Phoebe, Junior
Mrs. Olifant
May 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
336
Pages
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About this ebook
Margaret Oliphant's 'Phoebe, Junior: A Last Chronicle of Carlingford' intricately weaves the tale of Phoebe Beecham, a young woman navigating the complexities of social strata in a Victorian society experiencing rapid transformation. Oliphant masterfully employs a blend of incisive social commentary and sharp wit, establishing a vivid tableau of the Victorian era. The narrative is firmly planted in the literary tradition of the period, exploring the tenuous balance between birthright and the burgeoning meritocratic values of the time. Oliphant's stylistic elegance underscores a plot rife with both satire and deep analysis of the faux pas and social climbing associated with the shift from old money to the new bourgeois. In exploring Mrs. Oliphant's legacy, one cannot overlook how her own experiences informed her storytelling. As a prolific 19th-century woman writer who juggled the dual demands of supporting her family and pursuing her literary craft, Oliphant was acutely aware of social mores and economic pressures. This perspicacious insight translates into her characters and narratives, with 'Phoebe, Junior' revealing the nuanced intricacies of her observations on Victorian life. The authoress deftly critiques societal expectations, particularly those faced by women who straddled multiple worlds. Oliphant's 'Phoebe, Junior' comes highly recommended for those seeking a rich, character-driven exploration of social mobility and norms. Readers who appreciate the classic realist novels of the Victorian period will be delighted by Oliphant's ability to illuminate the follies and conundrums of her age while telling a universally relatable story. This novel is a gem that not only provides a mirror to the past but also holds relevance to contemporary discussions about class, gender, and societal expectations.
About the author
Mrs. Olifant, née Margaret Oliphant Wilson, was a prolific 19th-century Scottish novelist, biographer, and critic, renowned for her narrative skill and sharp yet empathetic societal observations. Born on April 4, 1828, in Wallyford, East Lothian, she began her literary career at the age of 21 with the publication of her first novel. Her writing, which often addressed themes of domestic and social issues of her time, evolved into a robust collection of over 120 works, including historical novels, supernatural fiction, and literary criticism. Among her most acclaimed works is 'Phoebe, Junior' (1876), a sequel to 'Chronicles of Carlingford,' featuring the titular character Phoebe Beecham. The novel is reflective of Oliphant's insightful exploration of Victorian society, morality, and women's roles, set within a fictional provincial town. Her narratives are often infused with realism and occasional satirical undertones, underlining her literary style. Oliphant's contribution to Victorian literature was immense, earning her a significant place in literary history. She balanced her prolific writing with the struggles of personal life, outliving her husband and children. Mrs. Olifant passed away on June 25, 1897, but left behind a legacy that endures in the annals of British literature.
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