Fated to Be Free By: Jean Ingelow (1820-1897)
Fated to Be Free by Jean Ingelow is a beautifully crafted novel that effortlessly transports readers to a bygone era. With its captivating storyline and unforgettable characters, it explores themes of love, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The novel revolves around the life of Violet Vale, a young woman with an indomitable spirit, who finds herself imprisoned by societal norms and expectations. Raised in the confines of a strict household, Violet yearns for freedom and independence, longing to break free from the shackles society has placed upon her. Ingelow skillfully weaves a tale of self-discovery as Violet embarks on a journey of liberation. The author's descriptive prose transports readers through sweeping landscapes and elegant settings, immersing them in a vividly portrayed Victorian England. What truly sets this book apart is its complex and relatable characters. Violet, while constrained by the limitations of her time, is an inspiring and courageous protagonist. Her resilience and determination to forge her own path resonate deeply with readers, encouraging them to question societal norms and embrace their own desires. Supporting characters add depth and substance to the narrative, each having their own insecurities and aspirations. The emotional turmoil they experience, coupled with their pursuit of freedom, further enriches the story, making it all the more compelling. Moreover, Ingelow beautifully explores the theme of love, showcasing its ability to both liberate and confine. The novel delves into various types of love – familial, platonic, and romantic – illustrating the power it holds over individuals and the choices they make. The exploration of these relationships adds layers of complexity to the narrative, effectively engaging readers on multiple levels. While the pacing of certain sections may seem slow at times, it is a testament to the author's meticulous attention to detail. Ingelow's vivid descriptions and extensive character development ensure that every scene serves a purpose, building towards a satisfying and poignant conclusion. Fated to Be Free will undoubtedly resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction and intriguing characters. Jean Ingelow's masterful storytelling and exploration of timeless themes make this novel a worthwhile read, leaving readers with a renewed sense of appreciation for freedom and the pursuit of one's true desires. First Page: FATED TO BE FREE A Novel By JEAN INGELOW Author of "Off The Skelligs," "Studies for Stories," "Mopsa the Fairy," Etc. 1875 AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION When authors attempt to explain such of their works as should explain themselves, it makes the case no better that they can say they do it on express invitation. And yet, though I think so, I am about to give some little account of two stories of mine which are connected together, "Off the Skelligs," and "Fated to be Free." I am told that they are peculiar; and I feel that they must be so, for most stories of human life are, or at least aim at being, works of art, selections of interesting portions of life, and fitting incidents, put together and presented as a picture is; and I have not aimed at producing a work of art at all, but a piece of nature. I have attempted to beguile my readers into something like a sense of reality; to make them fancy that they were reading the unskillful chronicle of things that really occurred, rather than some invented story as interesting as I knew how to make it. It seemed to me difficult to write, at least in prose, an artistic story; but easy to come nearer to life than most stories do. Thus, after presenting a remarkable child, it seemed proper to let him (through the force of circumstance) fall away into a very commonplace man... Continue reading book >>

Fated to Be Free By: Jean Ingelow (1820-1897)

Fated to Be Free by Jean Ingelow is a beautifully crafted novel that effortlessly transports readers to a bygone era. With its captivating storyline and unforgettable characters, it explores themes of love, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The novel revolves around the life of Violet Vale, a young woman with an indomitable spirit, who finds herself imprisoned by societal norms and expectations. Raised in the confines of a strict household, Violet yearns for freedom and independence, longing to break free from the shackles society has placed upon her.

Ingelow skillfully weaves a tale of self-discovery as Violet embarks on a journey of liberation. The author's descriptive prose transports readers through sweeping landscapes and elegant settings, immersing them in a vividly portrayed Victorian England.

What truly sets this book apart is its complex and relatable characters. Violet, while constrained by the limitations of her time, is an inspiring and courageous protagonist. Her resilience and determination to forge her own path resonate deeply with readers, encouraging them to question societal norms and embrace their own desires.

Supporting characters add depth and substance to the narrative, each having their own insecurities and aspirations. The emotional turmoil they experience, coupled with their pursuit of freedom, further enriches the story, making it all the more compelling.

Moreover, Ingelow beautifully explores the theme of love, showcasing its ability to both liberate and confine. The novel delves into various types of love – familial, platonic, and romantic – illustrating the power it holds over individuals and the choices they make. The exploration of these relationships adds layers of complexity to the narrative, effectively engaging readers on multiple levels.

While the pacing of certain sections may seem slow at times, it is a testament to the author's meticulous attention to detail. Ingelow's vivid descriptions and extensive character development ensure that every scene serves a purpose, building towards a satisfying and poignant conclusion.

Fated to Be Free will undoubtedly resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction and intriguing characters. Jean Ingelow's masterful storytelling and exploration of timeless themes make this novel a worthwhile read, leaving readers with a renewed sense of appreciation for freedom and the pursuit of one's true desires.

First Page:

FATED TO BE FREE

A Novel

By JEAN INGELOW

Author of "Off The Skelligs," "Studies for Stories," "Mopsa the Fairy," Etc.

1875

AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION

When authors attempt to explain such of their works as should explain themselves, it makes the case no better that they can say they do it on express invitation. And yet, though I think so, I am about to give some little account of two stories of mine which are connected together, "Off the Skelligs," and "Fated to be Free."

I am told that they are peculiar; and I feel that they must be so, for most stories of human life are, or at least aim at being, works of art, selections of interesting portions of life, and fitting incidents, put together and presented as a picture is; and I have not aimed at producing a work of art at all, but a piece of nature. I have attempted to beguile my readers into something like a sense of reality; to make them fancy that they were reading the unskillful chronicle of things that really occurred, rather than some invented story as interesting as I knew how to make it.

It seemed to me difficult to write, at least in prose, an artistic story; but easy to come nearer to life than most stories do.

Thus, after presenting a remarkable child, it seemed proper to let him (through the force of circumstance) fall away into a very commonplace man... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – Jean Ingelow
Wikipedia – Fated to Be Free

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