The School Queens

by L.T. Meade

"Two girls completely rule a small but very select school. The story is humorous in parts, in others pathetic." -from: Country Life, Volume 24, 1908

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1908

About the author

Mrs. L.T. Meade (Elizabeth Thomasina Meade Toulmin Smith), was a prolific children's author of Anglo Irish extraction. Born in 1844, Meade was the eldest daughter of a Protestant clergyman, whose church was in County Cork. Moving from Ireland to London as a young woman, after the death of her mother, she studied in the Reading Room of the British Museum in preparation for her intended career as a writer, before marrying Alfred Toulmin Smith in September 1879.

The author of close to 300 books, Meade wrote in many genres, but is best known for her girls' school stories. She was one of the editors of the girls' magazine, Atalanta from 1887-93, and was active in women's issues. She died in 1914.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's difficult to rate a book written in 1910 about, and for, english school girls. The perspective is quaint and decidedly sexist from a 21st century view. Even the morals and ideals that the girls are expected to attain in their daily life seem absurdly unrealistic and unreachable; however, it is interesting, and I admit, quite fun to read these books. The attitude toward different classes is also quite illuminating. While, undoubtedly, not everyone shared the views of L.T. Meade it is to be supposed that many of the period did. To a modern reader in a caste-free society it is disturbing but put into perspective it might have been a mildly liberal view at the time.

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable school story, but I wanted more school and less holiday time. Much of the story occurs during break, or explains the background of a character. I wanted more of the school life I envy from the past! There is a lot of class snobbery in this one; I mean, how dare a gentlewoman marry a grocer? That awful trade! It is a great example of it's time however, and I must appreciate it from this view.

Read on Kindle, a reminder to myself so I don't go looking for a physical book later on.

[M Gowans · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the main character Maggie was quite complex, the class snobbery and stereotypes inherent within this book were a bit difficult to take!