Godolphin, Complete

"Godolphin, Complete" by Edward Bulwer Lytton is a novel of the early 1800s. The story follows Percy Godolphin through family secrets, the drive to climb the social ladder, and payback. We meet Constance Vernon, who is struggling with what is expected of her, and we see how her life ties in with Percy's. The book starts with a strong feeling as John Vernon, Constance's dad, is dying. He makes Constance swear to get back at those in power who left him to suffer. Constance is caught between the idea of true love and wanting to get ahead, up against a harsh society. The beginning sets the stage for the emotions that drive these characters, teasing us with complicated relationships and moral fights as they try to find their way in a world ruled by who has money and who wants revenge.