Author
Ada Cambridge
1844-1926
Ada Cambridge (1844-1926) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Ada Cambridge
The Retrospect
"The Retrospect" by Ada Cambridge is a reflective autobiographical narrative written in the early 20th century. This book delves into the author's experiences and emotions surrounding her long-awaited return to England after nearly four decades spent in Australia. The central character, portraying the author herself, grapples with feelings of nostalgia, change, and the passage of time as she revisits her childhood home and the landscapes of her youth. The opening of the narrative introduces readers to the protagonist's poignant reflections on her thirty-eight-year absence from England, capturing her sense of longing and the complexities of returning home as an older woman. The text details her journey aboard a ship, the anticipation of finally reaching her native land, and her musings on the changes that have occurred both in herself and the world around her. As she approaches England, she experiences renewed hope and an unexpected joy in rediscovering places that once held deep significance in her past. The beginning sets the stage for a heartfelt exploration of memory, identity, and the inevitability of change, all while painting vivid descriptions of the landscapes she encounters along the way.
Thirty Years in Australia
"Thirty Years in Australia" by Ada Cambridge is a memoir written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the author's experiences and observations during her thirty years of life in Australia, detailing her journey from England and her subsequent adaptations to Australian society. The narrative likely centers around themes of migration, culture shock, and nostalgia, as the author reflects on her past and the profound changes that come with time. At the start of the book, the narrator shares her feelings of confusion and homesickness experienced while preparing to move to Australia after getting married to a young curate. The narrative quickly established the couple's departure from England and their worries about the new life that awaits them in a foreign land. The opening chapters vividly describe their initial trip, touching upon the challenges of ocean travel in the 19th century, the peculiar charm of their memories of England, and their hopes for the future, all while setting the tone for their eventual experiences in Australia. Through these reflections, the author skillfully conveys a sense of longing for home juxtaposed with the anticipation of adventure in the new land.
Sisters
"Sisters" by Ada Cambridge is a novel set in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the life of Gudmund “Guthrie” Carey, a young sailor, and his relationship with his wife, Lily Harrison. Their narrative begins shortly after their marriage, charting the challenges and joys of their early life together, while hinting at deeper themes of love, duty, and loss. At the start of the novel, Guthrie marries Lily, a struggling young woman whom he wishes to rescue from her difficult life. Their transition into married life is filled with tender moments of anticipation and romanticism, particularly as they embark on a voyage together across a bay. However, a tragic incident occurs when their boat capsizes, plunging their seemingly idyllic new life into chaos and uncertainty. Through the opening chapters, readers are introduced to the passionate yet delicate relationship between Guthrie and Lily, setting the stage for the complexities that will follow in their lives as they navigate love, companionship, and ultimately the challenges of impending loss.
The Three Miss Kings: An Australian Story
"The Three Miss Kings: An Australian Story" by Ada Cambridge is a novel written in the late 19th century. It follows the lives of three orphaned sisters—Elizabeth, Patty, and Eleanor King—who find themselves alone in the world with limited financial means after the death of their parents. The story explores their struggles and aspirations as they decide to leave their isolated childhood home to start anew in Melbourne, seeking independence and a broader understanding of life. At the start of the narrative, the sisters reflect on their newfound independence and the choices that lie ahead. They debate potential plans, from traveling to Europe to simply settling in Melbourne, showcasing their varying personalities; Patty is impulsive and eager for adventure, while Elizabeth is more cautious and pragmatic. The depiction of their home environment, including the picturesque yet lonely setting by the Southern Ocean, emphasizes their sheltered upbringing. The challenges they face highlight their naiveté, but also their resilience as they prepare for the transition into a bustling urban life, ready to embrace the unknown that awaits them.
In two years' time, Vol. 1 (of 2)
"In Two Years' Time, Vol. 1" by Ada Cambridge is a novel written in the late 19th century. It explores the life of Kitty Chamberlayne, a young woman from a rural Australian family, as she navigates the complexities of personal relationships and impending changes in her life due to her family's decision to return to England. The story unfolds amid the backdrop of family dynamics and the emotional turmoil of leaving behind a cherished home. The opening portion introduces readers to Kitty's family environment in Narraporwidgee, highlighting the interactions between her and her parents as they discuss their plans to return to England. The narrative establishes Kitty's youthful exuberance and her attachment to her Australian life, including her beloved dog, Spring, and her horse, Bronzewing. We also meet Tom Smith, her childhood friend, whom she shares a deepening bond with amidst the backdrop of her family's changes. As the family prepares for their departure, Kitty grapples with mixed feelings about leaving her home and the consequential distance from Tom, setting the stage for her emotional journey throughout the novel.
