Robin Redbreast: A Story for Girls

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26085

Title

Robin Redbreast: A Story for Girls

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A heartwarming tale of redemption and family reconciliation, this story follows Jacinth Mildmay as she navigates social prejudice to help the impoverished Harper family. Through kindness and courage, she bridges the gap between two estranged families, ultimately securing a happy future for all involved in this charming Victorian classic.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the picturesque English village of Thetford, Mrs. Molesworth's *Robin Redbreast: A Story for Girls* weaves a tale of reconciliation, class prejudice, and the transformative power of unselfish kindness. The narrative centers on Lady Myrtle Goodacre, a reclusive widow who resides alone in the quaint Robin Redbreast house. Her solitude is broken by the arrival of her niece, Jacinth Mildmay, along with Jacinth's sister Frances, brother Eugene, and young nephew Eugene. Jacinth is initially wary of Lady Myrtle's cold demeanor and the family's history with the Harpers, a large clan of six children who have fallen on hard times due to financial ruin and the captain's ill health, forcing them to live in a dull seaside town, Southcliff. Despite her initial reserve, Jacinth feels a deep connection to the Harpers and secretly wishes to help them. She writes to Lady Myrtle, revealing the family's plight and her own guilt regarding her initial reserve. Moved by Jacinth's honesty and news from the Harpers' aunt, Lady Myrtle decides to intervene. She travels to France, where she meets Captain Harper and his wife. Overcome with emotion upon recognizing her long-lost nephew, Reginald, she embraces the family and resolves to restore their fortunes. Upon returning to Thetford, Lady Myrtle leaves Robin Redbreast to the Mildmay family and provides the Harpers with a generous inheritance, ensuring their future security. The story concludes with the reconciliation of all parties. Jacinth marries the kind-hearted Camilla Harper, and the family settles into a new, happy chapter at Robin Redbreast. The novel explores themes of forgiveness, the dangers of class prejudice, and the transformative power of unselfish kindness. Through Jacinth's journey from jealousy to selfless advocacy, the book illustrates how honesty and empathy can heal old wounds and bridge social divides. Lady Myrtle's final act of generosity not only secures the Harpers' future but also allows the Mildmay family to inherit the beloved estate, fulfilling the promise of a united and prosperous future for all involved.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26085.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg26085.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Social Life
• Friendship
• Family