A Theory of Dreaming Summary, Characters and Themes
A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid is a novel set in a turbulent time, following the lives of two university students, Euphemia “Effy” Sayre and Preston Héloury, who become embroiled in a scandal that threatens the legacy of Emrys Myrddin, a revered national literary figure. The story explores their struggles with academic pressures, personal relationships, and political tensions in a world that is unraveling both historically and personally.
The novel delves into themes of identity, truth, loyalty, and the consequences of challenging established narratives. Through their journey, Effy and Preston navigate a complex web of love, loss, and the blurred lines between the real and the fantastical. This is the 2nd book in the A Study in Drowning series.
Summary
The story centers on Euphemia “Effy” Sayre and Preston Héloury, two students at the University of Llyr, who discover a controversial secret about the famed novel Angharad by Emrys Myrddin. They believe that Myrddin’s wife, Angharad Blackmar, was the true author of the novel, and they gather evidence to prove this claim, including personal letters and diaries.
The revelation threatens to damage Myrddin’s literary legacy and disrupt national pride, particularly during an ongoing war with the neighboring nation of Argantia. Their discovery draws the attention of powerful figures, including Myrddin’s estate, the university, and even the Ministry of Defense, all of whom seek to suppress the truth for political and social reasons.
Effy and Preston are soon ostracized, with Effy bearing the brunt of the backlash as the first woman to be admitted to the prestigious literature college.
Effy’s university experience begins poorly, as she faces ridicule and exclusion from her peers. On her first day of class, she is late and unprepared, unable to fit in with the formal expectations of her fellow students.
Despite these challenges, Effy remains determined to succeed, though the constant pressure makes it difficult to focus on her studies. Preston, her close friend, is equally affected by their actions, torn between his desire to protect Effy and the fear of the consequences of their actions.
As tensions rise, Effy becomes increasingly isolated, struggling to maintain her place at the university while dealing with the academic demands and personal challenges of living under public scrutiny.
The situation escalates when the Llyrian Times publishes an article that sensationalizes Effy’s involvement in the scandal. Effy’s name is splashed across the headlines, and she becomes a symbol of academic defiance, though she is often misunderstood by those around her.
Her relationship with Preston begins to strain under the weight of the pressure, with both of them struggling to manage the fallout. Effy becomes disillusioned with her studies, especially after encountering Professor Tinmew, whose rigid and impersonal approach to literature alienates her.
Effy grows increasingly frustrated by the lack of emotional depth in her academic environment and feels disconnected from the purpose of her studies.
The pressure intensifies when a journalist named Roger Finisterre confronts Effy, attempting to manipulate her into giving an interview that would clear her name but ultimately further sensationalize her involvement in the scandal. Effy begins to withdraw emotionally, seeking comfort in memories of the Fairy King from the novel Angharad, a figure who has always been both a source of fear and solace for her.
However, as she becomes more isolated, the comforting memories of the Fairy King begin to feel distant, and she starts to question her ability to cope with the mounting pressures of her life.
Meanwhile, Preston is dealing with his own challenges. His adviser, Master Gosse, is an eccentric and secretive figure, whose obsession with the ancient history of Llyr becomes increasingly apparent.
Gosse has been researching the mythical “Sleepers,” ancient beings who are said to awaken in times of national need. As Preston digs deeper into Gosse’s research, he begins to experience strange, mystical phenomena that seem to suggest a deeper connection between the past and present.
This includes mysterious dreams that blur the lines between reality and fantasy, which leave Preston feeling more and more disconnected from the world around him.
Preston’s unease grows when he is drawn into a ritual at the Sleeper Museum, a place where ancient forces are said to be dormant. The ritual seems to have supernatural elements that hint at the possibility of reshaping reality itself.
Throughout this journey, Preston’s internal struggle grows, especially as he begins to confront his own identity and heritage. He is an outsider in the world of academia, where his Argantian roots make him a target for discrimination, particularly from classmates like Southey, a nationalist student who mocks him for his ethnicity.
Preston’s emotional state deteriorates as he feels the weight of being an outsider both in his academic world and in the strange, mystical world Gosse is pulling him toward.
As Effy’s isolation deepens, she struggles with the personal and political forces at play in her life. Her growing sense of alienation is compounded by the political tensions in Llyr, where the government’s restrictions on cultural and academic freedoms become more pronounced.
Effy’s health begins to deteriorate, and she becomes increasingly withdrawn, finding solace only in her obsessive reading of the works of Antonia Ardor. Effy’s emotional turmoil reaches a breaking point, and she begins to question her worth, feeling like a burden to those around her, including Preston.
