3 Review(s)

The Duke's Daughter; and The Fugitives, Vol. III by Mrs. Oliphant is a late 19th-century novel that explores themes of identity, adaptation, and the emotional consequences of social upheaval. The story revolves around Helen and her younger sister Janey, who must adjust to a new life in a small French village called Latour after their family's circumstances change drastically. The narrative opens with the sisters’ arrival in the village, seen through the eyes of young Janey, who is fascinated by the local customs and characters. In contrast, Helen struggles with a sense of loss, feeling disconnected from her past life of privilege in England. Their father’s acquisition of a small piece of woodland and their move from a wealthy existence to a more humble one presents a dramatic shift in their lives. Through their experiences, the novel delves into the emotional journey of coming to terms with change and finding a new place in the world. Helen’s reflections on her past and the sisters’ interactions with the villagers highlight the contrasts between their past privileges and their present struggles, making the story both an exploration of personal identity and an emotional examination of adaptation to new circumstances.