The White Dove

"The White Dove" by William John Locke is a story where a doctor named Sylvester Lanyon is dealing with the death of his wife while also trying to make new relationships. He meets a young energetic woman named Ella Defries and she challenges him to change his sad view of the world. The story is about love, loss, and how people connect to each other while living a slow, thoughtful life. At the beginning of the book, Sylvester and Ella are having a heavy conversation and show that they have different views on life. Ella wants to enjoy life even though it can be hard, while Sylvester seems sad and careful because he's remembering his loss. Sylvester sells his doctor's office to chase new dreams in London, and the reader can see his inner conflict. This helps show the drama of relationships, social expectations, and personal secrets that unravel throughout the story.