The Hidden Hand

Description

Considered to be the best work of American author E.D.E.N. Southworth, The Hidden Hand is a portrayal of life in the Southern United States after the Civil War. Like many of her novels, this publication focuses on the classical version of sentimental fiction, complete with the damsel in distress and the evil villain. With a capable and confident heroine by the name of Capitola, and many exciting plot developments that readers can truly enjoy, the novel also includes many of Southworth’s – at the time – original feminist ideals, that have managed to cause quite a stir in 19th century society.

A curious and quite magnificent combination of mystery, suspense, romance and comedy, The Hidden Hand is far more than just a feminist book. It is well-written, engaging, and presents a keen, exciting narrative that makes it difficult to put down, once you’ve started reading. Through Capitola’s story, E.D.E.N. Southworth becomes one of the most dignified spokespersons for women’s rights, well before the idea of feminism was even hinted at in the mainstream media.

One of the stranger things about this book is that it ends quite abruptly, making the suspense it builds throughout the plot even more intense and exciting. The sequel, Capitola’s Peril, is a must-have for anyone who enjoyed The Hidden Hand, as it ties up all the loose ends, while providing readers with a satisfying and extremely well-presented continuation of the storyline in the first book.

The Hidden Hand and its sequel are a must-read for anyone interested in being inspired by a brave and accomplished female author who manages to impress her peers even during a time when stories such as this one were accepted with great difficulty. Southworth impresses through her outstandingly engaging narrative, as well as through her mastery of feminist concepts, able to avoid many of the traps and pitfalls that her predecessors, and many later followers of feminist ideology constantly fell into.
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