Nineteenth-century Britain was a time of great progress and reform, in British society due to industrialization and social upheaval. One of the most controversial debates were about the position of women in society. Aspects such as a wife’s right to own property, a mother’s right to custody of her children and ownership of her body,Continue reading “Women Writers Who Used Male Pen Names #InternationalWomensDay #WWWBlogs”
Category Archives: Victorian Literature
Happy Birthday Charles Dickens! #amreading #amreviewing Oliver Twist
Today’s a very special day for English literature. On this day, 7th February, in 1812 , Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. On this special day, I’d like to suggest you read one of his novels, so I’m including my ‘special tribute review’ of Oliver Twist, which you can read for free asContinue reading “Happy Birthday Charles Dickens! #amreading #amreviewing Oliver Twist”
Carrot Ranch #FlashFiction Challenge: The Mourner
This post was written in response to Charli Mills’ weekly Flash Fiction Challenge. January 12, 2017 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that expresses a strong concern, something to give a crap about. Something that brings out the feeling to stand up. How can you use it to showContinue reading “Carrot Ranch #FlashFiction Challenge: The Mourner”
Why I write neo-Victorian Fiction
I’ve had a special and personal interest in Victorian Literature since I was about 12, when my teacher, Sister Catherine, used to read aloud to us, mostly Victorian novels, which I grew to love. She introduced me to the Victorians. I vividly remember listening to The Moonstone, David Copperfield, Little Women, Tom Sawyer, and HuckleberryContinue reading “Why I write neo-Victorian Fiction”
Why Read Neo-Victorian Novels Instead of real Victorian Novels?
In this post, which is a follow-up to yesterday’s post which proposes a description and definition of what neo-Victorian fiction is, I’d like to discuss what’s the point of reading neo-Victorian novels in the first place. Why not read the real thing? I hope that many of my readers have read or will read someContinue reading “Why Read Neo-Victorian Novels Instead of real Victorian Novels?”
What is Neo-Victorian Fiction?
As I consider myself a writer of neo-Victorian fiction, I thought I’d clarify the meaning for readers, students and scholars who are interested in the term. Neo-Victorianism is a compound noun formed by the following two terms, ‘Neo’ and ‘Victorian’. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the prefix neo refers to: a compound referring toContinue reading “What is Neo-Victorian Fiction?”
Carrot Ranch #FlashFiction ‘Oliver and Trip’ A Tribute to Charles Dickens
This Flash Fiction was written in response to Charlie Mills at Carrot Ranch’s weekly prompt January 20, 2016 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a boy and his dog, showing the value or benefit of such a relationship. Be creative, uplifting and demonstrate that such a relationship has merit.Continue reading “Carrot Ranch #FlashFiction ‘Oliver and Trip’ A Tribute to Charles Dickens”
Compassion in 19th Century England and Today
Today, 20th February, bloggers are taking part in the 1000 Voices for Compassion initiative, by blogging on the topic of compassion. Have a look at #1000Speak on twitter to read more about what other bloggers are writing about compassion in our lives today. I’ve been thinking about compassion over the last two centuries, and howContinue reading “Compassion in 19th Century England and Today”
Why I love romantic novels with Byronic Heroes
I love reading romantic novels with Byronic heroes, on occasions, because they are emotionally gratifying. The reader enters an ideal world with young, beautiful, rich, and powerful people, and it all ends well, which is satisfying after a hard day facing the real, sometimes boring, and often ugly world. There’s a likeable heroine who eventuallyContinue reading “Why I love romantic novels with Byronic Heroes”
A Poem for the Second Day of Summer. Rereading Christina Rossetti’s Summer
I have a very soft spot for Christina Rossetti’s poetry, especially her short, intense verses, full of symbolism and feeling. Summer was published in The Prince’s Progress, and Other Poems, in 1866 Summer Winter is cold-hearted, Spring is yea and nay, Autumn is a weathercock Blown every way. Summer days for me When every leafContinue reading “A Poem for the Second Day of Summer. Rereading Christina Rossetti’s Summer”
Rereading Jane Eyre 