Derrick Vaughan, Novelist

Derrick Vaughan, Novelist by Edna Lyall is a compelling Victorian-era portrait of a writer’s rise, told with intimate warmth and sharp social observation. Narrated by Sydney Wharncliffe, a barrister and long-time friend, the novel traces Derrick Vaughan’s gradual reputation, the misunderstandings of fame, and the delicate balance between sympathy and sentiment that defines great art. Set against late 19th-century English society, this work of historical fiction and literary fiction examines class, character, and creative ambition through richly drawn domestic scenes—a large old mansion, clubroom gossip, and the small everyday trials that shape a life. Lyall’s prose blends biographical curiosity with moral inquiry, asking how talent is recognized, how public image is made and unmade, and what it means to be truly understood by friends and critics alike. The novel favors character study over plot twists, offering thoughtful reflections on artistic integrity and the costs of success. Ideal for listeners who enjoy classic literature, Victorian social commentary, and character-driven historical fiction, this audiobook rewards those who appreciate nuanced portraits of literary life and the slow, human work behind a novelist’s reputation.