Colin II: A Novel

"Colin II: A Novel" by E. F. Benson is a novel that picks up where "Colin" left off, wrestling with themes of heritage, romance, and a supernatural agreement made by the primary character's forefathers with the Devil. At the heart of the tale is Colin Stanier, the present descendant of a family story, laden with wealth and notoriety because of their famous agreement. This story kicks off a comprehensive account of the Stanier family's background—a bloodline that rose to prominence and affluence through a legendary deal with the devil, begun by Colin's forefather, a shepherd boy who rescued Queen Elizabeth I. As events unfold, we are introduced to Violet Yardley, Colin's spouse, as she fights with her conflicting feelings for Colin. The story then shifts to their lives at Stanier, a luxurious estate brimming with family secrets and strained relationships, against a backdrop of Colin's increasingly malevolent nature, interwoven with his family's legendary past. Here, we meet an ensemble of characters that emphasize the odd dynamics of their relationships, building an intriguing study of love, deceit, and the repercussions of ancestral decisions.