Opens around 1860 with 13 year old orphan Ernest Kershaw moving in with his mother’s brother (single and caring for the 2, Dorothy & Jeremy, children of the woman who he had wanted to married. He has also been pursuing vengeance upon those who prevented his marriage.)) following the death of his mother after his father’s brother rejects the request. The story quickly moves forward to Ernest and Jeremy, now fast friends, are in their early 20’s and have graduated from Cambridge. Added to this mix are Florence and Eva of similar age and new neighbors. In a cemetery collapsing into the sea, they discover a box containing the well preserved Saxon(?) woman’s head who they deem a witch and who close resembles Florence. Things begin to be less positive after the head is discovered. (Goodreads)
Sir Henry Rider Haggard KBE (22 June 1856 – 14 May 1925) was an English writer of adventure fiction romances set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa, and a pioneer of the lost world literary genre. He was also involved in land reform throughout the British Empire. His stories, situated at the lighter end of Victorian literature, continue to be popular and influential.