55 pages • 1 hour read
Eliza HaywoodLove in Excess
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1719A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Love in Excess, first published by Eliza Haywood between 1719 and 1720, follows the romantic entanglements of Count D’elmont, a charming French nobleman. The narrative explores themes of class, desire, and obsession as D’elmont navigates relationships with multiple women, including Alovisa, Amena, and Melliora, leading to a series of intense and complicated romantic misadventures. The source text includes references to death by suicide and sexual assault.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood has been praised for its compelling depiction of early 18th-century romantic entanglements and vibrant characterizations. Critics laud its groundbreaking exploration of female desire, but some find the melodramatic plot and verbose prose challenging. Overall, it remains an essential read for fans of early modern literature.
Who Should Read Love in Excess?
A reader who enjoys Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood is typically interested in early 18th-century literature, romantic and erotic themes, and the exploration of gender dynamics. Fans of Samuel Richardson's Pamela or Aphra Behn's Oroonoko would likely appreciate Haywood's blend of passion, intrigue, and social commentary.