The Macdermots of Ballycloran

Set against the backdrop of the Irish landed gentry, this novel explores the tragic downfall of a family through themes of seduction, revenge, and murder. Its unyielding grimness and complex emotional struggles may challenge readers, reflecting the harsh realities of life in that era. Despite being Anthony Trollope's first published work, it struggled to resonate with the Victorian audience, who may have preferred lighter narratives.