In Combined Maze, Ranny Ransome is a passionate young man who immerses himself in vibrant gymnastic routines, striving to overcome “flabbiness” in body and soul. His heart belongs to the spirited and athletic Winny Dymond, and together they revel in the exhilarating Combined Maze—a mesmerizing group gymnastic ritual at the Polytechnic Gymnasium. However, Rannys life takes a tumultuous turn when he falls for the alluring Violet, a free-spirited woman who seeks to live life on her own terms. When Violet unexpectedly becomes pregnant, Ranny feels compelled to marry her, despite her reluctance, ensnaring them both in a suffocating web of societal expectations designed to stifle the very passions that enliven existence. May Sinclair masterfully weaves a tale that captivates with its understated Victorian prose, simultaneously conforming to and challenging the conventions of her time. As Ranny grapples with his desire to maintain decency while remaining true to his true love, the stakes rise, and his struggle unfolds to the last gripping page. (summary by Expatriate)