The Carved Lions

Name: The Carved Lions
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth

The narrative follows a young girl named Geraldine, who reflects on her childhood experiences, particularly the significant changes that occur when her parents decide to move to South America for her father's job. Geraldine and her brother Haddie are raised in a modest home, where their loving parents strive to provide a happy environment despite financial struggles. Geraldine's longing for companionship leads her to desire a formal education, which her mother initially hesitates to provide due to concerns about the local school environment. As the story unfolds, Geraldine's parents receive an opportunity for her father to work abroad, which necessitates sending the children to school. Geraldine is sent to a boarding school run by Miss Ledbury, where she faces challenges adjusting to the new environment, particularly the strictness of the staff and the social dynamics among the students. She struggles with feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, especially when compared to her peers. One day, overwhelmed by her unhappiness and the pressure of school, Geraldine runs away, seeking comfort and answers from her parents. However, she ends up falling asleep in the showrooms of a local furniture maker, where she dreams of enchanted lions that symbolize her childhood innocence and longing for adventure. When she awakens, she finds herself in the care of the Cranstons, who provide her with warmth and kindness, contrasting sharply with her experiences at school. As Geraldine recuperates, she forms a bond with Myra Raby, the granddaughter of the Cranstons, and they share a deep friendship. Geraldine's health improves, and she learns that her parents are safe and well, alleviating her fears. Eventually, she is able to return to school, but with a newfound perspective and support from her friends. The story culminates in the eventual return of Geraldine's parents, bringing joy and closure to her childhood struggles. The narrative emphasizes themes of family, friendship, and the importance of kindness and understanding in overcoming adversity. Geraldine's journey reflects the complexities of growing up, the challenges of separation, and the enduring power of love and connection.

By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1890 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 12 chapters · 48,179 words

First lines

It is already a long time since I was a little girl. Sometimes, when I look out upon the world and see how many changes have come about, how different many things are from what I can remember them, I could believe that a still longer time had passed since my childhood than is really the case. Sometimes, on the contrary, the remembrance of things that then happened comes over me so very vividly, so very _real_-ly, that I can scarcely believe myself to be as old as I am.

What this Textopian page supports

The Carved Lions is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Louisa Molesworth, dated 1890 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure, Moral Tale, Historical Fiction
Length: 48,179 words
Structure: 12 chapters, 880 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at a young audience, featuring themes and narratives suitable for children.
Fantasy — The story includes fantastical elements and imaginative scenarios that appeal to the genre.
Adventure — The plot involves exploration and adventure, common traits in this genre.
Moral Tale — The narrative often conveys moral lessons, characteristic of this genre.