The Man with the Double Heart

"The Man with the Double Heart" by Muriel Hine is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Peter Maramonte McTaggart, a tall, well-built man of mixed Scottish and Italian heritage, as he navigates life in foggy London, dealing with personal issues that arise when he discovers that he has a rare medical condition—a "Double Heart." This peculiarity serves as both a physical attribute and a metaphorical exploration of identity and connection. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to McTaggart, who is anxious about an upcoming interview while maneuvering through the smoky London streets. After a rather humorous and chaotic journey, he arrives at Harley Street to consult a specialist about his health concerns, fueled by a friend's comments about his heart. In an unexpected twist, the doctor reveals that not only is his heart in good condition, but he possesses an additional heart on the right side of his body, which the doctor finds profoundly fascinating. This revelation sets the tone for McTaggart’s journey, as the narrative unfolds to explore themes of love, identity, and the social milieu of early 20th-century England through his interactions with various characters, including the intelligent and spirited Jill, and the ethereal Cydonia.

The Man with the Double Heart, by Muriel Hine. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #34709.