Aunt Rachel A Rustic Sentimental Comedy   By: David Christie Murray (1847-1907)

Aunt Rachel: A Rustic Sentimental Comedy by David Christie Murray takes readers on a heartwarming journey through rural England, immersing them in the lives of endearing characters and their charming countryside surroundings.

Set in the early 19th century, the story primarily revolves around Aunt Rachel, a kind-hearted and selfless woman who has dedicated her life to taking care of her nephews and nieces. Despite her advanced age, she remains vibrant and full of life, infusing warmth and joy into the lives of those around her.

Murray skillfully brings out the beauty of the rustic English countryside, depicting idyllic landscapes and quaint village life. His rich descriptions make the setting come alive, enchanting readers and transporting them to a bygone era. This attention to detail adds depth to the story and allows for deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and relationships.

The author's writing style is eloquent and evocative, capturing the essence of each character and their distinct personalities. Aunt Rachel emerges as the heart and soul of the narrative, her selflessness and unconditional love shining bright throughout. Murray beautifully explores the complexities of family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of love and support in even the most trying times.

Alongside Aunt Rachel, the story introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique struggles and journeys. Murray skillfully intertwines their stories, creating a tapestry of emotions and experiences. From the mischievous young Tobias to the spirited Mary Ann, readers will form a genuine connection with these individuals as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of their lives.

While the book mainly focuses on familial bonds and the themes of love and resilience, it also touches upon societal issues of the time. Murray subtly addresses themes such as class differences, prejudices, and the challenges faced by women in that era. These elements add depth to the narrative, making it more than just a lighthearted comedy.

Aunt Rachel: A Rustic Sentimental Comedy is a delightful read that will warm your heart and leave you feeling uplifted. David Christie Murray's storytelling prowess shines through, making it a compelling and immersive experience. With memorable characters, picturesque settings, and a poignant exploration of love and family, this book is a testament to the enduring power of human connection.

First Page:

A critic, otherwise almost altogether friendly, protests, in reviewing a recent book of mine, that no rustics ever would, could, or will talk in real life as the rustics in that work are made to talk by me. Since this criticism might apply still more pointedly, if it were true, to "Aunt Rachel" than to "Rainbow Gold," I desire to say a word or two in self defence. A little, a very little, of the average rustic would go a long way in fiction. But I do not profess to deal with the average rustic. I deal, and love to deal, with the rustic exceptional, the village notable and wiseacre. Observant readers will have noticed that the date of one story is 1853, and that the epoch of the other is remoter by a dozen years. In my boyhood, in the Staffordshire Black Country, the rustic people were saturated with the speech of the Bible, the Church Service, and the "Pilgrim's Progress." It is otherwise to day, and their English, when it pretends at all to a literary flavor, is the English of the local weekly paper. The gravity, the slow sententiousness, and purposed wisdom of the utterances of more than one or two knots of habitual companions whom I can recall, were outside the chances of exaggeration... Continue reading book >>