Wildes

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In this powerful novel, bestselling author Louis Bayard brings Oscar Wilde's wife Constance and their two sons into the spotlight, crafting a poignant tale of secrets, loss, and love. In September 1892, the Wilde family retreats to the serene Norfolk countryside. Constance appears content with her two sons, her advocacy for feminist causes, and her charming husband, the celebrated author. However, the arrival of the aristocratic poet Lord Alfred Douglas reveals that Oscar's affections lie elsewhere, threatening the foundation of their lives. The narrative unfolds as Constance flees to Italy after Oscar's imprisonment for homosexuality, and later, the story shifts to World War I and a bar in London's Soho, where their sons, Cyril and Vyvyan, confront their father's legacy. In a brilliant twist, the final act reunites the characters in a surprising and satisfying tableau. With Bayard's trademark sparkling dialogue and deep character insight, the novel offers an entertaining yet profound exploration of the human condition. Critics praise it as "wonderfully researched" and "movingly told," highlighting Bayard's ability to blend tenderness, irony, and heartbreak, solidifying his status as a vital storyteller of the past.