The Gorgeous Isle: A Romance; Scene-- Nevis, B.W.I. 1842

** "The Gorgeous Isle: A Romance; Scene-- Nevis, B.W.I. 1842" by Gertrude Atherton, is an early 20th-century historical romance unfolding amid the splendor of Nevis. During the winter, the heart of the narrative is Bath House, a luxurious hotel frequented by stylish vacationers. The story centers on Anne Percy, a resolute young woman with progressive ideals as she grapples with societal pressures and unexpected emotions for the notorious poet, Byam Warner, who has fallen from grace. Beginning with the grand resort, Bath House, readers are introduced to the social center which hosts affluent English visitors escaping winter’s cold. Feeling like an outsider among the fashionable women around her, Anne Percy is reluctant and not willing to conform to societal expectations. Her thoughts often revolve around Byam Warner; a poet she respects but worries may not fulfill her romantic desires. Using vivid descriptions of the verdant setting and oppressive societal norms, the opening establishes a framework for a rich investigation into love, identity, and recovery against the backdrop of the Caribbean's stunning scenery. **