Preston, too, finds himself in turmoil, especially after a violent altercation with Southey at a social event, which leads to his suspension from the university. As Preston tries to reconcile his feelings for Effy with his growing involvement in the strange, mystical world surrounding him, he begins to spiral further into uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the war between Llyr and Argantia escalates, and the city of Ys is depicted as sinking beneath the waves, symbolizing the crumbling of societal structures and personal identities.
Effy’s condition worsens, and Preston takes on the responsibility of caring for her, even as she insists that she is beyond help. Their relationship becomes even more strained, but Preston continues to support her, hoping that he can help her find her way back to the world.
Effy’s isolation leads her to confront the possibility that the art she admires is tied to the pain she feels, raising questions about the ethical implications of creativity and suffering. Effy’s and Preston’s struggles become a mirror for the larger political and social upheavals in their world, as they both attempt to find meaning in a time of uncertainty.
In the final stages of the story, Effy falls into a coma after a suicide attempt, leaving Preston devastated. He continues to struggle with feelings of guilt and remorse but finds some comfort in his dreams, where he is confronted with a mystical underwater palace and an ancient figure that seems to hold the key to understanding the supernatural forces at play.
As the war between Llyr and Argantia reaches its climax, Preston begins to question the power of dreams, myths, and reality, struggling to discern where one ends and the other begins. Ultimately, Effy awakens from her coma, and the two are reunited, though much of the emotional trauma remains unresolved.
The novel ends with a quiet moment of reflection, as Preston and Effy face an uncertain future, bound together by their shared experiences but unsure of what lies ahead.
Characters
Euphemia “Effy” Sayre
Effy is a young woman who, throughout A Theory of Dreaming, faces significant personal, academic, and emotional struggles. As the first woman admitted to the prestigious literature college at the University of Llyr, she carries the burden of proving her worth in an environment dominated by men.
Her journey is marked by isolation, both academically and socially, as her actions around the controversial revelation of Angharad Myrddin’s authorship of Emrys Myrddin’s famous novel attract public scrutiny. Effy’s character is defined by her resilience despite these pressures, but this resilience is constantly tested as the hostile academic environment, political tensions, and personal challenges mount.
She struggles with her identity and place in the world, especially when faced with the rigid and formalist methods of Professor Tinmew. Her emotional isolation deepens as the pressures of university life and the scandal surrounding the novel unfold.
Effy’s mental health deteriorates, culminating in a suicide attempt that leaves her in a fragile state. Her deep connection to literature, particularly the works of Antonia Ardor, becomes a source of solace and self-reflection, though it also leads her to question the intersection between pain, art, and identity.
Throughout the story, Effy wrestles with her feelings of worthlessness, yet the support she receives from Preston provides her with the strength to re-engage with the world around her.
Preston Héloury
Preston is a complex character whose internal struggles and growing anxieties mirror the chaos around him. As a teaching assistant at the literature college, he grapples with the pressures of academic responsibility, social isolation, and his relationship with Effy.
His ethnicity, being from Argantia, makes him an outsider in the predominantly Llyrian academic environment, and this becomes a source of constant anxiety. His interactions with students, especially those like Southey, reflect his discomfort and the racial tensions he faces.
Preston’s character is further complicated by his entanglement in the supernatural events surrounding the “Sleepers” and his mentor Master Gosse’s obsession with uncovering mystical truths. The mysterious events he experiences—strange rituals and dreamlike encounters with ancient figures—pull him deeper into a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur.
Despite these surreal experiences, Preston remains deeply connected to Effy, his feelings for her evolving throughout their shared struggles. His guilt over not being able to help Effy when she needed him most adds to the emotional weight he carries.
Ultimately, Preston’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to navigate the shifting terrain between fantasy and reality while confronting the unresolved pain of his past and his complicated relationship with Effy.
Master Gosse
Master Gosse is an eccentric and somewhat enigmatic character who plays a pivotal role in Preston’s academic and supernatural journey. As Preston’s mentor at the literature college, Gosse introduces him to a world of hidden knowledge, particularly surrounding the ancient “Sleepers” of Llyr.
Gosse’s obsession with uncovering the secrets of the past, including his study of the writings of Emrys and Angharad Myrddin, leads him to explore mystical realms that seem to defy logic and time. Gosse’s motivations remain somewhat unclear, as he pulls Preston into increasingly bizarre rituals and encounters with ancient forces.
His interest in the supernatural and the dreams of the past influences Preston’s own emotional and intellectual development, but it also deepens the rift between Preston and Effy. Gosse’s influence on Preston is one of both mentorship and manipulation, as he subtly guides Preston into deeper and more dangerous waters, drawing him into a world that threatens to swallow him whole.
