A refined invalid lady, living with her healthy sister, helps younger neighbors with their problems.
Anne Manning (1807-1879), author of over forty novels, made her reputation with historical stories narrated in period style; this, however, has a contemporary setting: subtly realized characters are quietly placed in serio-comic conflict.
“A charming story, healthy and genial, and with a simplicity of construction befitting a story of English country life.” Sharpe’s London Journal, July, 1858
“Thoroughly English . . . a physician might successfully recommend the perusal of these volumes to any patient . . . instead of a change of air. . . . The characters are drawn from nature . . . not the old property-characters from the novelist’s stores.” Manning is “a literary Gainsborough.” Athenaeum, July 3, 1858
“It may do some thoughtless people good to learn how much of beauty and of interest can be found or fancied in the lives of two old maids.” London Review, October, 1858.
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