Paul Clifford

Book • 2009
Edward Bulwer-Lytton's 'Paul Clifford' is a novel set against the backdrop of early 19th-century England, intertwining themes of social injustice, romance, and crime.

The story follows the life of Paul Clifford, an orphaned boy who becomes a notorious highwayman, challenging the corrupt societal structures of his time.

Through vivid descriptions and intricate plotting, Bulwer-Lytton critiques the penal system and explores the moral ambiguities of his characters.

The novel is also famous for its melodramatic prose and the often-parodied opening line.

It remains a significant work in Victorian literature, reflecting the era's concerns with social reform and the complexities of human nature.

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Mentioned by Tracy as the author of the novel that starts with 'It was a dark and stormy night'.
Rosina Bulwer-Lytton’s Blighted Life (Part 1)

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