E. Phillips Oppenheim's novel A Prince of Sinners depicts the life of a young man who is unable to forgive his recently discovered father because he abandoned both him and his mother. However, as innumerable life experiences teach them both in various ways, they realise that there are other, more drastic agendas and forces at work. The tale is set amid a rapidly evolving Britain. Unemployment and poverty are widespread, and the novel investigates whether one person's charitable and philanthropic efforts may truly make a difference. Comprising elements of romance and forgiveness, the novel is an intriguing and provocative story.