The Dorrance Domain by Carolyn Wells
The narrative follows the Dorrance family, particularly the four children—Dorothy, Lilian, Leicester, and Fairy—who express their dissatisfaction with living in a cramped boarding house. Each child articulates their longing for more space and freedom, with imaginative discussions about ideal living conditions, such as a house in Texas or a desert island. Their grandmother, Mrs. Dorrance, provides a stabilizing presence, attempting to guide their boisterous behavior while managing the challenges of communal dining with other boarders. The children’s interactions at the dinner table reveal their personalities: Leicester struggles with polite conversation, Fairy is overly talkative, and Lilian is practical. The dynamics are complicated by the presence of Mr. Bannister, a well-meaning but clumsy adult, and Mrs. Hill, a critical figure who disapproves of the children’s behavior. Despite their grievances, the Dorrance children display affection for their grandmother and a desire to uphold her dignity. The story captures the tension between childhood exuberance and the constraints of adult expectations, highlighting themes of family, imagination, and the quest for personal space.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Suspense · 24 chapters · 64,182 words
First lines
"I _wish_ we didn't have to live in a boarding-house! " said Dorothy Dorrance, flinging herself into an armchair, in her grandmother's room, one May afternoon, about six o'clock.
She made this remark almost every afternoon, about six o'clock, whatever the month or the season, and as a rule, little attention was paid to it. But to-day her sister Lilian responded, in a sympathetic voice,
What this Textopian page supports
The Dorrance Domain is listed on Textopian as a novel by Carolyn Wells, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Carolyn Wells
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Suspense, Thriller
- Length: 64,182 words
- Structure: 24 chapters, 1,493 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dorrance Domain by Carolyn Wells
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Caravan Crime by Fergus Hume
- The White Alley by Carolyn Wells
- Blue Hand by Edgar Wallace
- The 4 04 Train by Carolyn Wells
- In The Onyx Lobby by Carolyn Wells
- Room 13 by Edgar Wallace
Genres
- Mystery — The primary plot line revolves around a complex and unique murder case.
- Detective Fiction — The story prominently features a detective as the main character who solves mysteries.
- Suspense — The plot has numerous suspenseful scenarios and plot twists that keep the reader on edge.
- Thriller — The narrative incorporates high-stakes and harrowing situations that contribute to a thrilling atmosphere.
Tags
mystery · suspense · thriller · detective · crime · investigation · murder · secrets · family · wealth · power · intrigue
Contents
- COOPED UP
- REBELLIOUS HEARTS
- DOROTHY'S PLAN
- THE DEPARTURE
- THE MAMIE MEAD
- THE DORRANCE DOMAIN
- MR. HICKOX
- MRS. HICKOX
- THE FLOATING BRIDGE
- THE HICKOXES AT HOME
- SIX INVITATIONS
- GUESTS FOR ALL
- AN UNWELCOME LETTER
- FINANCIAL PLANS
- A SUDDEN DETERMINATION
- A DARING SCHEME
- REGISTERED GUESTS
- AMBITIONS
- THE VAN ARSDALE LADIES
- A REAL HOTEL
- UPS AND DOWNS
- TWO BOYS AND A BOAT
- AN UNWELCOME PROPOSITION
- DOROTHY'S REWARD