Publisher's Synopsis
Margaret Oliphant (1828-97) was a Scottish novelist and historical writer of the Victorian era who usually wrote as Mrs Oliphant. Her fictional works encompass domestic realism, the historical novel, and tales of the supernatural. As a girl she constantly experimented with writing and in 1849 her first novel Passages in the Life of Mrs Margaret Maitland was published. It was followed in 1851 by Caleb Field, and in that year she met the publisher William Blackwood who invited her to contribute to Blackwood's Magazine. The association would last throughout her lifetime during which she contributed well over 100 articles. In 1852 she married her cousin Frank with whom she had six children, three of whom died in infancy. The family moved to Italy in 1859 for the sake of Frank's health but he died in Rome leaving his wife almost entirely without resources, and on her return to England she was dependent on her literary output to support her three surviving children. She soon established herself as a popular writer and worked hard to sustain this position, but her private life was dogged with sorrow as her remaining children all pre-deceased her. Oliphant wrote over 120 works, mostly novels, but also travel books, biographies, historical works and volumes of literary criticism. Some of her most popular fictional works are the six novels which make up The Chronicles of Carlingford, originally serialised in Blackwood's from 1862-5 prior to book publication. This novel first published in book form in 1886 was originally serialised in "The Scottish Church" from June 1885 to May 1886. Set in Scotland, it tells the story of Effie Ogilvie who has grown up in close companionship with her brother Eric and their friend Ronald Sutherland. When Effie is 16 the two young men join the army and leave for India but, unbeknownst to Effie, Robert had asked permission to court her before his departure, though unhappily his request was refused on the advice of her stepmother. Three years later Effie befriends the Diroms, spending much time with them over the summer. Fred Dirom is attracted to her and as he is rich he is encouraged by her family. Effie realises she is being pushed towards an early marraige by both Fred and her stepmother and when Ronald returns from India she realises what she has lost. As events unfold, the previously passive Effie stands up for what is right.
