Aunt Deborah   By: Mary Russell Mitford (1787-1855)

Aunt Deborah by Mary Russell Mitford is a heartfelt and touching story that delves into themes of family, perseverance, and resilience. Set in 19th century England, the novel takes readers on a journey through the life of the titular character, Aunt Deborah, as she faces numerous challenges and triumphs.

The narrative begins with the introduction of Aunt Deborah, a woman of strong principles and unwavering determination. Despite her old age and limited resources, Aunt Deborah takes on the responsibility of caring for her young niece and nephew, who were orphaned following a tragic accident. Mitford expertly portrays Aunt Deborah's deep love and devotion towards her charges, as she strives to provide them with a stable and loving home.

Throughout the story, Mitford skillfully explores the intricate dynamics of family relationships. Aunt Deborah's interactions with her niece and nephew, as well as her extended family, are depicted with great authenticity and nuance. Mitford delicately captures the complex range of emotions that accompany familial obligations, from the joy and fulfillment of shared love to the disagreements and tensions that occasionally arise.

The author's vivid descriptions and attention to detail transport the reader to the picturesque English countryside, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. From quaint village scenes to the serene beauty of rural landscapes, Mitford's vivid prose brings the setting to life, enhancing the overall charm and atmosphere of the novel.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Aunt Deborah is its exploration of the resilience of the human spirit. In the face of financial difficulties, societal expectations, and personal setbacks, Aunt Deborah remains steadfast and unwavering in her commitment to her family. Her unwavering strength of character serves as an inspiring testament to the power of love and determination.

While the pacing of the narrative may occasionally feel slow, Mitford's elegant writing style and well-crafted character development compensate for this minor drawback. The author's skillful ability to evoke genuine emotions and create memorable characters ensures that readers will be deeply invested in Aunt Deborah's journey from beginning to end.

In conclusion, Aunt Deborah is a beautifully written novel that illuminates the importance of family bonds and the resilience of the human spirit. Mary Russell Mitford's sublime storytelling and vivid imagery make this book a captivating read for those who appreciate stories of love, sacrifice, and the strength that can be found within the family unit.

First Page:

A crosser old woman than Mrs. Deborah Thornby was certainly not to be found in the whole village of Hilton. Worth, in country phrase, a power of money, and living (to borrow another rustic expression) upon her means, the exercise of her extraordinary faculty for grumbling and scolding seemed the sole occupation of her existence, her only pursuit, solace, and amusement; and really it would have been a great pity to have deprived the poor woman of a pastime so consolatory to herself, and which did harm to nobody: her family consisting only of an old labourer, to guard the house, take care of her horse, her cow, and her chaise and cart, and work in the garden, who was happily, for his comfort, stone deaf, and could not hear her vituperation, and of a parish girl of twelve, to do the indoor work, who had been so used to be scolded all her life, that she minded the noise no more than a miller minds the clack of his mill, or than people who live in a churchyard mind the sound of the church bells, and would probably, from long habit, have felt some miss of the sound had it ceased, of which, by the way, there was small danger, so long as Mrs. Deborah continued in this life. Her crossness was so far innocent that it hurt nobody except herself. But she was also cross grained, and that evil quality is unluckily apt to injure other people; and did so very materially in the present instance... Continue reading book >>