The Squire's Little Girl

Name: The Squire's Little Girl
Author: L.T. Meade

This novel tells the story of a young girl who lives with her father, a squire, on his estate. She is kind and gentle, but also strong-willed and independent. The story follows her experiences as she navigates relationships with those around her, including her father's friends and their children. The novel explores themes of class and social status, as well as the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. It also touches on issues of morality and personal responsibility. Throughout the book, the protagonist faces various obstacles and setbacks, but ultimately emerges stronger and wiser due to her experiences. The novel is a coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

By L.T. Meade · First published 1884 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Coming-of-Age · 11 chapters · 20,025 words

First lines

The Squire's little daughter rode her pony down the avenue. She stopped for a moment at the gate, and the children at the other side could get a good view of her. There were four children, and they pressed together and nudged each other, and took in the small erect figure, and her sturdy pony, with open eyes and lips slightly apart. The Squire's daughter was a fresh arrival at Harringay. Her existence had always been known, the children of the village and the children of the Rectory had talked of her, but she had never come to live amongst them until now, for her mother had died at her birth, and her father had gone to live abroad, and Phyllis, the one child of his house, had been with him. Now he had returned; Phyllis was twelve years old; the Hall was open once more, full of servants and full of guests, and Phyllis Harringay rode her pony in full view of the Rectory children. Phyllis had a thick, rather short bush of tawny hair. Her eyes were of a grey blue, her little features were short and straight, and her small face had many freckles on it. She was by no means a pretty child, but there was something piquant and at the same time dignified about her. She stopped now to speak to Mrs Ashley, the woman at the Lodge; and the children pressed a little nearer, and Ralph touched Rose, and Rose nodded to Susie, and all three gazed at Edward with the same question on each pair of lips and in each pair of eyes.

What this Textopian page supports

The Squire's Little Girl is listed on Textopian as a novel by L.T. Meade, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Family, Historical Fiction
Length: 20,025 words
Structure: 11 chapters, 485 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at a young audience, featuring themes and characters relatable to children.
Adventure — The plot includes elements of exploration and excitement, typical of adventure narratives.
Coming-of-Age — The story likely explores themes of growth and personal development, common in coming-of-age tales.
Family — The narrative focuses on familial relationships and dynamics, which are central to the story.