The Sheik - Hull, E. M.

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Résumé :
The Sheik (1919) is a romance novel by English author E.M. Hull. Written while the author's husband was serving in the Great War, The Sheik launched Hull's career as a bestselling author of romance fiction, selling millions of copies following the release of a 1921 film of the same name. Part of a tradition of Orientalist fiction, The Sheik has proven as controversial as it has been popular, and serves now as a reminder of the ways in which British subjects imagined themselves in relation to the colonial world. In an Algerian city, the young Diana Mayo prepares for a month-long journey through the desert. Despite warnings from family and friends, she departs with her Arab guide. Surrounded by endless swaths of sand, Diana is soon kidnapped by Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan, who has bribed her guide to abandon her. Taken to his camp, Diana is repeatedly raped over a period of weeks, and soon gives up hope of ever escaping. After a thwarted attempt at stealing one of the Sheik's horses, she slowly begins to fall in love with Ben Hassan, but realizes she must hide her feelings from a man who views her solely as an object of desire. As months go by, Diana learns the tragic truth behind the Sheik's hatred of the English, and the two begin to grow close. When she is kidnapped by a rival, however, Ben Hassan must risk his life in order to save her. The Sheik is a bestselling romance novel by a master of English popular fiction. Since our inception in 2020, Mint Editions has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book. With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.

Biographie:
E. M. Hull (1880-1947) was a British author best known for her romantic novels, particularly The Sheik, which became a bestseller and significantly influenced the genre of romance fiction. Born in London, Hull's literary career took off in the early 20th century, and she gained widespread acclaim for her vivid and passionate storytelling. Her works often feature exotic settings and dramatic plots, reflecting her fascination with the Middle Eastern landscape and culture. The Sheik, published in 1921, is perhaps her most famous work, capturing the imaginations of readers with its adventurous romance set in the desert. The novel's portrayal of a sheik and his tumultuous relationship with a Western woman tapped into contemporary Orientalist fantasies and colonial attitudes, making it a significant cultural artifact of its time. Hull's writing is characterized by its rich descriptions and emotional intensity, exploring themes of love, power, and cultural conflict. Her success in the romance genre paved the way for future authors, leaving a lasting legacy in literary circles. Despite the passage of time, Hull's works remain notable for their engaging narratives and evocative settings....

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