The Greatest Plague of Life: or, the Adventures of a Lady in Search of a Good Servant.

by Augustus Mayhew

"The Greatest Plague of Life: or, The Adventures of a Lady in Search of a Good Servant" is a novel likely written in the mid-19th century. The narrative follows the life of a woman, referred to as Caroline, who is plagued by the difficulties of managing servants in her household. Her experiences serve as a commentary on domestic life and the challenges faced by women in that era. At the start of the book, the narrator introduces herself and her plight, detailing the stress and turmoil caused by ungrateful and incompetent servants during her marriage. After a series of unfortunate events that lead her family to seek solace in a boarding house, she decides to compile her experiences into a guide for young wives entering domestic life, hoping to prevent them from suffering as she has. The beginning vividly conveys her frustrations and aspirations, establishing a humorous yet poignant tone that sets the stage for her ensuing adventures.