Ziska: The Problem of a Wicked Soul

"Ziska: The Problem of a Wicked Soul" by Marie Corelli is a story that takes place in the late 1800s Cairo, where British citizens mix with the ancient mysteries of Egypt. The tale centers on Princess Ziska, a fascinating woman who attracts many admirers and causes envy, particularly among the men she meets. The story starts with an air of mystery, with the Sphinx overseeing the lonely desert. As the scene moves to Cairo's active social life, we meet people such as Sir Chetwynd Lyle, who is trying to find husbands for his daughters, and Armand Gervase, a painter who is drawn in by Ziska's beauty. Gervase and another man, Denzil Murray, struggle with their growing feelings for Ziska, who is both attractive and dangerous; these feelings hint at the overarching theme of obsession. This complicated interaction prepares the ground for a story of love, competition, and ghostly secrets from the past that haunt the present, drawing readers into a world where desire can lead to destruction.