Left at home

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22916

Title

Left at home

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A poignant Victorian tale of loss and spiritual resilience, 'Left at Home' follows young Arthur Vivyan as he navigates the sudden death of his beloved sister Mildred and the subsequent departure of his parents to India. Through solitude and prayer, Arthur finds comfort in his faith, eventually reuniting with his family after seven years of separation. The story offers a tender exploration of grief, the enduring nature of love, and the promise of eternal peace.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the Victorian era, Mary L. Code's *Left at Home* chronicles the profound spiritual journey of young Arthur Vivyan following a devastating family tragedy. The narrative begins at Ashton Grange, where Arthur is left behind while his parents prepare to travel to India. His solitude is abruptly shattered when his beloved baby sister, Mildred, falls violently ill with croup and dies in his arms. Devastated and alone, Arthur retreats to his room, where he initially succumbs to deep sorrow. However, the story quickly pivots from heartbreak to spiritual maturity as Arthur learns to find solace in his relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the following years, the novel explores themes of divine providence and the comfort found in prayer during times of intense grief. Arthur spends time with his aunt, Mrs. Estcourt, and encounters Edgar North, a sick cousin who faces death with a profound sense of peace. Edgar's acceptance of his impending death reinforces Arthur's own faith, illustrating the belief that earthly separation is temporary compared to the eternal joy awaiting believers. Despite the vast distance separating them, Arthur maintains a strong connection to his parents through letters, sustaining his family bonds through faith. The narrative builds toward a heartwarming conclusion where the family is finally reunited in England. By the time Arthur is sixteen, his loneliness has transformed him into a mature young man who understands the refuge of God's everlasting arms. The novel serves as both a comforting read for those facing loss and a testament to the strength of family bonds sustained by faith, emphasizing that even in the darkest moments of sorrow, God's love remains constant and restorative.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Children