Asphodel

"Asphodel" is a novel by Mary Elizabeth Braddon that tells the story of Daphne, a young girl who feels unloved by her renowned father and is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her mother. Daphne is given a chance to escape her troubles and finds solace in forgetting her problems. The title of the novel refers to the Asphodel, a plant that grows far away from England, just as Daphne feels far away from home. Despite her privileged upbringing, Daphne is able to relate to those from different backgrounds and can even control her friend's actions. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the desire to escape from one's problems.