The Octoroon

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Louisiana, the story follows Cora, who returns to her father's plantation to uncover her mother's slave heritage. This dark narrative delves into themes of crime, race, and the horrors of slavery, reflecting the complexities of its time. Originally serialized between 1861 and 1862, it stands as a significant anti-slavery work by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, a prolific author known for her impactful storytelling and exploration of social issues in her extensive literary career.