A Name for Evil - Softcover

Andrew Lytle

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9780243264605: A Name for Evil

Synopsis

A young couple, Henry and Ellen, embark on an ambitious project to restore a dilapidated ancestral estate known as The Grove. Fueled by a vision of idyllic country living and a desire to reconnect with their family history, they move into the decaying mansion despite its numerous challenges. As they confront the realities of rural life and the overwhelming task of renovation, their initial enthusiasm begins to wane, revealing underlying tensions and doubts about their decision. Set against the backdrop of a changing American landscape, this book delves into the complexities of marriage, ambition, and the enduring power of the past. The author skillfully weaves together themes of disillusionment, societal transformation, and the struggle for identity as the couple grapples with the physical and psychological burdens of their undertaking. Henry's growing obsession with the estate's original owner, Major Brent, a figure of both admiration and resentment, further complicates their efforts and raises questions about the true nature of their connection to the property. Through vivid descriptions and insightful character portrayals, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human desire for meaning and belonging in a world increasingly defined by progress and uncertainty. The author's keen observations on the challenges of rural life and the often-illusory nature of nostalgia provide a timeless reflection on the enduring conflict between tradition and modernity. Ultimately, the couple's journey toward restoring The Grove becomes a powerful metaphor for the search for identity and the elusive nature of the American dream.

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About the Author

Novelist, critic, and editor Andrew Lytle (1902-1995) was a founding member of the Nashville Agrarians, contributing an essay to the influential manifesto I'll Take My Stand (1930). He was the author of numerous works of literature, including Bedford Forrest and His Critter Company, At the Moon's Inn, The Long Night, A Wake for the Living, and The Velvet Horn. A longtime editor of the Sewanee Review, he was also a member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers. He received several honors throughout his career, including Guggenheim, Lyndhurst, and Kenyon Fellowships, the Ingersoll Foundation Prize, and the National Foundation of the Arts Humanities Award.

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