Pixie O'Shaughnessy

Pixie O'Shaughnessy #1

by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey

Jessie Mansergh (nee Bell), later Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey (1856 or 1857-1917) was an English author who wrote thirty-three books, and many short stories and magazine articles.

Genres: School Stories, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Historical

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1902

About the author

The author of 33 books, as well as numerous short stories and magazine articles, British author Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey was born Jessie Bell in 1856, in Liverpool. She was the daughter of Scots insurance broker David Bell, and his wife, Elizabeth Morris Barton, and had six siblings. She married cotton broker Henry Mansergh in 1883, and a number of her books were originally published under the name "Jessie Mansergh." After the death of Henry Mansergh in 1894, her work began to be published in magazines.

Vaizey was married again in 1898, to George de Horne Vaizey, a man she met while on a cruise won through a story competition. Her son George Vaizey, born in 1900, was also to become a writer. Contracting typhoid in the early years of the twentieth century, she developed rheumatoid arthritis, and was confined to a wheelchair until her death in 1917.

Reviews

[Mela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like all Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey's stories, it was naive, simple, predictable, and also sweet, uplifting. I know what to expect from her books and I got it.

Not my favourite novel by the author, but, still, with the atmosphere and characters that gave me a bit of sunshine to my days.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's more to this book than the story of a young girl at boarding school. Pixie is a charming and engaging character, but the broader story of her family and home were also very enjoyable. I'm not sure what age group the author had in mind when she wrote this, but I would recommend it to the Young Adult audience, and adults who enjoy stories about children and families. Many thanks to the Librivox narrator for her very capable reading.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in the Pixie series, and what an awesome little book! This was the last series I had left to read for free on kindle, and I'm glad I left it to last. Pixie is a delightful character, unique, fun and great to read. She lights up the page much in the same way she lights up her families' lives. She really makes the story, although some of the secondary characters are fantastic too. Really loved this one!

[Pamela Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first of three volumes about and around Pixie O'Shaughnessy. With all due respect for my beloved series books (Red Cross Girls, Campfire Girls and others) I would say this one is a bit more. Written early in her career ('02) de Horne Vaizey is still finding her sea legs, but even granting that the descriptions of Ireland are wonderful and memorable. The story opens with an utterly insolvent family living on their last funds in a broken down family castle in Ireland. There are some trite bits (the excessive beauty of two of the three daughters), but she gets beyond that and the character of Pixie in particular is a bit more unusual and memorable.
I have written about these three volumes in a blog post that can be found at: http://pams-pictorama.com/2024/03/23/.... I don't think there are really any spoilers in it, but can't absolutely promise. Enjoy.

[Laurie Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite reader... but loved the story. It was compelling enough that my husband often listened with me even though he really hated the reader.

Humorous, Christian even though not a "Christian book", and thoughtful even if not deep. A book to remind me to laugh when life doesn't go the way I planned and enjoy the silver lining to the clouds.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun and interesting book, given from a blunt speaking and loving Irish view. Loved it!