The Stress of Her Regard (Magill’s Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature)
At a glance:
- Author: Tim Powers
- First Published: 1989
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Fantasy—alternate history
- Time of Work: The early nineteenth century
- Setting: Various locations in England, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy
- Genres: Long fiction, Fantasy, Alternate history
- Subjects: Nineteenth century, Poetry or poets, England or English people, Austria or Austrians, Italy or Italians, Romanticism, Switzerland or Swiss people
- Locales: England, Italy, Switzerland, Austria
The Plot
Silicon-based life-forms, called Lamiae, have formed a “family” through their symbiotic relationships with particular humans. The supernatural beings need to be invited by their victims.
The story begins when English physician Michael Crawford stops at an inn on his way to his wedding. He is lured into placing the wedding ring on the finger of a stone statue. In a scene that re- enacts the animation of Pygmalion, the statue comes alive. From that point, she regards Crawford as her husband. The Lamia kills Crawford’s bride, Julia, on the night of their...
[The entire page is 999 words long]
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