Ouida 
Under Two Flags [EPUB ebook] 

Ouida’s novel, Under Two Flags, is a compelling tale of love, honor, and sacrifice set against the backdrop of colonial Algeria. Written in the mid-19th century, this work exemplifies the romantic literature of the time, with its lush descriptions of exotic locales and tragic characters. The novel explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the clash between societal expectations and personal desires. Ouida’s evocative prose draws readers into a world of adventure and passion, making for a captivating read that resonates with readers to this day. Ouida, a pseudonym for the English author Marie Louise de la Ramée, was known for her flamboyant lifestyle and her romantic novels. Inspired by her travels and experiences, Ouida brought a unique perspective to her writing, blending her vivid imagination with a keen understanding of human emotions. Under Two Flags, one of her most popular works, reflects her ability to create compelling narratives that appeal to a wide audience. I highly recommend Under Two Flags to those who enjoy historical romance and adventure novels. Ouida’s masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this novel a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its sweeping drama and emotional depth.

عن المؤلف

Ouida, the pen name for Maria Louise Ramé, was an English novelist born on January 1, 1839, in Bury St. Edmunds, England. She was known for her romantically tinged novels that were often set against opulent backdrops and explored themes of luxury, aristocracy, and excess. Ouida’s flowery, emotive prose and penchant for melodrama secured her a place in the Victorian literary scene. ‘Under Two Flags’ (1867), one of her best-known works, exemplifies her characteristic style and was a pinnacle of success in her literary career. The novel, which tells the story of an aristocratic officer who escapes to Algeria to serve in the French Foreign Legion, was applauded for its adventurous themes and rich characterizations. It has since been adapted into several films and plays, attesting to the enduring appeal of Ouida’s storytelling. Although Ouida’s flamboyant style fell out of fashion with the arrival of literary realism, her work remains significant for its reflection of the ornate aestheticism that defined a segment of 19th-century literature. Ouida’s extravagant lifestyle mirrored the opulence depicted in her novels, and despite earning substantial sums for her writings, she died in poverty on January 25, 1908, in Viareggio, Italy, leaving behind a legacy that intrigues literary scholars to this day.