The Strange Likeness

by Harriet Pyne Grove

"The Strange Likeness" by Harriet Pyne Grove is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Shirley Harcourt, a young woman who embarks on new adventures as she navigates life at a girls' school while dealing with the surprise of having a doppelgänger named Sidney Thorne. The narrative explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complications that arise from their striking resemblance. The opening of the novel introduces the story's central theme: the peculiar situation of Shirley and her double. It begins with Shirley's initial moments at the school, where she unexpectedly realizes that she looks almost identical to another student, Sidney. The text highlights Shirley's first day and the immediate reactions of her peers as they are puzzled by the resemblance. Throughout this introductory section, we see glimpses of Shirley’s personality, her relationships with her family, and her aspirations, setting the stage for the story's exploration of how the two young women will navigate their lives in the context of their surprising likeness.