Between the Dark and the Daylight

"Between the Dark and the Daylight" by William Dean Howells is a love story set in the early 1900s, where Doctor Matthew Lanfear becomes fascinated by the enigmatic Miss Gerald, a young woman haunted by a traumatic event — her mother's accidental death. The story explores themes of memory, identity, and human connections as Lanfear wrestles with his feelings for Miss Gerald and gets involved in her complicated life. Lanfear's arrival in San Remo to help a friend leads him to Miss Gerald and her worried father, and their first meetings are marked by a quiet mystery and showcase the calm scenery versus Miss Gerald's inner struggle, as she's lost her memory of the accident. Though she seems calm, her fragile mental state captures Lanfear's attention, as he is stuck between his duty as a doctor and his growing attraction. The stage is set for an exploration of Miss Gerald's mind, with her father seeking Lanfear's help, creating a sense of hope for healing mixed with the fear of painful memories resurfacing.