Olivia by Charles Garvice (1894)

Name: Olivia
Author: Charles Garvice

In a picturesque Devonshire village, the narrative unfolds at Hawkwood Grange, where three characters engage in conversation over tea. Mr. Sparrow, a local solicitor, recounts a recent encounter with a mysterious young man named Faradeane, who unexpectedly purchased a long-abandoned property called The Dell. The peculiarities of the transaction raise eyebrows, particularly as Faradeane insists on paying in cash and restricts female visitors to his new home. Olivia, the beautiful daughter of the Grange's master, listens with a mix of amusement and curiosity, while her aunt, Miss Amelia, is captivated by the intrigue. As Sparrow shares details of Faradeane's odd behavior—barricading the house and keeping a large dog—speculation about his character ensues. Olivia's playful skepticism contrasts with her aunt's romantic notions, leading to humorous exchanges about the stranger's possible criminality. The arrival of Mr. Vanley, Olivia's father, and Bartley Bradstone, a young man with a keen interest in Olivia, shifts the focus. Vanley expresses concern over their new neighbor's eccentricities, while Bradstone attempts to engage Olivia, who remains aloof. The story hints at deeper themes of mystery, societal norms, and the complexities of human relationships, setting the stage for further developments in the lives of these characters.

By Charles Garvice · First published 1894 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Adventure · 37 chapters · 160,325 words

First lines

It was in the "merry month" of May, the "beautiful harbinger of summer," as the poets call it; and one of those charming east winds which render England such a delightful place of residence for the delicate and consumptive, and are truly a boon and a blessing to the doctors and undertakers, was blowing gaily through one of the lovely villages of Devonshire, and insidiously stealing through the half opened French windows of the drawing-room of Hawkwood Grange.

Three persons were seated in this drawing-room. An old gentleman, a lady -- who would have had a fit on the spot if any one had called her old -- and a young girl.

What this Textopian page supports

Olivia is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Garvice, dated 1894 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Charles Garvice
Date: 1894 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romance, Drama, Adventure
Length: 160,325 words
Structure: 37 chapters, 4,657 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Olivia?
How does this novel by Charles Garvice fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Romance first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Romance — The book predominantly explores a romantic plot involving the lead character 'Olivia' and her journey of love.
Drama — The story of Olivia involves several dramatic life situations and emotional upheavals, thus categorizing it as a drama.
Adventure — While romance is at the center, Olivia finds herself in adventurous circumstances in her journey presenting elements of an adventure genre.