Sisters: Enriched edition.

by Ada Cambridge

Ada Cambridge's novel 'Sisters' is a compelling exploration of the complexities of sisterhood and the challenges faced by women in Victorian society. Set in 19th century Australia, the book delves into the lives of two sisters, Olive and Lennie, who navigate love, family, and societal expectations. Cambridge's prose is rich in detail and vividly captures the harsh realities of the time. The novel is characterized by its poignant portrayal of the bond between the two siblings and the sacrifices they make for each other. 'Sisters' is a must-read for those interested in feminist literature and historical fiction. Cambridge's writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, making this novel a standout in the literary canon. Ada Cambridge, a prominent Australian writer, draws upon her own experiences and observations to craft a narrative that resonates with readers. Her deep understanding of the human condition and her ability to create realistic characters make 'Sisters' a powerful and enduring work of fiction. Cambridge's feminist perspective and social commentary add layers of complexity to the story, shedding light on the challenges faced by women during the Victorian era. I highly recommend 'Sisters' to anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of sisterhood and the struggles faced by women in a historical context. Ada Cambridge's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions will captivate readers from start to finish, leaving a lasting impression and sparking important conversations about gender, family, and society.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Genres: Australia

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1904

About the author

Ada Cambridge (21 November 1844 – 19 July 1926), later known as Ada Cross, was an English-born Australian writer.
Overall she wrote more than twenty-five works of fiction, three volumes of poetry and two autobiographical works.[1] Many of her novels were serialised in Australian newspapers, and were never published in book form.
While she was known to friends and family by her married name, Ada Cross, she was known to her newspaper readers as A.C.. Later in her career she reverted to her maiden name, Ada Cambridge, and it is thus by this name that she is known.

Ada Cambridge married the Rev. George Cross in 1870 and immediately sailed for Australia. They lived in various towns in Victoria but finally settled in Melbourne. When her husband wanted to return to England, Ada reluctantly followed him and lived in England again from 1912 to 1917. Upon her husband's death in 1917 she returned to Australia where she remained for the rest of her life.

Selected Bibliography
* Hymns on the Litany (1865)
* Hymns on the Holy Communion (1866)
* The Manor House: and Other Poems (1875)
* My Guardian (Novel, 1877)
* In Two Years' Time (Novel, 1879)
* A Mere Chance (Novel, 1882)
* Unspoken Thoughts (Novel, 1887)
* A Woman's Friendship (Serialised in the Age, 1889; first published in book form in 1988)
* A Marked Man (Novel, 1890)
* The Three Miss Kings (Novel, 1891)
* Not All in Vain (Novel, 1892)
* A Little Minx (Novel, 1893)
* A Marriage Ceremony (Novel, 1894),
* Fidelis (Novel, 1895)
* A Humble Enterprise (Novel, 1896),
* At Midnight: and Other Stories (1897)
* Materfamilias (Novel, 1898),
* Path and Goal (Novel, 1900)
* The Devastators (Novel, 1901)
* Thirty Years in Australia (Memoir, 1903)
* Sisters (Novel, 1904)
* A Platonic Friendship (Novel, 1905)
* A Happy Marriage (Novel, 1906)
* The Eternal Feminine (Novel, 1907)
* The Retrospect (Memoir, 1912)
* The Hand in the Dark: and Other Poems (1913)
* The Making of Rachel Rowe (Novel, 1914)

Reviews

[Brona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters is the story of four young women coming of age on a rural property in northern Victoria. But it is also the story of Guthrie Carey, a young sailor whose life crosses paths with the sisters at various points.

The perils and pitfalls of love and marriage dominate the story. It would seem that Cambridge had a pretty cynical view and very low expectations for happiness within the confines of marriage.

We have an unhappy marriage with a power imbalance, a domestic goddess whose life is taken up with child bearing and child rearing, an adultress, a nursemaid, a man still in love with his former wife's ghost and a lonely old, man dreaming of a love that will never be!

I'm certainly very curious to know more about Cambridge's own marriage now.

If Sisters is a fair example of her work, then I will certainly be seeking out more. She doesn't write with the same breadth and depth as Henry Handel Richardson, but she does tackle women's issues and class consciousness head-on in a time when this was not really the done thing in literature.

Sisters features some fabulous dialogue and memorable descriptions. Debbie and Carey in particular, are fully realised characters that will live me for a long time to come.
Full review with spoilers here - http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com.au/20...

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my thoughts here:

https://bookaroundthecorner.wordpress...

[Tracy Macmillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read- absorbing characters, gorgeous settings in colonial Australia and interesting insights into social values in 19th Century Australia.