Thelma   By: Marie Corelli (1855-1924)

Thelma by Marie Corelli is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on an extraordinary journey. Set in the late 19th century, this book tells the story of Thelma, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who possesses an intriguing yet dark secret.

From the very first page, Corelli's descriptive prose instantly transports the reader to a bygone era. She vividly paints a picture of the opulent and decadent society of Victorian England, immersing us in a world of glamour, wealth, and societal expectations. Through her exceptional attention to detail, Corelli creates an atmosphere that is as captivating as it is unsettling, setting the stage for the mysteries that lie ahead.

Thelma herself is a character shrouded in both beauty and mystery. Her charm and allure captivate the men around her, including a renowned artist named Philip, who becomes infatuated with her. However, as the story unfolds, we quickly discover that there is much more to Thelma than meets the eye. Corelli brilliantly weaves a tale of supernatural powers, reincarnation, and the eternal battle between light and darkness.

What truly sets Thelma apart is its exploration of philosophical and spiritual themes. As the plot delves deeper into the esoteric, readers are left questioning their own beliefs about life, love, and the nature of good and evil. Corelli's ability to seamlessly blend these weighty themes with a captivating narrative is truly commendable.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Thelma is the author's use of symbolism. Through cleverly placed symbols and motifs, Corelli adds layers of depth to her story. From the recurring imagery of mirrors and reflections to the significance of the moon, each symbol serves a greater purpose in unraveling the mysteries surrounding Thelma's true nature.

However, despite these strengths, there are moments in the book where the pacing lags. Some sections could have been shortened or trimmed down to maintain a tighter narrative. Additionally, the characterization, while strong overall, occasionally veers into melodrama, especially in the interactions between certain characters.

Overall, Thelma by Marie Corelli is a spellbinding novel that successfully marries elements of romance, mystery, and spirituality. Through her beautiful prose, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, Corelli creates a world that lingers in the readers' minds long after turning the last page. It is a book that challenges our perceptions of reality and reminds us that true beauty lies in the depths of our souls.

First Page:

Midnight, without darkness, without stars! Midnight and the unwearied sun stood, yet visible in the heavens, like a victorious king throned on a dais of royal purple bordered with gold. The sky above him, his canopy, gleamed with a cold yet lustrous blue, while across it slowly flitted a few wandering clouds of palest amber, deepening, as they sailed along, to a tawny orange. A broad stream of light falling, as it were, from the centre of the magnificent orb, shot lengthwise across the Altenfjord, turning its waters to a mass of quivering and shifting color that alternated from bronze to copper, from copper to silver and azure. The surrounding hills glowed with a warm, deep violet tint, flecked here and there with touches of bright red, as though fairies were lighting tiny bonfires on their summits. Away in the distance a huge mass of rock stood out to view, its rugged lines transfigured into ethereal loveliness by a misty veil of tender rose pink, a hue curiously suggestive of some other and smaller sun that might have just set... Continue reading book >>