Subject
Social status -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
L. T. Meade
A Sweet Girl Graduate
"A Sweet Girl Graduate" by L.T. Meade is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Priscilla Penywern Peel, a young woman embarking on her college life at St Benet's College for Women. The narrative explores her transition from a simple life on a Devonshire farm to the challenges of academia, where she must navigate friendships, personal aspirations, and societal expectations while shouldering the responsibility of her family. The opening portion of the novel establishes Priscilla’s character and her close relationship with her Aunt Raby, who has supported her educational journey despite their modest means. As Priscilla prepares to leave her childhood home, she expresses a mix of excitement and anxiety about the future. Upon arriving at college, she grapples with homesickness and the social dynamics of her peers, feeling out of place due to her plain demeanor and financial limitations. Her determination to succeed and her initial encounters with other students set the stage for her journey of self-discovery and growth in a new environment filled with both opportunities and challenges.
Mrs. Molesworth
Philippa
"Philippa" by Mrs. Molesworth is a fictional novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young girl named Philippa Raynsworth, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery while navigating her relationships with her family, particularly her cousin Maida and her sister Evelyn. The initial chapters establish Philippa's sentiments about farewells, the melancholy of autumn, and her contrasting experiences of life compared to those of her wealthier kin. At the start of the tale, readers are introduced to Philippa as she reflects on the bittersweet emotions that accompany farewells during a chilly autumn day. The narrative unfolds with her visit to her affluent cousins, the Lermonts, where she feels a mix of wonder and a sense of being out of place. Her thoughtful nature is highlighted through her conversations with Maida, showcasing her sensitivity toward life's fleeting moments. The opening chapters also hint at changes ahead in Philippa's life, as she prepares to return home, revealing her earnest desire to be involved and helpful, notably culminating in an impulsive yet brave decision to accompany her sister to an important family visit under the guise of a maid.
Susan Warner
Nobody
"Nobody" by Susan Warner is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young woman named Lois Lothrop, who is navigating her first experiences in the world beyond her quiet country life. The plot explores themes of social status and the nature of love as she interacts with various characters, including Tom Caruthers, who finds himself drawn to her despite societal expectations. At the start of the book, we meet Lois during her stay with Mrs. Wishart, who introduces her to higher society, including a luncheon party filled with discussions on appearance, education, and social norms. Lois’s modest background and innocence contrast sharply with the more sophisticated, but often superficial, attitudes of the New Yorkers she encounters. Through lively dialogues among her new friends, particularly involving her potential suitor Tom, readers glimpse the challenges Lois faces in being accepted into a world that values status and money over character and sincerity. The opening establishes a captivating narrative about love, individuality, and the complexity of social dynamics in the late 19th century.
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