A Mere Chance: A Novel. Vol. 1
"A Mere Chance: A Novel. Vol. 1" by Ada Cambridge is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Rachel Fetherstonhaugh, a young debutante in Melbourne who unexpectedly rises to prominence in society after being introduced by her wealthy aunt, Mrs. Hardy. As Rachel navigates her new life filled with social engagements and romantic intrigue, the narrative explores her personal journey, particularly her encounters with suitors, including the wealthy Mr. Kingston, and the complexities surrounding love and class expectations. The opening of the novel introduces Rachel as she enjoys the luxuries of her new life, reflecting on her past and her desire to escape the poor circumstances of her upbringing. Mrs. Hardy's initial determination to support Rachel transforms into pride at her niece’s beauty and potential for a successful marriage. As Rachel captures the attention of the local society, especially Mr. Kingston, she grapples with feelings of contentment mixed with uncertainties about her past and her aspirations for the future. This initial setup establishes a rich social landscape in which themes of love, identity, and societal expectations are poised to unfold.
A Mere Chance: A Novel. Vol. 3
"A Mere Chance: A Novel. Vol. 3" by Ada Cambridge is a romance novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the complex emotional entanglements of Rachel, who struggles with the implications of her marriage to Mr. Kingston amidst lingering feelings for her former fiancé, Roden Dalrymple. As the narrative unfolds, themes of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations come to the forefront, as Rachel navigates her tumultuous feelings toward both her husband and the man she never truly forgot." "The opening of the novel sets the stage about a month after Rachel’s engagement to Mr. Kingston is revived. It depicts her inner turmoil and despondency as she prepares for her impending marriage, highlighting her conflicted emotions and the societal pressures surrounding her. As Rachel grapples with feelings of despair and isolation, Mr. Kingston unexpectedly visits, offering her a sliver of comfort, which ultimately leads her to accept his proposal. The narrative establishes a backdrop of tension as Rachel’s unresolved feelings for Roden and the expectations of her new life weigh heavily on her, foreshadowing the emotional complexities that will ensue as the story progresses."
A Mere Chance: A Novel. Vol. 2
"A Mere Chance: A Novel. Vol. 2" by Ada Cambridge is a romantic novel written in the late 19th century. This volume follows the character Rachel, who finds herself entangled in complex emotional relationships and societal expectations, particularly regarding her engagement to Mr. Kingston. The narrative explores themes of love, duty, and personal freedom as Rachel grapples with her feelings toward Mr. Dalrymple, a man she is drawn to but cannot pursue openly due to her commitments. The opening of this volume reintroduces Rachel in the aftermath of an emotionally charged encounter at a ball. She is conflicted and anxious, fighting against the constraints of her engagement to Mr. Kingston, whose possessiveness and jealousy surface in their interactions. The atmosphere is tense as Rachel navigates her affections for Mr. Dalrymple, which complicates her feelings about Mr. Kingston. The chapter sets the stage for a burgeoning romance amid societal pressures and personal dilemmas, signaling that Rachel's journey of self-discovery and emotional conflict is only just beginning.
Materfamilias
"Materfamilias" by Ada Cambridge is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on Mary, who navigates difficult personal choices after her father's remarriage to her governess, highlighting themes of love, duty, and resilience. As she embarks on a journey to re-establish a connection with her estranged husband, Edward, the narrative explores her relationships, self-discovery, and the societal pressures of the time. The opening of "Materfamilias" introduces us to Mary as she grapples with familial upheaval following her father's second marriage, and her decision to leave home rather than accept a new mother figure. Striking out on her own, Mary marries Edward in secrecy, but finds herself struggling with the harsh realities of life, particularly when she learns of her husband's illness in Australia. Determined to be by his side, she embarks on a challenging voyage aboard a small ship captained by Thomas Braye. Her feelings of vulnerability and the budding sense of companionship with Captain Braye set the stage for Mary’s growth and transformation throughout the narrative. The opening thus lays the groundwork for an exploration of marriage, independence, and the complexities of motherhood amid societal expectations.
A Humble Enterprise
"A Humble Enterprise" by Ada Cambridge is a novel written in the late 19th century that tells the story of the Liddon family facing tragedy and hardship after the death of the patriarch, Joseph Liddon. Following his unexpected demise, the family—comprised of his widow and three children—struggles to maintain their independence and dignity while navigating the challenges of financial instability. The narrative centers around Jenny Liddon, the eldest daughter, who embarks on a venture to establish a tea-room to sustain her family. The opening of the novel begins with a dramatic depiction of Joseph Liddon's accident and the immediate aftermath, illustrating the shock and grief felt by his family. It transitions into their practical discussions about how to secure their future in light of their financial loss. Jenny emerges as a determined character, proposing the idea of a tea-room, a serene space designed for women, which she believes can be a source of income and comfort. The text reveals her thoughtful planning, resilience, and the dynamics of her relationships with her family, especially her younger brother Joey and her mother, who are both apprehensive yet supportive of her audacious endeavor. This beginning sets the stage for exploring themes of family, responsibility, and the pursuit of independence against societal expectations.