Lotty by Carmen Sylva (1987)
On a harsh Christmas Eve, a figure representing Sorrow wanders through a snowstorm, observing the stark contrast between the joy of wealthy families and the suffering of impoverished children. She encounters a sick girl and her family, who are struggling with hunger and illness. As Sorrow comforts them, Envy lurks nearby, whispering discontent into the hearts of the children. Meanwhile, in a lavish home, two wealthy girls and their cousin, Albert, enjoy their Christmas festivities, oblivious to the plight of the less fortunate. Sorrow eventually leads the wealthy children to the poor family's home, where they bring food and a Christmas tree, igniting hope. However, as time passes, the narrative shifts to the complexities of love and jealousy. Lotty, the sick girl, grows close to Albert, but he is torn between his affection for her and his obligation to Doris, his wealthy cousin. Lotty's internal struggle intensifies as she grapples with her feelings and the societal pressures surrounding her. As the story unfolds, themes of sacrifice, envy, and the consequences of choices emerge. Tragedy strikes when Doris dies, leaving Lotty to confront the repercussions of her actions. Ultimately, Sorrow's presence looms large, reminding Lotty of her responsibilities and the need for redemption. The tale concludes with a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the enduring impact of one's choices.
By Carmen Sylva · First published 1987 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 6,540 words
First lines
It was Christmas Eve. The snow was whirling in dense masses outside, and the wind was so strong that it swept one side of the street quite clean, and piled up whole mountains of snow across the way. Through all the windows there gleamed the bright light of the merry Christmas trees, and the voices of hundreds of happy children were heard. Alone and softly Sorrow crept along in the snowstorm. She turned her eyes neither to right nor left, that she might throw no shadow over these Christmas gayeties; she was making for a house where there was no joy to destroy. She passed two children -- a girl in thin outgrown clothes, and a little boy who wanted to see all the lovely things that were inside the houses. His sister raised him up with all her strength, so that he could grapple hold of the window-sill, and with enchantment he looked at all the wonders within. But lifting her arms had made her poor old dress crack, and a sleeve came out of its seam.
What this Textopian page supports
Lotty is listed on Textopian as a novel by Carmen Sylva, dated 1987 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Carmen Sylva
- Date: 1987 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama
- Length: 6,540 words
- Structure: 1 section, 124 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lotty by Carmen Sylva
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in the late 19th century, incorporating real historical events and figures into the narrative.
- Romance — The story focuses heavily on a love story between the protagonist and a wealthy suitor.
- Drama — The book showcases dramatic and intense conflict and emotional situations.
Tags
romance · drama · friendship · identity · self-discovery · family · betrayal · love · loss · courage · adventure · conflict