Ovington’s Bank

Ovington’s Bank is a forgotten masterpiece from master story-teller Stanley Weyman (1855-1928) who was once the Charles Dickens of his day - yet by the late 20th century, all of his books were out of print. Hugh Walpole described him as ‘one of the finest masters of the narrative gift the English novel has known.’ Graham Greene referred to Weyman’s novels as ‘key books in my life’. Ovington’s Bank was written at the height of Weyman’s powers, and is considered the finest of his 24 novels. Although set in 1825, the novel’s themes are as relevant today as then. The tale follows a run on a private bank: in the fall-out the protagonists are challenged to examine their motives, their morals and their values as the surprising plot unfolds. This is a tale of tension between traditional values and modern opportunities; between ambition and love; self-denial and passion. The characters are unforgettable, the plot swift-moving and full of the excitement of a stage-coach dash to London, theft, a violent mugging, a desperate bid to keep up appearances and the tenderest of love scenes.