Six Girls: A Home Story

by Fannie Belle Irving

"Six Girls: A Home Story" by Fannie Belle Irving is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of six sisters in the Dering family, exploring their friendships, ambitions, and the challenges they face within their home and society. The narrative starts by vividly establishing the characters, particularly focusing on the contrasting personalities of the sisters, as well as the dynamics at play within their household. The beginning of "Six Girls" introduces the six Dering sisters, each with distinct characteristics and roles in their family. The scene is set under the warm summer sun, where Bea, the diligent one, is engaged in sewing, while the playful Ernestine dreams of becoming an actress and yearns for excitement outside their orderly life. As the sisters interact, their conversations reveal not only their individual personalities but also hint at underlying tensions, desires, and a need for change. The atmosphere shifts from carefree summer activities to a more serious tone as hints of family challenges, including financial worries, come into play. The opening captures a playful yet poignant moment in the lives of the girls, setting the stage for their journey of self-discovery and the realities they must confront.