Lois the Witch by Elizabeth Gaskell

Name: Lois the Witch
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell

The novel follows the story of Lois Barclay, a young woman living in a small village in England. Lois is a witch, and her powers are feared and misunderstood by the villagers. Despite this, she is a kind and generous person, and she uses her powers to help those in need. When a young man named John comes to the village, Lois falls in love with him. However, John is engaged to another woman, and Lois must decide whether to use her powers to win him over or to accept her fate. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the power of magic. It is a classic of Victorian literature and is still widely read today.

By Elizabeth Gaskell · First published 1861 · Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction · 3 chapters · 36,604 words

First lines

In the year 1691, Lois Barclay stood on a little wooden pier, steadying herself on the stable land, in much the same manner as, eight or nine weeks ago, she had tried to steady herself on the deck of the rocking ship which had carried her across from Old to New England. It seemed as strange now to be on solid earth as it had been, not long ago, to be rocked by the sea both by day and by night; and the aspect of the land was equally strange. The forests which showed in the distance all around, and which, in truth, were not very far from the wooden houses forming the town of Boston, were of different shades of green, and different, too, in shape of outline to those which Lois Barclay knew well in her old home in Warwickshire. Her heart sank a little as she stood alone, waiting for the captain of the good ship Redemption, the kind, rough old sailor, who was her only known friend in this unknown continent. Captain Holdernesse was busy, however, as she saw, and it would probably be some time before he would be ready to attend to her; so Lois sat down on one of the casks that lay about, and wrapped her grey duffle cloak tight around her, and sheltered herself under her hood, as well as might be, from the piercing wind, which seemed to follow those whom it had tyrannised over at sea with a dogged wish of still tormenting them on land. Very patiently did Lois sit there, although she was weary, and shivering with cold; for the day was severe for May, and the Redemption, with store of necessaries and comforts for the Puritan colonists of New England, was the earliest ship that had ventured across the seas.

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Lois the Witch is listed on Textopian as a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, dated 1861 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell
Date: 1861 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Length: 36,604 words
Structure: 3 chapters, 1,098 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The title of the book, 'Lois the Witch', implies a story of magic and supernatural elements.
Romance — Elizabeth Gaskell is known for her romantic fiction, and this book is likely to contain romantic elements.
Historical Fiction — Elizabeth Gaskell was a Victorian author, so this book is likely to be set in the Victorian era.
Mystery — The title of the book implies a story of mystery and intrigue.