The Stokesley Secret By: Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823-1901)
The Stokesley Secret by Charlotte Mary Yonge is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers to 19th century England. Set in the picturesque village of Stokesley, the story revolves around the lives of the Denison family and the secrets they hold. The novel begins with the sudden arrival of a mysterious gentleman, Mr. Ferrars, whose purpose in Stokesley remains unclear. As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to the Denison siblings - gentle and amiable Susan, spirited and headstrong Gertrude, and their clever brother Charlie. Each character is portrayed with depth and complexity, allowing readers to easily invest in their individual journeys. Yonge skillfully weaves the secrets of the Denison family into the narrative, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and suspense. The various subplots and interwoven storylines add depth to the overall mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The author's attention to detail and historically accurate descriptions beautifully bring the world of Stokesley to life, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and customs of the era. What truly sets The Stokesley Secret apart is Yonge's exploration of family dynamics and the societal expectations placed upon women in the Victorian era. Through the Denison sisters, the author examines the limitations and frustrations faced by women striving for independence and self-expression. Their struggles and triumphs are relatable and thought-provoking, reminding readers of the barriers that have been overcome in the pursuit of gender equality. Yonge's writing style is eloquent and evocative, effortlessly transporting readers back to a time long gone. She masterfully balances the pacing of the story, seamlessly blending moments of tenderness, drama, and suspense. The dialogue is engaging and realistic, further enhancing the characterization and contributing to the authenticity of the setting. While The Stokesley Secret may not be a fast-paced thriller, its strength lies in its ability to captivate the reader through its well-developed characters and intricate plot. Fans of historical fiction will undoubtedly appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and the immersive experience offered by Yonge's prose. Overall, The Stokesley Secret is a delightful and absorbing read that enthralls with its blend of mystery, historical accuracy, and compelling characters. Charlotte Mary Yonge's elegant storytelling ensures that the secrets of Stokesley will resonate with readers long after they have finished the final page. First Page: This etext was produced from the 1902 Macmillan and Co. edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk THE STOKESLEY SECRET by Charlotte M. Yonge CHAPTER I. "How can a pig pay the rent?" The question seemed to have been long under consideration, to judge by the manner in which it came out of the pouting lips of that sturdy young five year old gentleman, David Merrifield, as he sat on a volume of the great Latin Dictionary to raise him to a level with the tea table. Long, however, as it had been considered, it was unheeded on account of one more interesting to the general public assembled round the table. "I say!" hallooed out a tall lad of twelve holding aloft a slice taken from the dish in the centre of the table, "I say! what do you call this, Mary?" "Bread and butter, Master Sam," replied rather pettishly the maid who had brought in the big black kettle. "Bread and butter! I call it bread and scrape!" solemnly said Sam. "It only has butter in the little holes of it, not at the top, Miss Fosbrook," said, in an odd pleading kind of tone, a stout good humoured girl of thirteen, with face, hair, and all, a good deal like a nice comfortable apricot in a sunny place, or a good respectable Alderney cow. "I think it would be better not to grumble, Susan, my dear," replied, in a low voice, a pleasant dark eyed young lady who was making tea; but the boys at the bottom of the table neither heard nor heeded... Continue reading book >>

The Stokesley Secret By: Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823-1901)

The Stokesley Secret by Charlotte Mary Yonge is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers to 19th century England. Set in the picturesque village of Stokesley, the story revolves around the lives of the Denison family and the secrets they hold.

The novel begins with the sudden arrival of a mysterious gentleman, Mr. Ferrars, whose purpose in Stokesley remains unclear. As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to the Denison siblings - gentle and amiable Susan, spirited and headstrong Gertrude, and their clever brother Charlie. Each character is portrayed with depth and complexity, allowing readers to easily invest in their individual journeys.

Yonge skillfully weaves the secrets of the Denison family into the narrative, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and suspense. The various subplots and interwoven storylines add depth to the overall mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The author's attention to detail and historically accurate descriptions beautifully bring the world of Stokesley to life, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and customs of the era.

What truly sets The Stokesley Secret apart is Yonge's exploration of family dynamics and the societal expectations placed upon women in the Victorian era. Through the Denison sisters, the author examines the limitations and frustrations faced by women striving for independence and self-expression. Their struggles and triumphs are relatable and thought-provoking, reminding readers of the barriers that have been overcome in the pursuit of gender equality.

Yonge's writing style is eloquent and evocative, effortlessly transporting readers back to a time long gone. She masterfully balances the pacing of the story, seamlessly blending moments of tenderness, drama, and suspense. The dialogue is engaging and realistic, further enhancing the characterization and contributing to the authenticity of the setting.

While The Stokesley Secret may not be a fast-paced thriller, its strength lies in its ability to captivate the reader through its well-developed characters and intricate plot. Fans of historical fiction will undoubtedly appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and the immersive experience offered by Yonge's prose.

Overall, The Stokesley Secret is a delightful and absorbing read that enthralls with its blend of mystery, historical accuracy, and compelling characters. Charlotte Mary Yonge's elegant storytelling ensures that the secrets of Stokesley will resonate with readers long after they have finished the final page.

First Page:

This etext was produced from the 1902 Macmillan and Co. edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk

THE STOKESLEY SECRET

by Charlotte M. Yonge

CHAPTER I.

"How can a pig pay the rent?"

The question seemed to have been long under consideration, to judge by the manner in which it came out of the pouting lips of that sturdy young five year old gentleman, David Merrifield, as he sat on a volume of the great Latin Dictionary to raise him to a level with the tea table.

Long, however, as it had been considered, it was unheeded on account of one more interesting to the general public assembled round the table.

"I say!" hallooed out a tall lad of twelve holding aloft a slice taken from the dish in the centre of the table, "I say! what do you call this, Mary?"

"Bread and butter, Master Sam," replied rather pettishly the maid who had brought in the big black kettle.

"Bread and butter! I call it bread and scrape!" solemnly said Sam.

"It only has butter in the little holes of it, not at the top, Miss Fosbrook," said, in an odd pleading kind of tone, a stout good humoured girl of thirteen, with face, hair, and all, a good deal like a nice comfortable apricot in a sunny place, or a good respectable Alderney cow.

"I think it would be better not to grumble, Susan, my dear," replied, in a low voice, a pleasant dark eyed young lady who was making tea; but the boys at the bottom of the table neither heard nor heeded... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Teen/Young adult

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