A Little Gipsy Lass

A Little Gipsy Lass by Gordon Stables

The story follows Frank Antony Blake, a young Englishman, who embarks on a journey to a gipsy camp in Loggiemouth, Scotland. He is guided by Lotty Lee, a spirited twelve-year-old gipsy girl, to the camp where her father, Nat Biffins Lee, runs "The Queerest Show on Earth." Frank is captivated by Lotty's charm and innocence, and they quickly form a bond. Frank's father, Squire Blake, wants him to choose a career, but Frank is more interested in adventure and decides to travel in a caravan. He buys a luxurious caravan, the "Gipsy Queen," from Nat Lee and plans to explore the countryside. Lotty, who is an "infant prodigy" in the show, becomes his companion on this journey. The narrative explores the dynamics within the gipsy camp, highlighting Lotty's talents and the harsh treatment she sometimes receives from her father. Frank becomes protective of Lotty, and their friendship deepens as they share adventures and navigate the challenges of life on the road. The story also delves into the mysterious elements of the gipsy show, including the supposed capture of a merman, which draws public attention and skepticism. Frank's journey is not just a physical one but also a journey of self-discovery, as he grapples with his future and the expectations of his family. Throughout the tale, themes of freedom, friendship, and the search for identity are explored against the backdrop of the Scottish landscape and the vibrant life of the gipsy camp.

By Gordon Stables · First published 1908 · Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 28 chapters · 81,398 words

First lines

The young man stood on the deserted platform of the small, north-country station, just where the train had left him, on that bright August evening. Yonder she was speeding east-wards against the breeze.

Against the breeze, and along towards the cliffs that o'erhung the wild, wide sea, the end of the last carriage gilded with the rays of the setting sun, the smoke streaming backwards and losing itself over the brown-green woods that stretched away and away till lost in a haze at the foot of the hills.

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A Little Gipsy Lass is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gordon Stables, dated 1908 CE.

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Genres

Tags

romance · adventure · coming-of-age · historical fiction · gypsy culture · mystery · self-discovery · independence · societal norms · cultural identity · family saga · spirituality

Contents

More by Gordon Stables