The Infidel: A Story of the Great Revival

"The Infidel: A Story of the Great Revival" by M.E. Braddon is a 19th-century tale where William Thornton, a former clergyman who has become an infidel, and his daughter Antonia navigate the complex literary circles of London. William's past and present collide in a narrative dominated by faith, intelligence, and ambition. William, who makes his living as a writer after abandoning his religious calling, heavily influences his daughter. The story opens as we learn about William's past as a priest, and how he now writes for money rather than inspiration. We learn how William's feelings of self-pity and lack of faith influence Antonia's education, leading her to question the traditions of those around her. As their strange home life is examined, Antonia wants a life filled with the beauty she sees but cannot attain, we start to understand her as she struggles with her identity and questions her father's views.