Mysteries Of Udolpho Vol. 1

Ann Radcliffe's Gothic book The Mysteries of Udolpho takes place in France around 1584. The protagonist of the tale is Emily St. Aubert, a young lady who lives with her parents on the remote estate known as La Vallee. Monsieur St. Aubert, Emily's father, lives a tranquil existence surrounded by nature, and Emily carries on his passion for reading and poetry. When Monsieur St. Aubert becomes unwell, the story takes a dark turn, and weird events start to happen. In their fishing cabin, Emily hears someone playing her lute, sees a strange poem, and learns her bracelet has been taken. While the surface-level Quesnel family stays there, Madame St. Aubert succumbs to sickness. Support is given to the bereaved father and daughter by friends and relations. Monsieur St. Aubert and Emily set off on a tour around the Mediterranean coast in an attempt to improve Monsieur St. Aubert's health. They come upon Valancourt, a young guy from a respectable family, who momentarily joins them on their journey. Monsieur St. Aubert's health starts to decline as they travel, so they take sanctuary at Beaujeau, where Valancourt's presence deepens their connection. They eventually split ways and go separately to Arles. Emily is distraught when Monsieur St. Aubert tragically dies.