Cursed by a Fortune

"Cursed by a Fortune" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book revolves around familial and financial struggles as it opens with the deathbed scene of Robert Wilton, a wealthy banker, who makes arrangements for his daughter Kitty and gives directives to his brother Will regarding her future. The story explores themes of love, duty, inheritance, and the pitfalls that come with wealth, setting the stage for potential conflict as Kitty’s fate becomes intertwined with the intentions of those around her. The opening of the novel introduces us to Robert Wilton as he prepares to leave his family behind, including his beloved daughter Kitty, who is distraught over his impending death. Robert assigns his brother Will as the executor of his will, ensuring that Kitty receives a substantial inheritance, but warns him to be vigilant against opportunistic suitors. Following this poignant scene, we are introduced to various characters, such as the pleasant but seemingly self-interested Claud and how he, along with others, seeks to shape Kitty’s future for their own gain while navigating their ambitions and desires amidst the backdrop of wealth and precarious social standings. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Manville Fenn was a prolific English novelist, journalist, editor and educationalist. Many of his novels were written with young adults in mind. His final book was his biography of a fellow writer for juveniles, George Alfred Henty.