Lucy Temple: Charlotte's Daughter

by Susanna Rowson, Christine Levenduski (Editor)

To find more information about Rowman and Littlefield titles, please visit www.rowmanlittlefield.com.

Genres: Classics

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1828

About the author

Susanna Rowson, née Haswell, was a British-American novelist, poet, playwright, religious writer, stage actress, and educator. She was the author of the novel Charlotte Temple--the most popular bestseller in American literature until Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin was published in 1852.

Reviews

[Smitha Murthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rarely do I read an author back to back. ‘Charlotte’s Daughter’ or ‘Lucy Temple’ is the quintessential Victorian novel. As an author, Rowson takes it on herself to admonish follies and praise virtues. So, if you are thinking of eloping with your lover, then know that Rowson won’t take to it very well. Most likely, your lover will desert you and you will be left ruing the fact that you abandoned your parents’ or guardian’s wise advice for the petty lure of romantic love.

That’s pretty much what happens in this novel. You are told to obey your guardians and listen to their wisdom. Have not a thought of your own but instead bend your head and perform what society does. Hmm. This reminds me of a few women I know. Grin. Who is to say Victorian society doesn’t exist even now? It does. More than ever.

[Edward Champion · Rating 2 out of 5]

A largely worthless sequel to CHARLOTTE TEMPLE, the first ever American bestseller. There are a few interesting incestuous twists, but stylistically there's nothing especially groundbreaking here. And, of course, we still see a woman being punished for having feelings. But what do you expect from the early 19th century?

[Rosa Wichuraiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more enjoyable and less overtly misogynist than the first and most popular in the Temple series, with a heroine who is surprisingly subversive of contemporary gender expectations (within the bounds of a very didactic frame). This could be read as a precursor to Little Women in the American girls' literature tradition.

[Noam · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.5/5)

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very memorable, or good. It has all the bad elements from its predecessor and it's more boring. The first novel mostly had the novelty of the historic context and its initial popularity. Without any of that, or an interesting story line, this novel was doomed to failure.

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucy, Lucy. Thank you for your help with my MA thesis.