A Terrible Temptation

A Terrible Temptation is an 1871 Victorian sensation novel that sparked controversy upon its release in England. The story centers on a wealthy baronet, his relationship with a young actress, and the conflicts that arise from their unconventional romance. The novel generated significant backlash from the English press due to its frank treatment of extramarital relations and inclusion of a courtesan character. The Times newspaper warned parents to keep the book away from their daughters, though author Charles Reade defended his work by pointing out similar content in the newspaper's own pages. Despite - or perhaps because of - the controversy, A Terrible Temptation achieved commercial success, particularly in America where it sold over 370,000 copies. The narrative addresses Victorian social conventions, moral hypocrisy, and the complex nature of desire and temptation in 19th century society.

Very few reviews exist online for this 1871 novel. The handful of available reviews note Reade's frank handling of moral corruption and sexuality for the Victorian era. Readers appreciated: - The fast-paced plot and dramatic turns - Complex female characters with agency - Exploration of marriage and fidelity themes Common criticisms: - Melodramatic writing style - Some plot developments feel contrived - Somewhat dated Victorian sensibilities Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (based on only 8 ratings) No ratings available on Amazon or other major review sites Due to its age and limited modern reprints, most online discussions are from academic sources rather than general readers. Period reviews from the 1870s were mixed - some praised its realism while others condemned it as scandalous. One 1871 review in The Literary World called it "powerful but unpleasant."

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🔖 The novel's success in America helped establish Charles Reade's reputation as one of the highest-paid Victorian authors, earning up to £2,000 per novel. 📚 Despite causing scandal, "A Terrible Temptation" pioneered realistic depictions of mental health institutions in Victorian literature, drawing from Reade's own investigations into asylum conditions. 🎭 Before becoming a novelist, Charles Reade was a fellow at Oxford University and trained as a barrister, bringing legal precision and social reform interests to his writing. 📑 The serialized format in Cassell's Magazine meant readers had to wait weeks between installments, creating nationwide discussions about plot developments and moral implications. 🖋️ Reade meticulously collected newspaper clippings about real-life scandals and social issues, which he stored in massive scrapbooks to use as inspiration for his novels' plots.