Since it was first published in 1791, this elegant little novel has scarcely been out of print, and deservedly so, for its graceful humour and anarchic feminism give it a decidedly timeless feel. The first half of the book tells the story of a flirtatious teenager who falls in love with her guardian, a Roman Catholic priest; the second half sees them unhappily married, then separated, their daughter condemned toe eternal banishment, etc, etc. There's lots of wailing and gnashing of teeth - not to mention a couple of episodes of adultery and rape - before it all gets sorted out, hut Inchbald, herself an actress and successful playwright, never lets the tension slip and some of her comic asides read like early Austen.
