Agatha's Aunt

by Harriet L. (Harriet Lummis) Smith

"Agatha's Aunt" by Harriet L. Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Agatha Kent, a spirited and resourceful young woman managing a dilapidated boarding house, where she hopes to provide for her brother, Howard, and her friend, Miss Finch. The narrative begins with Agatha's attempts to attract summer boarders, leading to unexpected complications and a web of deception regarding a blind guest, Mr. Burton Forbes, who may not be quite who he expects. The beginning of the novel sets the stage for a comedic and poignant exploration of Agatha's life and ambitions. We meet her and Miss Finch in their charming yet shabby home, where Agatha is brimming with determination to succeed as a boarding house proprietor. A twist occurs when she receives a letter from Mr. Forbes, who wishes to stay with them; Agatha, fascinated by the prospect, concocts a scheme to present herself as a much older woman to maintain his illusions. This opening section highlights Agatha's fiery personality, her caring nature towards Howard, and the humorous intricacies of her endeavor, hinting at deeper themes of identity, societal expectations, and the power of familial bonds.