A Little Pilgrim Stories of the Seen and the Unseen   By: Margaret Oliphant (1828-1897)

A Little Pilgrim Stories of the Seen and the Unseen by Margaret Oliphant is an enchanting collection of short stories that delves into the realms of the seen and the unseen. Oliphant's storytelling abilities shine through in every tale, transporting readers into a world where the supernatural intertwines with reality.

The book begins with the story of a young girl, known as "the little pilgrim," who embarks on a journey to gain wisdom and knowledge. As she ventures through various landscapes, encountering different characters along the way, she learns invaluable lessons about life, faith, and the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding.

Each story presents its own unique aspect of the seen and unseen. From ghosts haunting old manors to fairies secretly watching over children, Oliphant expertly weaves mystical elements into the fabric of daily life. Her ability to seamlessly blend the ordinary with the extraordinary captivates readers, leaving them eager to uncover what lies beyond the surface.

What sets this collection apart is the underlying moral message within each story. Oliphant tackles themes such as greed, compassion, and the power of love, offering valuable insights that resonate long after the final page is turned. Her prose is elegant and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own actions and choices.

Furthermore, the characters in A Little Pilgrim Stories of the Seen and the Unseen are beautifully developed. The little pilgrim, in particular, serves as a relatable and inspiring protagonist. Her innocence, curiosity, and unwavering determination to seek truth make her a formidable heroine that readers of all ages can admire.

Despite being written over a century ago, the themes explored in this collection remain relevant today. Oliphant's ability to tap into the universal human experience ensures that readers will find connections between their own lives and the stories she presents.

In conclusion, A Little Pilgrim Stories of the Seen and the Unseen is a captivating and beautifully written collection of short stories. Margaret Oliphant's eloquent prose, enchanting storytelling, and timeless themes make this book a must-read for those who appreciate the blending of reality and the supernatural. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, moral tales, or simply enjoy well-crafted literature, this collection will transport you to a world where the unseen becomes seen and wisdom is found in unexpected places.

First Page:

She had been talking of dying only the evening before, with a friend, and had described her own sensations after a long illness when she had been at the point of death. "I suppose," she said, "that I was as nearly gone as any one ever was to come back again. There was no pain in it, only a sense of sinking down, down through the bed as if nothing could hold me or give me support enough but no pain." And then they had spoken of another friend in the same circumstances, who also had come back from the very verge, and who described her sensations as those of one floating upon a summer sea without pain or suffering, in a lovely nook of the Mediterranean, blue as the sky. These soft and soothing images of the passage which all men dread had been talked over with low voices, yet with smiles and a grateful sense that "the warm precincts of the cheerful day" were once more familiar to both. And very cheerfully she went to rest that night, talking of what was to be done on the morrow, and fell asleep sweetly in her little room, with its shaded light and curtained window, and little pictures on the dim walls. All was quiet in the house: soft breathing of the sleepers, soft murmuring of the spring wind outside, a wintry moon very clear and full in the skies, a little town all hushed and quiet, everything lying defenceless, unconscious, in the safe keeping of God... Continue reading book >>