Novel 237: Agnes Macdonell, Quaker Cousins (1879)

 

James Jacques Joseph Tissot, The Woman of Fashion

 

Two Quaker orphans are brought to live with their worldly great aunt.


Agnes Macdonell (1840-1925) wrote three novels in the 1870s, of which this is the last.  The title characters’ earnestness grows wearing at times, but their selfish, self-deluded aunt is a lot of fun.

“There is a natural ease about the progress of events which is the result of care and thoughtfulness.  The story is, in fact, in admirable harmony with the refinement and self-restraint shown in the characters.” Athenaeum, March 22, 1879

“A book for people who prefer homely scenes described with humour and delicacy.” Academy, April 19, 1879

A (somewhat) contrasting view:

A very readable novel” but “spun out with gratuitous prolixity.” Saturday Review, May 10, 1879

Download this week’s novel:

v.1 https://books.google.com/books?id=FYU-AQAAMAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=editions%3AwMa2nv7aBUIC&pg=PP5#v=onepage&q&f=false

v.2 https://books.google.com/books?id=NYU-AQAAMAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=editions%3AwMa2nv7aBUIC&pg=PP5#v=onepage&q&f=false

v.3 https://books.google.com/books?id=VIU-AQAAMAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=editions%3AwMa2nv7aBUIC&pg=PP7#v=onepage&q&f=false