55 pages • 1 hour read
Love in Excess
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Book Brief
286
Novel • Fiction
1719
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Love in Excess, first published by Eliza Haywood between 1719 and 1720, follows the romantic entanglements of Count D’elmont, a charming French nobleman. The narrative explores themes of class, desire, and obsession as D’elmont navigates relationships with multiple women, including Alovisa, Amena, and Melliora, leading to a series of intense and complicated romantic misadventures. The source text includes references to death by suicide and sexual assault.
Romantic
Mysterious
Emotional
Bittersweet
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
1,712 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood has been praised for its compelling depiction of early 18th-century romantic entanglements and vibrant characterizations. Critics laud its groundbreaking exploration of female desire, but some find the melodramatic plot and verbose prose challenging. Overall, it remains an essential read for fans of early modern literature.
Who Should Read Love in Excess?
A reader who enjoys Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood is typically interested in early 18th-century literature, romantic and erotic themes, and the exploration of gender dynamics. Fans of Samuel Richardson's Pamela or Aphra Behn's Oroonoko would likely appreciate Haywood's blend of passion, intrigue, and social commentary.
1,712 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alovisa
Alovisa
Alovisa is a wealthy and independent woman who enters into a marriage with D'elmont, often functioning as an antagonist due to her assertive pursuit of her own desires and the ensuing complications.
Melliora
Melliora
Melliora is a virtuous and beautiful young woman who becomes the primary love interest of D'elmont, embodying feminine ideals and navigating her emotions with integrity.
Frankville
Frankville
Frankville is Melliora's brother and a romantic, impulsive aristocrat whose passionate relationship with Camilla provides a foil to D'elmont's experiences.
Amena
Amena
Amena is a naive yet beautiful young woman involved in a love triangle with D'elmont and Alovisa, whose experiences lead her to choose a secluded, more cautious life.
Violetta
Violetta
Violetta is a supportive character who disguises herself to accompany other characters on their travels, harboring quiet and selfless love for D'elmont without disrupting his relationship with Melliora.
286
Novel • Fiction
1719
Adult
18+ years
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