A Bevy of Girls by L.T. Meade (1888)

Name: A Bevy of Girls
Author: L.T. Meade

The novel revolves around a group of girls at a boarding school who become embroiled in a mystery surrounding a valuable diamond necklace that has been stolen from one of their teachers. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the theft was not an isolated incident and that there are deeper secrets and scandals lurking beneath the surface of the school's seemingly idyllic community. The girls must navigate complex relationships with each other and with the adults in their lives as they try to uncover the truth behind the theft. Along the way, they confront issues such as class differences, social status, and personal loyalty, all while trying to maintain their own sense of identity and morality. Throughout the novel, Meade explores themes of female friendship, coming-of-age, and the challenges faced by young women in a patriarchal society. The story is characterized by its blend of mystery, adventure, and social commentary, making it a compelling read for fans of girls' school fiction from the late 19th century. The novel's tone is generally lighthearted and humorous, with a focus on the girls' relationships and personal growth rather than the more serious themes. However, Meade also touches on issues such as poverty, class inequality, and the limited options available to women at the time, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Ultimately, A Bevy of Girls is a classic tale of girlhood and adolescence that continues to resonate with readers today. Its blend of mystery, adventure, and social commentary makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in girls' school fiction or the experiences of young women in the late 19th century.

By L.T. Meade · First published 1888 · Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Adventure · 31 chapters · 99,945 words

First lines

The girls stood in a cluster round Miss Aldworth. They surrounded her to right and left, both before and behind. She was a tall, dark-eyed, grave looking girl herself; her age was about twenty. The girls were schoolgirls; they were none of them more than fifteen years of age. They adored Marcia Aldworth; she was the favourite teacher in the school. She was going away to England suddenly, her mother was very ill, and she might not return. The girls all spoke to her in her native tongue. They belonged to several nationalities; some German, some French, some Dutch, some Hungarian; there was a sprinkling of Spanish girls and a good many English. The school was supposed to be conducted on English principles, and the head teacher was an Englishwoman.

What this Textopian page supports

A Bevy of Girls is listed on Textopian as a novel by L.T. Meade, dated 1888 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: L.T. Meade
Date: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
Length: 99,945 words
Structure: 31 chapters, 2,461 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for A Bevy of Girls by L.T. Meade
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Young Adult Fiction — The narrative focuses on the experiences and growth of adolescent girls, making it highly relevant to the young adult genre.
Coming-of-Age — The themes revolve around personal development and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Adventure — The plot includes elements of exploration and challenges faced by the characters, characteristic of adventure stories.
Social Commentary — The work reflects on societal norms and the roles of girls and women during the time period.