. This psychological tale explores themes of reincarnation, guilt, and the duality of human nature, centering on a complex relationship between a man named Ronald and his wife, Margot. The narrative intertwines elements of horror and philosophical inquiry, reflecting societal anxieties around identity and the unseen forces that govern our existence. The story follows Ronald, who grapples with his past cruelty towards his grandmother's cat, which he killed in a fit of childish vindictiveness. After marrying Margot, Ronald begins to suspect that the soul of the cat has transferred into her. As Margot's behavior transforms—manifesting elements of feline instincts and fears—Ronald becomes increasingly terrified of her presence. Throughout the novel, the tension builds as Ronald confronts his own buried guilt, the profound changes in Margot, and the eerie implications of whether souls can inhabit new bodies. The narrative poignantly raises questions about memory, revenge, and the haunting nature of our past actions, culminating in a chilling exploration of the consequences of cruelty.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Return Of The Soul: 1896
- Author credits: Hichens, Robert (1864–1950)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Horror tales
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Novels
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Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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