The Return

In Walter de la Mare's classic ghost story, The Return, we follow the seemingly ordinary Arthur Lawford, who becomes haunted by the spirit of an eighteenth-century pirate after a shocking experience in a graveyard. As Arthur grapples with his unusual predicament, which leaves him appearing as a dead Frenchman in the eyes of his wife and others, he must prove his true identity to those around him. This eerie narrative weaves elements of domestic drama, ghostly possession, and unrequited love, showcasing de la Mare’s mastery of Gothic storytelling. Originally published in 1910, this tale invites listeners into a world where the line between life and death blurs hauntingly.