The Lost Child By: Henry Kingsley (1830-1876)
The Lost Child by Henry Kingsley is a compelling and moving novel that explores themes of family, love, and the search for identity. Set in the mid-19th century, the book takes readers on a journey through the English countryside, as the narrative delves into the life of our protagonist, Lionel Moore. At the heart of the story is the mystery surrounding Lionel's true parentage. Abandoned as a baby and raised by a kindly old woman, Lionel grows up unaware of his origins. However, when a chain of events leads him to discover his true identity, he embarks on a quest to find his birth family. This quest takes him across different social classes, from the affluent estates of the landed gentry to the slums of London, painting a vivid picture of Victorian society along the way. Kingsley's writing style is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of each setting with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to another time and place. The author's attention to detail immerses us in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling city streets or the tranquility of the English countryside. Through his skillful prose, Kingsley creates a richly textured world that feels authentic and captivating. The characters in The Lost Child are well-developed and multi-dimensional, each with their own quirks, flaws, and aspirations. Lionel, as the protagonist, undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the book, evolving from an innocent and sheltered young man into a tenacious seeker of truth. His journey is filled with encounters with a colorful cast of supporting characters, from the charismatic street urchin to the enigmatic aristocrat, all of whom contribute to Lionel's personal growth and enrich the narrative. Beyond the engaging plot and well-drawn characters, The Lost Child also touches on deeper themes and questions about one's place in the world. Through Lionel's search for his identity, the novel delves into the idea of belonging and the importance of roots. It explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and the bonds that tie families together. It also raises thought-provoking questions about class divides and the rigid social structures of Victorian England. The Lost Child is a captivating and thought-provoking read that offers a glimpse into the social complexities of the Victorian era. As Kingsley weaves together a tale of mystery, romance, and self-discovery, he invites us to reflect on our own search for identity and the meaning of family. With its beautifully crafted prose and compelling storyline, this novel is a true gem that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. First Page: THE LOST CHILD. BY HENRY KINGSLEY. [Illustration: " And there he stood, naked and free, on the forbidden ground. "] ILLUSTRATED BY L. FRÖLICH. London and New York: MACMILLAN AND CO. 1871. [Illustration: " Looking eagerly across the water. " FRONT.] PREFACE. It is only natural that an author should say a few words about a republication of this kind. The story in its separate form has the advantage of being illustrated by an eminent artist, whose special qualifications are widely known and acknowledged; and it seemed to all concerned best that it should be left entirely untouched. The first two paragraphs and the last short one are simply added: no other liberty has been taken with it. To avoid the trouble of those great plagues of literature, foot notes, the author asks the reader to submit to a few very trifling explanations: "Quantongs" are a bush fruit, of about the same quality as green gooseberries, but, like the last named fruit, very much sought after by the native youth. The Bunyip is the native river devil, or kelpie, evidently the crocodile of the Northern Australian rivers, whose recognition by the Southern natives in their legends shows, if nothing else did, that the centre of dispersion in Australia was from the North, as Doctor Laing told us years ago... Continue reading book >>

The Lost Child By: Henry Kingsley (1830-1876)

The Lost Child by Henry Kingsley is a compelling and moving novel that explores themes of family, love, and the search for identity. Set in the mid-19th century, the book takes readers on a journey through the English countryside, as the narrative delves into the life of our protagonist, Lionel Moore.

At the heart of the story is the mystery surrounding Lionel's true parentage. Abandoned as a baby and raised by a kindly old woman, Lionel grows up unaware of his origins. However, when a chain of events leads him to discover his true identity, he embarks on a quest to find his birth family. This quest takes him across different social classes, from the affluent estates of the landed gentry to the slums of London, painting a vivid picture of Victorian society along the way.

Kingsley's writing style is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of each setting with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to another time and place. The author's attention to detail immerses us in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling city streets or the tranquility of the English countryside. Through his skillful prose, Kingsley creates a richly textured world that feels authentic and captivating.

The characters in The Lost Child are well-developed and multi-dimensional, each with their own quirks, flaws, and aspirations. Lionel, as the protagonist, undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the book, evolving from an innocent and sheltered young man into a tenacious seeker of truth. His journey is filled with encounters with a colorful cast of supporting characters, from the charismatic street urchin to the enigmatic aristocrat, all of whom contribute to Lionel's personal growth and enrich the narrative.

Beyond the engaging plot and well-drawn characters, The Lost Child also touches on deeper themes and questions about one's place in the world. Through Lionel's search for his identity, the novel delves into the idea of belonging and the importance of roots. It explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and the bonds that tie families together. It also raises thought-provoking questions about class divides and the rigid social structures of Victorian England.

The Lost Child is a captivating and thought-provoking read that offers a glimpse into the social complexities of the Victorian era. As Kingsley weaves together a tale of mystery, romance, and self-discovery, he invites us to reflect on our own search for identity and the meaning of family. With its beautifully crafted prose and compelling storyline, this novel is a true gem that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end.

First Page:

THE LOST CHILD.

HENRY KINGSLEY.

[Illustration: " And there he stood, naked and free, on the forbidden ground. "]

ILLUSTRATED BY L. FRÖLICH.

London and New York: MACMILLAN AND CO. 1871.

[Illustration: " Looking eagerly across the water. " FRONT.]

PREFACE.

It is only natural that an author should say a few words about a republication of this kind. The story in its separate form has the advantage of being illustrated by an eminent artist, whose special qualifications are widely known and acknowledged; and it seemed to all concerned best that it should be left entirely untouched. The first two paragraphs and the last short one are simply added: no other liberty has been taken with it.

To avoid the trouble of those great plagues of literature, foot notes, the author asks the reader to submit to a few very trifling explanations:

"Quantongs" are a bush fruit, of about the same quality as green gooseberries, but, like the last named fruit, very much sought after by the native youth.

The Bunyip is the native river devil, or kelpie, evidently the crocodile of the Northern Australian rivers, whose recognition by the Southern natives in their legends shows, if nothing else did, that the centre of dispersion in Australia was from the North, as Doctor Laing told us years ago... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Kids
Literature

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