Mathilda

Set against the backdrop of early 19th-century Romanticism, the narrative unfolds through Matilda's poignant reflections as she lies on her deathbed. The story intricately mirrors Mary Shelley's own experiences, featuring characters that echo her life, including her father and husband. Themes of loss, incest, and suicide permeate the tale, offering a deeply personal exploration of despair and longing. Often overlooked, this novel reveals Shelley's emotional depth and literary prowess, making it a significant yet rarely discussed work in her oeuvre.