Though his actions are driven by a desire to unlock powerful knowledge, Gosse’s true intentions remain murky, and his obsession with the past ultimately has a profound impact on both Preston and Effy.
Southey
Southey is a student at the University of Llyr whose nationalistic views create tension between him and Preston. His smug attitude and disdain for Preston’s Argantian heritage add a layer of external conflict to Preston’s already fraught position as an outsider.
Southey embodies the rising nationalist sentiments within Llyr, and his interactions with Preston serve to highlight the ethnic and political tensions that underpin much of the story. His confrontation with Preston at the Midwinter Ball, which escalates into a violent altercation, leads to Preston’s suspension from the university.
This event underscores the escalating hostilities between the characters and the broader political environment of Llyr. Southey’s role is primarily antagonistic, and his interactions with Preston and Effy reflect the volatile social and political climate that shapes their experiences at the university.
Rhia
Rhia serves as Effy’s roommate and provides her with much-needed support throughout the story. While not a central figure, Rhia’s presence represents the quieter, more grounded relationships Effy holds dear.
Rhia helps Effy prepare for the Midwinter Ball and is a consistent source of comfort during Effy’s emotional turmoil. Though Rhia is not deeply involved in the larger academic or political conflicts that dominate the story, her role is vital in providing Effy with a sense of normalcy and companionship, especially during Effy’s moments of isolation and distress.
Roger Finisterre
Roger Finisterre is a journalist who plays a crucial role in the media’s sensationalization of the scandal surrounding the authorship of Angharad. His interactions with Effy, particularly his attempt to manipulate her into giving an interview, add to the external pressures she faces.
Finisterre embodies the relentless nature of the media in feeding off scandal and drama, and his role highlights the tension between personal integrity and the public’s desire for sensational stories. His influence on Effy is both manipulative and invasive, further alienating her from the world around her as she struggles with her own identity and the consequences of her actions.
Ollie Héloury
Ollie, Preston’s younger brother, represents the looming reality of the political and social upheaval surrounding them. As the possibility of a military draft threatens to disrupt the lives of those in Llyr, Ollie’s age and potential conscription symbolize the generational impact of the war and political tensions that permeate the story.
His presence in Preston’s life adds another layer of emotional complexity to Preston’s struggles, as he is forced to confront the realities of his homeland’s military conflict while also dealing with his own personal crises.
Angharad Myrddin
Angharad Myrddin, the figure at the center of the scandal surrounding Angharad, is a character whose life and work are shrouded in mystery. As the wife of Emrys Myrddin, she is posthumously revealed to be the true author of the iconic novel, challenging the established narrative of Llyr’s literary history.
Her story is intertwined with Effy’s, as Effy begins to uncover unsettling truths about authorship, identity, and creation. Angharad’s ethereal presence in the novel, especially in Effy’s memories and dreams, provides a haunting figure that embodies both fear and comfort.
Angharad’s legacy, much like Effy’s journey, is one of resistance against oppressive systems and the reclaiming of one’s voice in a world that seeks to suppress it.
Themes
Identity and Self-Perception
Effy’s struggle with her identity, both at the university and in her personal life, forms a central aspect of A Theory of Dreaming. As the first woman admitted to the prestigious literature college, she is thrust into an environment where her worth is constantly questioned.
Her academic journey is fraught with societal expectations, and she often finds herself alienated in a male-dominated space. Effy’s sense of self becomes increasingly fractured as she faces the pressures of academia, societal judgment, and personal struggles.
Her experiences are not limited to the academic field but also manifest in her relationship with Preston, where she feels like a burden rather than an equal. The story portrays her ongoing battle to assert her identity and overcome the imposter syndrome that plagues her.
Her journey is complicated by the public scandal involving the authorship of Angharad by Emrys Myrddin, which forces her into the spotlight. As she deals with the media’s portrayal of her, Effy becomes increasingly disconnected from the world around her.
This sense of isolation intensifies her internal conflict, as she is forced to confront not only how others perceive her but also how she perceives herself. The themes of identity and self-worth are explored through her emotional turmoil and the challenges she faces in reconciling her personal and academic aspirations with the harsh realities imposed upon her by societal expectations.
Preston, too, grapples with his own sense of identity, though in a different way. As a teaching assistant with Argantian heritage, he faces discrimination and mockery from his peers, which exacerbates his sense of being an outsider.
His struggle with identity is portrayed through his internal anxiety and external interactions with others, particularly his classmates. The contrast between Effy’s struggle as a woman in academia and Preston’s struggle as a marginalized ethnic figure highlights the theme of identity in different contexts.
