The Princess Galva: A Romance

"The Princess Galva: A Romance" by David Whitelaw is a tale from the early 1900s that follows Edward Povey, an ordinary middle-aged clerk who loses his humdrum job after twenty-two years. The shock of losing his job brings a mix of sadness and unexpected freedom. Edward's life is turned upside down when he finds himself mixed up in a plot involving a princess from a little-known European kingdom, leading to thrilling adventures filled with both love and mystery. The book starts by showing Edward's last day at work, highlighting his thoughts on a life of routine and the sudden possibility of change. Back home, his relationship with his wife Charlotte becomes strained as Edward deals with his new situation and dreams of something more. He ends up taking a caretaker job at his old boss’s cottage, which puts him back on the path to adventure through people connected to his destiny and a strange letter pointing to his role with a princess in exile. Whitelaw creates a fascinating contrast between Edward's regular life and the excitement of romance and royalty, setting the scene for his amazing transformation.