Ouida's novel 'A House-Party, Don Gesualdo, and A Rainy June' is a compelling compilation of three interconnected tales that explore themes of love, decadence, and societal norms. Written in a fluid and lyrical prose, the book showcases Ouida's ability to delve deep into the complexities of human relationships and emotions. Set in the late 19th century, the stories provide a vivid glimpse into the aristocratic world of England and Italy, highlighting the contrast between appearances and underlying passions. Ouida, known for her lavish lifestyle and extravagant writing style, drew inspiration from her own experiences as a well-traveled and socially observant woman. Her keen eye for detail and nuanced characterizations bring depth to the narratives, making them resonate with readers across generations. Through 'A House-Party, Don Gesualdo, and A Rainy June,' Ouida invites readers to reflect on the nature of love, ambition, and societal conventions, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and moral dilemmas. I recommend 'A House-Party, Don Gesualdo, and A Rainy June' to readers who enjoy immersive and thought-provoking literature that delves into the complexities of human nature and society. Ouida's masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this novel a timeless classic worth exploring.

Reproduction of the original: A House-Party by Louise de la Ramée

'Ouida,' the pseudonym of Louise Ramé (1839-1908), was one of the most productive, widely-circulated and adapted of Victorian popular novelists, with a readership that ranged from Vernon Lee, Oscar Wilde and Ruskin to the nameless newspaper readers and subscribers to lending libraries. Examining the range and variety of Ouida’s literary output, which includes journalism as well as fiction, reveals her to be both a literary seismometer, sensitive to the enormous shifts in taste and publication practices of the second half of the nineteenth century, and a fierce protector of her independent vision. This collection offers a radically new view of Ouida, helping us thereby to rethink our perceptions of popular women writers in general, theatrical adaptation of their fiction, and their engagements with imperialism, nationalism and cosmopolitanism. The volume's usefulness to scholars is enhanced by new bibliographies of Ouida's fiction and journalism as well as of British stage adaptations of her work.