Showing results for "Margaret Oliphant" in All Categories

Hester (1883) is a dramatic story of female power and family tensions within Victorian society. Using her own money, Catherine Vernon manages to save the family bank from collapse after her cousin John absconds with some of its money. As the matriarch of Redborough, Catherine is used to commanding authority, but this is challenged with the arrival of John’s strong and capable teenage daughter, Hester. Ignorant of her father’s conduct, Hester takes against Catherine and a mutual antipathy soon sets in. A masterpiece of domestic realism, the novel is one of Mrs Oliphant’s most admired works.

This Victorian masterpiece of comic irony and unsentimental warmth has a force of nature at its core: headstrong Lucilla Marjoribanks. Mrs Oliphant’s unconventional and endearing heroine is ‘a woman with a mission’: she is determined to take charge of her widowed father and shape the social life of the community. With insight, tact and intelligence, she organises events, manages relationships, and guides the fates of those around her, all while remaining firmly in control of her own life.

Bloomsbury presents Margaret Beaufort, written and read by Lauren Johnson. Survivor. Rebel. Conspirator. Matriarch of a dynasty. Born into a century of conflict as the daughter of the Duke of Somerset and a descendant of Edward III, Margaret Beaufort was married at twelve, a mother and widow at...

Three BBC radio adaptations of famous novels by the prolific 19th-century author Mrs Oliphant - plus an episode of Reading Aloud, with extracts from her autobiography. Sometimes called ‘the feminist Trollope’, Margaret Oliphant wrote more than 100 works of fiction in a wide variety of genres, ranging from novels of small-town life to historical tales and supernatural stories. Included here are three of her best-loved works, brimming with dry wit, perceptive irony and flawed but fascinating heroines.

Catherine Vernon has a firm hand on her family and on the family business. Her plans for her young protege Edward, whom she loves like a son, are disturbed by the arrival of Hester, a 14-year-old girl who is just as strong willed. The conflict between Catherine and Hester is resolved through their mutual love for Edward. On one level a love story, Hester is unusual for its time in its portrayal of women in business. - Summary by Anne Erickson

Step within The Mrs Oliphant Library, where the lamp is lit, the curtains drawn, and the quiet voices of another century begin again. Here are novels of households and hearts, of provincial streets and church spires, of women’s wit, sorrow, duty, and courage; stories in which the ordinary parlour may open, almost unawares, upon the unseen. Each book is read in full, for those who love Victorian fiction in all its tenderness, irony, mystery, and truth.

In Hester, Catherine Vernon expertly manages both her family and their thriving business. However, her carefully laid plans for Edward, the young protege she cherishes like a son, are thrown into disarray with the arrival of Hester, a fiercely independent 14-year-old girl. The tension between Catherine and Hester unfolds as they both navigate their feelings for Edward, leading to an unexpected bond forged through love and rivalry. This compelling narrative not only explores a love story but also stands out for its progressive portrayal of women in the business world during its time. - Summary ...

Margaret Oliphant Wilson was born on 4th April 1828 in East Lothian in Scotland but spent her childhood in Midlothian, Glasgow and Liverpool. She wrote from a young age and in 1849 had her first novel about the Scottish Free Church movement, a cause her parents sympathized with, published. Her next, ‘Caleb Field’, a couple of years later, led to a lifelong association with Blackwood Magazine to which she contributed more than a 100 articles and reviews.

Edgar faces a crisis and must swallow his pride. Should he ask Lord Newmarch for a job? And what of his planned proposal to his beloved Gussy? In a flash, his plans... his life... have been turned upside down.

In Hester, Catherine Vernon expertly navigates the complexities of family and business. She has high hopes for her young protege Edward, whom she cherishes like a son. However, everything changes with the arrival of Hester, a spirited 14-year-old girl who matches Catherines determination. Their initial clash transforms as they discover a shared bond through their mutual affection for Edward. While at its heart a love story, Hester stands out for its groundbreaking portrayal of women in the business world. - Summary by Anne Erickson

In this final volume, we delve into Hesters journey as she navigates her identity within a family that is hers by blood but not by nurture. As the bank where her father once worked faces new threats, Hester must confront her feelings towards her suitors and make pivotal decisions that could shape her future. Join us as we explore themes of belonging, love, and resilience in this captivating conclusion to Hesters story. - Summary by Anne Erickson

Almost always when we think of Ghost Stories, we first think of those written by the Victorians. If you want a really good ghost story to bring that edge of chill, that foreboding of dread, that feeling that in an empty house we are not quite alone and that sometimes the sharp, sheer shock of what just happened is upon us then look no further than ‘The Victorian Ghost Story’ for your reading and listening pleasure.

Catherine Vernon has a firm hand on her family and on the family business. Her plans for her young protege Edward, whom she loves like a son, are disturbed by the arrival of Hester, a 14-year-old girl who is just as strong willed. The conflict between Catherine and Hester is resolved through their mutual love for Edward. On one level a love story, Hester is unusual for its time in its portrayal of women in business. - Summary by Anne Erickson

Elinor has made the momentous decision to marry, but the identity of her chosen partner remains a tantalizing mystery. Who is this man? Is he of good character, or does he harbor secrets from a shadowy past? Could he even have a wife? Join us as we unravel the enigma surrounding Elinors heart. - Summary by LynneT

Over the course of 47 years, Victorian writer Margaret Oliphant produced 120 novels, biographies, and histories, as well as hundreds of essays and book reviews. "She was of an intellect so alert," wrote J. M. Barrie, "that one wondered if she ever fell asleep." Widowed young, she was the sole support of her children and her nieces, whom her brother had abandoned: a powerful impetus for her prodigious output. The two novels included here reflect the difficulties that Victorian wives had when their lives took unexpected turns.

With the talents on display the most difficult task is choosing only ten. Their virtuosity, their craft and ambition scare belie the difficulties that society places upon most women. Their words cannot be denied, their literary heritage is safe forever.

Ghost stories from the golden age. Six great writers weave their spell in creepy, insidious style.

Step into the world of mystery with Open Door and The Portrait, featuring two captivating tales by Margaret O. Oliphant that explore the realms of the seen and unseen. Originally published in 1881, these stories weave together eerie occurrences and profound insights, inviting listeners to experience the uncanny through the skilled narration of Gesine.

Almost always when we think of Ghost Stories, we first think of those written by the Victorians. Whatever the reasons given or proffered the reality and known facts are that if you want a really good ghost story to bring that edge of chill, that foreboding of dread, that feeling that in an empty house we are not quite alone and that sometimes the sharp, sheer shock of what just happened is upon us then look no further than ‘The Victorian Ghost Story’ for your listening pleasure.

Whatever the reasons given or proffered the reality and known facts are that if you want a really good ghost story to bring that edge of chill, that foreboding of dread, that feeling that in an empty house we are not quite alone and that sometimes the sharp, sheer shock of what just happened is upon us then look no further than ‘The Victorian Ghost Story’ for your listening pleasure.