The rat-trap

"The Rat-Trap" by Dolf Wyllarde is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against a backdrop of colonial intrigue and military presence, the story introduces us to the lives of several key figures on Key Island, including Captain Alaric Lewin and his wife, Leoline, who are navigating their new life in a remote British outpost. The narrative hints at social dynamics, conflicts, and power struggles inherent in this colonial setting, exploring themes of ambition and the human spirit in challenging environments. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Captain Lewin and his wife as they arrive in Key Island, where the local atmosphere is as stifling as the temperature. Moments of humor and idyllic observations about their surroundings juxtapose with the unease regarding the civil unrest they have arrived amidst. Leoline's keen awareness of her husband’s new role and the powerful figures around them sets a tone of curiosity and ambition, as she reflects on the possible connections and influence they could achieve. The opening portion establishes foundational relationships and hints at tensions, particularly surrounding the enigmatic Administrator, Evelyn Gregory, who dominates the local political landscape, suggesting that political intrigue will be at the heart of the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Dorothy Margarette Selby Lowndes, writing as Dolf Wyllarde was a British journalist and a writer of verse and fiction. From 1897 to 1939, she was known to publish in excess of 30 books, including novels, stories and children's literature. Numerous reviews of her work mistakenly referred to her as a male due to misunderstanding of her chosen name, with some believing it to be a pen name.