The Death of the Heart is a novel by Elizabeth Bowen, first published in 1938. It tells the story of Portia Quayne, a sixteen-year-old orphan who is sent to live with her half-brother Edward and his wife Anna in London. Portia is an innocent, naive girl who is unprepared for the sophisticated and often cruel world of the upper-class. She quickly falls in love with a young man named Eddie, who is a friend of Edward and Anna's. Eddie is a charming but irresponsible young man who is not interested in a serious relationship.
Portia's naivety and innocence make her vulnerable to the manipulations of the people around her. She is taken advantage of by Eddie, who uses her for his own pleasure, and by Anna, who uses her to make Edward jealous. Portia is also taken advantage of by her half-brother, who uses her to gain access to her inheritance. As Portia's life becomes increasingly complicated, she begins to realize that she is not as strong as she thought she was.
The novel explores themes of innocence, love, and betrayal. It is a story of a young girl's coming of age in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving. Portia's journey is one of self-discovery and growth, as she learns to stand up for herself and make her own decisions.
The novel is set in the 1930s, and it reflects the social and political changes that were taking place in England at the time. It is a story of a young girl's struggle to find her place in a world that is often hostile and unkind. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human heart and its capacity for both love and betrayal. It is a timeless story of innocence, love, and betrayal that will remain relevant for generations to come.