Author
Mabel Quiller-Couch
1865-1924
Mabel Quiller-Couch (1865-1924) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Mabel Quiller-Couch
The Mean-Wells
"The Mean-Wells" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of three siblings—Priscilla, Geoffrey, and Loveday—focusing on their childhood adventures and reflections. The narrative captures themes of sibling relationships, childhood innocence, and the trials of growing up, all portrayed through the endearing and often humorous interactions among the characters. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the dynamics between the siblings as they discuss the fairness surrounding rewards for losing teeth, igniting a debate between Priscilla and Geoffrey. The chapter showcases a vivid day in their life, full of activities such as a tooth extraction for Loveday, painting, driving, and a visit to a toy shop. Loveday’s excitement over her new paint box contrasts with Priscilla's grievances about inequality regarding rewards from their parents. This interplay sets the tone for the exploration of their childhood experiences, brimming with adventures and whimsy, inviting readers into a nostalgic and charming world of family life.
Cornwall's Wonderland
"Cornwall's Wonderland" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a collection of folkloric tales inspired by the legends and romances of Cornwall, likely written in the early 20th century. This enchanting work aims to make these stories more accessible to children and adults alike, preserving the rich cultural heritage of Cornwall while simplifying the language for contemporary readers. The tales feature a range of magical characters, including giants, fairies, and brave heroes, bringing to life the mystical landscape of Cornwall. At the start of the book, the author introduces the legendary battle between the Trojans, led by Brutus and Corineus, and the giants of Cornwall. This initial tale depicts how the giants, initially thought to be invincible, are bested by the clever and skillful bravery of Corineus. The giant Gogmagog ultimately falls to Corineus' strength and strategy, leading to the gradual conquest of the land by the Trojans. This narrative sets the tone for the subsequent stories that explore other facets of Cornish mythology, including encounters with fairies and magical creatures, weaving a rich tapestry of folklore that celebrates the enchanting world of Cornwall.
The Carroll Girls
"The Carroll Girls" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the four Carroll sisters — Esther, Penelope, Angela, and Poppy — as they navigate the challenges of their family life, including the neglect of their home and their mother’s inability to provide for them. Their lives are transformed when they are sent to live with their cousin Charlotte in Devonshire, where they will seek to adjust to a new environment and build a brighter future. The opening portion of the novel introduces us to the characters and their struggles. Penelope, the second eldest, is described as a dreamy child who enjoys the neglected beauty of their garden, while Esther, the eldest, is more practical and frustrated by their family's poverty. The narrative reveals the children's gradual descent into hardship, including the absence of their father and their mother's emotional detachment. As they prepare to leave their old home for their new life with Cousin Charlotte, the sisters experience a plethora of emotions—excitement for change mingled with sadness for leaving behind their familiar surroundings and the weight of uncertainty in their future. This opening sets a poignant tone for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead for the four sisters.
The Making of Mona
"The Making of Mona" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the young protagonist, Mona, who is navigating her transition from living with her grandmother to moving in with her father and stepmother. The book explores themes of childhood innocence, responsibility, and the complexities of family dynamics. The opening of the story presents a slice of Mona's life as she grapples with her day-to-day responsibilities while being enveloped in her imaginative world, particularly through her love for reading. We witness her carefree nature, which comes with the realization of having a careless tendency to forget household tasks, such as keeping the kettle boiling for her fatigued grandmother. As the narrative unfolds, we see the budding tension between Mona's whimsical desires and the weight of her responsibilities, especially when a letter from her father beckons her back home. This chapter sets the stage for her internal conflicts, highlighting her struggle with self-awareness and the shifts in her life that resonate with many coming-of-age tales.
Better than Play
"Better than Play" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Bella Hender, a young girl living in a cottage with her siblings and an unkind aunt, Aunt Emma. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, domestic struggles, and the search for happiness through small acts of kindness and responsibility. At the start of the novel, the Hender household is depicted as a place filled with tension and discontent, particularly on washing days when the children feel stifled and Aunt Emma's temper flares. The chapter introduces Bella, who is burdened by the demands of her aunt and longs for happier times when her mother was alive. As she navigates her aunt's harsh treatment and the chaos of the household, Bella's love for her siblings shines through, prompting her to make sacrifices for their well-being. The chapter sets the tone for Bella's journey of finding purpose and joy in caring for her family, foreshadowing her determination to improve their home life despite the adversity they face.
