The Return

Walter de la Mare's early 20th-century novel, "The Return," delves into the unsettling experience of Arthur Lawford. After a period of illness, Lawford takes a solitary walk through an old churchyard, where he falls asleep. Upon awakening, he finds himself profoundly transformed, both physically and emotionally, to the point of being unrecognizable. This mysterious alteration plunges him into a deep disturbance and a crisis of identity. As he grapples with his changed appearance and the reactions of those around him, particularly his wife Sheila, the narrative explores profound themes of identity, the self, isolation, the nature of reality, and the struggle to maintain one's integrity amidst unforeseen and inexplicable change.

Reading ease score: 82.2 (6th grade). Easy to read.