We Two

We Two is a novel written by Edna Lyall, the pen name of Ada Ellen Bayly, first published in 1884. As a sequel to her earlier success, Donovan, the work reflects the Victorian interest in bridging the gap between religious faith and secular intellectualism. It was composed during a period when the author was deeply involved in the social and political debates of the era, aiming to advocate for tolerance and understanding across ideological divides.

The narrative follows the struggles of Erica Raeburn, the daughter of an atheist, as she navigates personal hardship and societal prejudice. Lyall’s prose was designed to be accessible and moralizing, typical of the late nineteenth-century didactic novel. It was well-received by contemporary readers who appreciated her ability to treat contentious theological subjects with a gentle, humanistic touch, cementing Lyall's reputation as a prominent author of religious-leaning fiction for young adults.