Kirjahaku

The last of the 'Chronicles of Carlingford', a series of closely-observed and comic narratives of domestic and clerical life, Phoebe, Junior is the story of Phoebe Beecham, the daughter of a Dissenting minister, who arrives in Carlingford to nurse her invalid grandmother. Reginald May, the principled son of an Anglican clergyman, and Clarence Copperhead, the dull son of a self-made millionaire engineer, both fall in love with her, despite the fact that her grandfather is a tradesman. Another Dissenting minister, Horace Northcote, also arrives in Carlingford and falls in love with Reginald's sister, Ursula, whose father forges the signature of Phoebe's grandfather in order to secure a loan, with dire consequences. Phoebe herself is a strong-willed, independent girl who transcends her spoiled and avaricious upbringing to choose her own path through life and must now choose between May and Copperhead. First published in 1876, Phoebe, Junior address the social, political and theological conflicts that defined mid-Victorian England and is full of complex, multi-dimensional characters who bring this world vividly to life.

Reproduction of the original: Phoebe, Junior by Mrs. Oliphant

Reproduction of the original: Phoebe, Junior by Mrs. Oliphant

"Phoebe, Junior" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel that provides a nuanced character study of its female protagonist, Phoebe. Set in Victorian society, the book explores themes of romance, social class, and family dynamics through Phoebe's journey of personal growth and coming-of-age. The narrative follows Phoebe as she navigates the complexities of social expectations and class differences. The novel delves into the intricacies of family relationships, portraying the impact of socioeconomic status on individuals and their interactions. Phoebe's experiences reflect the challenges and opportunities presented by Victorian society and its rigid social class structures. Throughout the story, Phoebe grapples with issues of love and marriage, encountering various drama and moral dilemmas along the way. The novel provides a critical cultural critique of the era's social norms, revealing the tensions between personal desires and societal pressures. Mrs. Oliphant's narrative style offers rich character development, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of Phoebe's experiences. Overall, "Phoebe, Junior" combines elements of romance and drama with a thoughtful examination of social class and family dynamics, making it a compelling read that sheds light on the intricacies of 19th-century social life.

The supplemental materials to this edition of Phoebe Junior provide a rich background for examining key nineteenth-century issues such as religion and church reform, gender and the woman question, society and politics.

This is the fifth and final volume of Mrs Oliphant's saga of English provincial life. We return to the country town of Carlingford where the arrival of Phoebe Junior sets tongues wagging. Mrs Oliphant also wrote "Salem Chapel", "The Doctor's Family", "The Perpetual Curate" and "Miss Marjoribanks".