From the 1995 Random House edition of A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott, circa 1866, written by under the name A. M. Barnard, and unpublished during her lifetime: “I often feel as if I’d gladly sell my soul to Satan for a year of freedom.”

This passionate cry from a beautiful, impetuous young woman marks the opening of an extraordinary novel of obsessional love …

Rosamond Vivian has been brought up as a recluse by her heartlessly indifferent grandfather on a remote island off the English coast. Her only knowledge of he outside world is derived from the books she devours so voraciously. Read More→