Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold

The Frozen Deep by Wilkie Collins

This short novel was so interesting to me because it was orginally a play written by Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens and was performed all over England, even in front of Queen Victoria.  Apparently it was performed to rave reviews and even caused tears in the auience.  It was based on stories of Arctic expeditions which was so popular at the time.

Okay, I didn't cry but it was quite a captivating story of Victorian England. The plot involves a lover's triangle.  Clara has someone become the love interest of a rather intense sailor named Richard.  He assumes they are to be married and leaves on a long trip.  Clara has never promised herself to Richard and during his absence falls in love with Frank.  When Richard returns and finds his love betrothed to another, he becomes rather crazy and vows revenge on Frank.

As fate would have (or a good plot twist), Richard and Frank are paired up on a sailing expedition to the Arctic.  In what has to be the epitome of a Victorian romance, the fate of Frank hangs in the balance as he is stranded on the ice with only Richard to save him.

Again, if you love Victorian English literature, this is truly a delight.  Plus, the free Kindle price makes it really hard to pass up.  While I was not moved to tears, I did enjoy it