A Romance of Two Worlds

“No one is contented in this world, I believe. There is always something left to desire, and the last thing longed for always seems the most necessary to happiness.” Known as the queen of bestsellers, Corelli’s career began with A Romance of Two Worlds, which addressed the contemporary debate between creationism and evolution. The debut novel even developed a cult following of its own, garnering a group of devotees to her passage regarding “The Electric Principle of Christianity” that they believed was born of her own supernatural experiences (a belief from which she did not try to dissuade them). In A Romance of Two Worlds, a young musician in England who has been suffering from depression and a nervous ailment goes on holiday in order to recuperate. While abroad, she meets an Italian artist, Cellini, who gives her a special draught for relaxation. The young woman has divine visions under the influence of the strange potion which she longs to have again. Cellini takes her to Dr. Casimir, also known as Heliobas, for further treatment of her nervous disposition. The doctor describes himself as an “electric physician,” and with his help she is able to experience more visions, as well as some relief from her anxiety. With each vision she learns more about religion and the destiny of mankind, but it is not enough. She is always yearning to learn more, to be closer to the divine.