The house of five gables

"The House of Five Gables" by Mary Johnson Holmes is a late 19th-century historical novel that follows Roger Willing, a man burdened by inherited debt and personal struggles, as he deals with complicated relationships involving his wife, Mary, and a former slave named Bella. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and how society's rules affect people's happiness. The narrative begins in the rundown house of five gables, which symbolizes past glory. As Roger wrestles with his intense feelings, he embarks on a voyage to England, driven by a combination of desperation and optimism. There, love and obligation intertwine, leading to a homecoming with far-reaching ramifications for everyone involved but also hints that Roger’s habits may lead to tragedy and stir up the secrets buried within the old house.