Truth and the Nature of Knowledge
The tension between truth and perception is a recurring theme in A Theory of Dreaming. The book’s central scandal, involving the authorship of Angharad, introduces the question of what constitutes truth and who gets to decide it.
Effy and Preston uncover evidence that casts doubt on the long-accepted narrative of Emrys Myrddin’s authorship, presenting Angharad Myrddin as the true author. This discovery challenges not only literary history but also the established power structures that uphold such histories, such as the university, the government, and the literary community.
The resistance they face when attempting to expose this truth, from all levels of authority, reflects how deeply entrenched narratives can be, and the dangers of questioning them.
The university’s rigid adherence to formalist academic methods further explores the theme of truth. Effy’s disillusionment with Professor Tinmew’s approach to literature, which prioritizes structural analysis over emotional or historical context, illustrates the disconnect between theory and lived experience.
This approach disregards the complexity of the human condition, reducing literature to a series of formal rules, which leaves Effy feeling alienated. This thematic exploration of truth is further compounded by the political climate in Llyr, where the government enforces strict censorship, particularly concerning works that challenge national narratives or authorship.
The conflict between the individual’s pursuit of truth and the societal forces that seek to suppress it reflects the broader tension between intellectual freedom and political control.
This theme also manifests in Preston’s journey into the mystical world of the Sleepers. His exploration of hidden truths through his mentor, Master Gosse, leads him into a realm where the boundaries between reality and myth become increasingly blurred.
Preston’s struggle with what is real and what is imagined reflects a broader philosophical question about the nature of knowledge itself and the ways in which the mind constructs truth. The supernatural elements in the book question whether objective reality is truly attainable, or if all truth is subjective and constructed through individual perception.
Love and Loyalty
Love, especially in its complex and multifaceted forms, is another significant theme in A Theory of Dreaming. Effy and Preston’s relationship, marked by deep affection and mutual care, is also strained by the external pressures they face.
As the story unfolds, the emotional toll of their struggles—academic, political, and personal—begins to erode the foundation of their relationship. Effy, feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected, believes she is a burden to Preston, which leads to moments of tension between them.
Preston, on the other hand, is driven by a desire to protect Effy but is often overwhelmed by his own anxieties and fears.
The loyalty between Effy and Preston is tested not only by their personal struggles but also by the larger, external forces in their lives. The pressures from the university, the media, and the government strain their bond, but they continue to support each other in their individual battles.
Effy’s growing disillusionment with the world around her contrasts with Preston’s immersion in the mystical world of the Sleepers. Despite these differences, their shared experiences and the love they have for one another remain central to the story.
Love, in this context, is portrayed as a source of both strength and vulnerability, offering solace and comfort but also exposing the characters to pain and heartache.
This theme also plays out in the context of familial relationships. Preston’s relationship with his mother and his younger brother Ollie highlights the personal sacrifices that come with loyalty and love.
The looming possibility of Ollie being drafted into war creates a sense of helplessness in Preston, as he grapples with his inability to protect his family. This dynamic contrasts with Effy’s strained familial connections, particularly with the absence of supportive figures in her life.
In both cases, love becomes a source of tension, pushing the characters to make difficult decisions and endure emotional hardships.
The Supernatural and Dreams
The supernatural elements in A Theory of Dreaming are intricately woven into the narrative, with dreams and mystical experiences influencing the characters’ lives in profound ways. Preston’s encounters with Master Gosse and the Sleepers reveal a world beyond the rational, where reality and myth collide.
The Sleepers, ancient figures who are believed to have the power to reshape the world, represent a forgotten past that continues to influence the present. As Preston becomes more involved in Gosse’s research, he finds himself drawn into a world of strange rituals and dreamlike encounters that blur the lines between waking and sleeping.
Effy’s experience with dreams and memory is also central to the book. Her connection to the Fairy King from Angharad symbolizes a deeper, more psychological bond to the past, one that provides her with both comfort and fear.
As she becomes increasingly isolated from the world around her, her memories and dreams offer an escape, even as they begin to unravel her sense of reality. The dreamlike quality of her experiences parallels the growing instability in her waking life, as she struggles with her emotions and the overwhelming external pressures.
The exploration of dreams and the supernatural in the book challenges the characters to question what is real and what is imagined. The mystical elements offer a sense of mystery and wonder but also serve as a metaphor for the characters’ internal conflicts and desires.
The boundary between the dream world and reality becomes increasingly porous, reflecting the characters’ struggles to navigate their identities, relationships, and the complex forces shaping their lives.