About this book
Vernon Lee's haunting novella A Phantom Lover weaves a chilling tale of obsession, identity, and supernatural unease in nineteenth-century England. When a portrait painter arrives at a remote Kentish manor to commission paintings of the eccentric Mrs. Alice Oke and her husband, he becomes captivated by her uncanny resemblance to a mysterious woman in a centuries-old canvas. As the artist grows increasingly fascinated by his subject, the boundary between artistic inspiration and ghostly possession begins to blur, pulling him deeper into a labyrinth of psychological torment and otherworldly intrigue.
First published in 1886 under the pseudonym of Violet Paget, this atmospheric ghost story explores the dangers of artistic obsession and the thin veil separating reality from supernatural fantasy. Lee masterfully builds tension through suggestion and psychological complexity rather than explicit horror, creating an unforgettable sense of dread that lingers long after the final pages.
Ideal for fans of Gothic literature and classic ghost stories, A Phantom Lover remains a compelling exploration of desire, identity, and the unseen forces that haunt us. Whether you're drawn to Victorian-era supernatural fiction or intricate character studies, this evocative novella promises an immersive journey into mystery and darkness.
