Evelyn Innes

"Evelyn Innes" by George Moore is a novel published in the late 19th century. The story follows Evelyn, the daughter of Mr. Innes, a passionate propagandist of early music, and a struggling musician himself. The novel captures the complex dynamics of their relationship as they navigate the world of music, ambitions, and personal aspirations, against the backdrop of Evelyn's burgeoning talent and the remnants of her mother’s musical legacy. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Mr. Innes, who is busy repairing a virginal while reminiscing about his late wife and their shared musical dreams. Their daughter, Evelyn, is portrayed as an exceptional musical talent, raised in an environment filled with early music and instruments. The opening chapters lay a foundation of the family's struggles with their artistic ambitions, Evelyn's longing to find her own identity, and hints at her future interactions with Sir Owen Asher—a patron of the arts, who becomes intrigued by both Evelyn's talent and charm. The beginning sets up a rich exploration of themes such as ambition, familial obligations, and the tension between a conventional life and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment.