Michael's Crag is a novel that explores the emotional complexities of guilt, loss, and the burden of the past. The protagonist, a conflicted landlord, struggles with his deep-seated aversion to his ancestral home and the haunting landscape around him. His troubled relationship with the place is intertwined with a past marked by grief and regret, especially related to a tragic event connected to another family. The narrative delves into how the protagonist's feelings of remorse and the memories of youthful recklessness shape his present, highlighting the tension between his current life and the shadows of his earlier actions. As the story unfolds, the protagonist is drawn into a reckoning with his past, where unresolved guilt and the consequences of former decisions come to the forefront. This emotional journey is mirrored in his connection with the eerie beauty of the Cornish landscape, which serves as both a symbol and a catalyst for his internal turmoil. The novel captures the interplay between fate, guilt, and the inescapable consequences of one’s actions, weaving a tale that is as much about personal redemption as it is about the haunting power of memory.
Charles Grant Blairfindie Allen was a Canadian science writer and novelist, born on February 24, 1848, in Kingston, Canada. He was educated at Merton College in England. Known for his public advocacy of evolutionary theory in the late 19th century, Allen's works often explored the intersection of science, philosophy, and social issues. His novels, essays, and popular science writings made him an influential figure in promoting evolutionary ideas during a time of significant scientific debate. Allen’s literary contributions include fiction and scientific writings, with works such as The Woman Who Did garnering attention. He was also a proponent of progressive social ideas. Allen passed away at the age of 51 on October 25, 1899, in Hindhead, United Kingdom. He was the son of Catherine Ann Grant and Joseph Antisell Allen, and had one child. Allen's legacy as a thinker and writer continues to be appreciated for its contributions to both literature and the understanding of scientific concepts in the public sphere.