The Tragic Bride

"The Tragic Bride" by Francis Brett Young is a story about Gabrielle Hewish's life in Galway, Ireland, where she's the last of her family. The tale examines affection, grief, and carrying on a family's past. Gabrielle grows up with her dad, Sir Jocelyn, and meets Radway, a sailor, changing things forever. The book opens with someone telling about Gabrielle, who they never met, after hearing her sad tale from Mrs. Payne, focusing on the difficult times and the end of her family. The family home, Roscarna, is vividly explained along with its history. Gabrielle is raised by her father, who abuses alcohol, and Biddy, the housekeeper. A trip to Dublin brings Gabrielle into adulthood and she falls for Radway, though the romance ends badly.