Diana

by Susan Bogert Warner

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

Nook

First published June 1, 2007

About the author

Born in 1819 in New York City, American novelist and children's author Susan Bogert Warner was the daughter of lawyer Henry Warner, and his wife, Anna Bartlett. Her early life was one of wealth and privilege, until her father lost his money in the Panic of 1837, and the family were forced to sell their home in St. Mark's Place (NYC), and move to a farmhouse they owned on Constitution Island, near West Point, NY.

Warner and her sister, Anna Bartlett Warner (author of the well-known children's hymn, Jesus Loves Me, This I Know), began writing in 1849, in order to improve their family's financial situation. Their work, for both children and adults, was largely evangelical. Susan Bogert Warner is primarily remembered for her debut novel, The Wide, Wide World (1850), although she wrote close to thirty additional titles, all under the pseudonym 'Elizabeth Wetherell."

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of those books to revisit often

[Jeffner77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book much better than The Wide Wide World also by Warner. I thought the characters, relationships and situations more realistic.

[Jennifer D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad little read. The beginning of the book is much better than the end, where it gets a bit moralistic.

[Laurie Elliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been working my way through Susan Warner's books but the plot summary for this one really put me off. However, it turned out rather different than the plot summary/reviews had led me to believe - and was actually exactly what I needed this week.

There was much to think about but chapter 29 and 30 touched me most deeply. I suppose it could be summed up in this paragraph:

"What is his word, that I must believe?—about this, I mean." "That he loves us, dear; loves us tender and true; like you love your little baby, only a deal more; and truer, and tenderer. For a woman may forget her sucking child, but he never will forget. And all things he will make to 'work together for good to them that love him.'"

Whatever evil a (wo)man may do to us - God can turn it ALL to good.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book left me with a whole lot of mixed feelings. I very much enjoyed the sound spiritual teachings - way ahead of those narrow minded times, however it helped setting a personal first as this was the only book whose all cast of characters - but one - managed to seriously step on my nerves. From sheer stupidity to needless malice, I found it unnecessarily detailed and boringly lengthy for my taste. Still, a fine read if you can sift the really important parts.

[Hannah S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and tough topic, but beautifully and sensitively dealt with.

[Dwight Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent audio book of a romance that has many twists and turns. The words are sweet and enjoyable. There is also Christian ethic in there so I enjoy the Christian theme. Americans are not afraid to put Bible verses in their novels.