Leave Her to Heaven

'Leave Her to Heaven' by Ben Ames Williams is a tale of love, jealousy, and the dark depths of obsession. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, this gripping narrative unfolds with a magnetic force, drawing readers into the complexities of the human heart. The story revolves around Ellen Berent, a woman of striking beauty and an allure that captivates those around her. Beneath her charming exterior, however, lies a dangerous and possessive nature. When she meets and marries Richard Harland, a successful writer, the seemingly idyllic relationship becomes a tangled web of passion and treachery. As Ellen's jealousy and possessiveness spiral out of control, the novel explores the destructive power of unchecked obsession. Ben Ames Williams crafts a narrative that delves into the psychological depths of characters, revealing the complexities of love and the consequences of letting darker emotions take hold. His prose is both evocative and haunting, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Ben Ames Williams (1889-1953) was an American novelist and writer of short stories; he wrote hundreds of short stories and over 30 novels. A number of his novels were turned into films, the most popular being Leave Her to Heaven. Many of Williams' stories were set in rural Maine where he owned a summer home and grew fond of the land.