The Backslider by Grant Allen (1897)

Name: The Backslider
Author: Grant Allen

The Backslider is a novel by Grant Allen that tells the story of a man who returns to his hometown after many years away and finds himself drawn back into the life he left behind. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of memory.

By Grant Allen · First published 1897 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Bildungsroman, Social Commentary · 4 chapters · 10,562 words

First lines

There was much stir and commotion on the night of Thursday, January the 14th, 1874, in the Gideonite Apostolic Church, number 47, Walworth Lane, Peckham, S. E. Anybody could see at a glance that some important business was under consideration; for the Apostle was there himself, in his chair of presidency, and the twelve Episcops were there, and the forty-eight Presbyters, and a large and earnest gathering of the Gideonite laity. It was only a small bare school-room, fitted with wooden benches, was that headquarters station of the young Church; but you could not look around it once without seeing that its occupants were of the sort by whom great religious revolutions may be made or marred. For the Gideonites were one of those strange enthusiastic hole-and-corner sects that spring up naturally in the outlying suburbs of great thinking centres.

What this Textopian page supports

The Backslider is listed on Textopian as a novel by Grant Allen, dated 1897 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Grant Allen
Date: 1897 CE
Language: English
Genres: Religious Fiction, Bildungsroman, Social Commentary, Romance, Victorian Literature
Length: 10,562 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 113 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Religious Fiction — The plot centers around a religious sect, the Gideonites, and explores themes of faith, apostasy, and religious leadership.
Bildungsroman — The narrative follows Paul Owen's personal and intellectual development from a young boy in a religious sect to an independent thinker.
Social Commentary — The story critiques religious dogma and explores societal norms, particularly through the lens of the protagonist's evolving beliefs.
Romance — A significant subplot involves Paul Owen's romantic relationship with Meenie Bolton, which influences his personal growth and decisions.