The World Before Them: A Novel. Volume 1 (of 3)

by Susanna Moodie

"The World Before Them: A Novel. Volume 1" by Susanna Moodie is a historical fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Dorothy Chance, a young girl adopted by the Rushmere family after being found as an orphan. The narrative explores themes of love, social class, and the conflict between personal desires and family loyalty, particularly as Dorothy navigates her feelings for Gilbert Rushmere against the backdrop of his father's disapproval. The opening of the novel establishes a tense love story between Dorothy and Gilbert, who are deeply in love but face significant opposition from Gilbert's father, Lawrence Rushmere. After a heated argument, Dorothy, feeling the weight of her humble origins as the daughter of an unknown woman, promises not to marry Gilbert without his father's consent, leading to a painful conflict in their relationship. The scene unfolds with rich descriptions of the rural setting, evoking a deep sense of place and highlighting Dorothy’s internal struggles as she weighs her love for Gilbert against her loyalty to the family that raised her. As tensions escalate within the family, Dorothy’s sense of belonging is challenged, setting the stage for her eventual departure from the only home she has known.