Paul the Courageous
"Paul the Courageous" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Paul Anketell, who grapples with feelings of disappointment and adventures in a sleepy town as he navigates family challenges, particularly a financial setback that threatens the holiday plans he envisioned with his siblings, Stella and Michael. At the start of the novel, the Anketell family faces a disappointment when they learn they cannot go on a long-anticipated trip to Norway due to their father's financial troubles. Paul, filled with a longing for adventure and excitement, struggles with this news and initially reacts with childish frustration. However, as the story unfolds, we see Paul's character evolve as he confronts more serious challenges, including a frightening incident involving a treacherous bog and a potential threat from escaped convicts. This beginning sets up a narrative rich in themes of courage, responsibility, and the importance of family, ultimately leading to a critical moment that tests Paul's bravery and character.
Anxious Audrey
"Anxious Audrey" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Audrey Carlyle as she grapples with her return to a busy, chaotic home after living with her grandmother for several years. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, responsibilities, and the challenges of adolescence as Audrey faces her discomfort with her family's circumstances. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Audrey and her family as she arrives home to find her mother unwell and the household in disarray. The bustling atmosphere is highlighted by the playful yet chaotic interactions between her siblings and the house staff. Audrey's initial reactions reveal her struggle to adapt to her new environment, filled with the untidiness and noise she had not experienced while living with her grandmother. As Audrey reflects on her desires for order and personal space, her struggle for acceptance and her attempts to help her family become central to the story's unfolding drama.
Kitty Trenire
"Kitty Trenire" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a children's novel likely written in the early 19th century. The story revolves around the life of Kitty and her three siblings who, after the death of their mother, attempt to navigate their chaotic household under the care of their father, Dr. Trenire. The narrative sets the stage for themes of childhood innocence, family dynamics, and the trials associated with growing up, as the family faces the potential disruption of an aunt's arrival. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Kitty and her siblings as they engage in a playful yet mischievous afternoon on a garden wall, leading to unexpected trouble for their father when one of their antics results in an injury to a helper, Jabez. This incident prompts Dr. Trenire to contemplate bringing in their Aunt Pike to help manage the household, which terrifies the children. The first chapter establishes their daily lives and relationships, showcasing Kitty's independent spirit and the underlying tensions in their home life, setting the stage for the adventures and challenges they will face as they seek to maintain their family’s happiness amidst looming changes.
The Story of Jessie
"The Story of Jessie" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book centers around a young girl named Jessie, who is sent to live with her grandparents, Thomas and Patience Dawson, in a cottage after her mother struggles to provide for her. The narrative explores themes of family, love, sacrifice, and the challenges of growing up in an environment marked by hardship and resilience. At the start of the story, we meet Thomas Dawson, who is preparing for a quiet morning at home when he receives an unexpected letter from his estranged daughter, Lizzie. The letter reveals that Lizzie is struggling with her own family and is sending her daughter Jessie to live with her grandparents. As Jessie arrives, we see the warm but bittersweet dynamic of her new home unfold, as Thomas and Patience grapple with their past while welcoming the child into their lives. The opening chapters set the stage for Jessie’s life with her grandparents, showcasing their love and the challenges they will face as they adjust to having her in their care.
Dick and Brownie
"Dick and Brownie" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the adventures of a little girl named Huldah, her loyal dog Dick, and their harrowing escape from a life of abuse with her cruel guardians, Uncle Tom and Aunt Emma. As they seek refuge, the story captures their bond, the challenges they face, and the kindness they encounter in their journey. The opening of the novel paints a stark picture of Huldah and Dick's desperate situation. It begins on a hot summer day with a vivid description of their surroundings, setting the stage for Huldah's brave attempt to run away. While Huldah grapples with fear and exhaustion, the loyal Dick follows her closely, eager to support her despite the dangers. As they navigate their escape, Huldah's determination to find safety becomes evident, showcasing her resilience and the strong connection she shares with Dick. Their encounter with a kind woman, Mrs. Perry, sets the tone for hope and friendship, suggesting a shift in their fortunes as they leave behind a life of hardship.