David Alfred Bywaters's Crossword Cavalcade & Fortnightly Victorian Novel Recommender. Every Saturday! Either a new language-torturing puzzle or an old novel by an unjustly neglected Victorian author. Why waste time on other amusements?

Novel 192: Richard Orton Prowse, The Poison of Asps (1892)

John William Waterhouse, Gossip
John William Waterhouse, Gossip

A new clergyman comes to a country town, which is ruled by his predecessor’s wife.

Richard Orton Prowse (1862-1949) wrote at least a dozen novels between 1892, when this one appeared, and 1934.  Though somewhat marred by an implausible lovers’ misunderstanding, it provides a chilling portrayal of unthinking, self-congratulatory enforcers of social norms.

“A neatly and cleverly constructed story of life in a country town” with “skillfully handled characters.  The story will repay perusal.”  Academy, July 16, 1892

“Decidedly pleasant and readable,” with some “delicate, subdued touches of humour” reminiscent of Jane Austen.  Saturday Review, July 16, 1892

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