"My Novel" — Volume 01

"My Novel" — Volume 01 by Edward Bulwer Lytton is a story that begins with the Caxton family and their friends deep in thought about everything from place names to books and their place in society. The main character, Pisistratus, is encouraged to try his hand at writing a novel, which starts a journey into ideas like who we are and where we fit in the world. The novel starts one winter night in Uncle Roland's tower, as Mr. Caxton and his family talk about old civilizations and how they might be linked. The talks show how different each person is, especially Pisistratus, who is not happy with his family's troubles. Mr. Caxton thinks writing a popular novel would be a good idea for him, but Pisistratus struggles with finding something new to say. The book is mostly about societal standards, family connections, and how hard it is to be yourself and creative when the world is changing.