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Classic Literature

The Waif Woman: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition

The Waif Woman: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Published by Pop Culture Files••2 min read•Automatically generated · review not guaranteed
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

The Waif Woman is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Stevenson, Robert Louis (1850–1894).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"The Waif Woman" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a short novel written in the early 20th century, specifically in the context of the author's later works during his life. This tale, influenced by Icelandic sagas, delves into themes of vanity, greed, and the supernatural, as it explores the dynamics of human relationships through complex female characters and their interactions within a pastoral setting. The story follows Aud, a shallow woman consumed by envy and desire, who becomes fixated on the fine possessions of Thorgunna, a mysterious and strong-willed waif woman who arrives on a ship. Upon inviting Thorgunna into her home, Aud seeks to acquire her treasures through manipulation and deceit. As the plot unfolds, Thorgunna dies under unsettling circumstances, leaving behind a dark legacy. Aud's greed culminates in tragic consequences as she reaps the curse of Thorgunna’s wrath, leading to her own demise. The narrative intricately weaves issues of identity, mortality, and the repercussions of avarice, culminating in a haunting and thought-provoking conclusion.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: The Waif Woman
  • Author credits: Stevenson, Robert Louis (1850–1894)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Horror tales
  • Iceland -- Fiction
  • Short stories

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: British Literature
  • Category: Mythology, Legends & Folklore
  • Category: Novels

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

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.

Sources

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