Christian Melville

"Christian Melville" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story explores the lives of the Melville family, particularly focusing on Christian, the eldest daughter who bears the weight of responsibility for her siblings. The narrative delves into themes of familial duty, loss, and the struggles of faith amidst life's trials. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Melville household on New Year's Eve, a time intertwined with both joy and sorrow, as Christian reflects on her mother's absence and the recent changes within her family. As the festivities unfold, the dynamics of the family are revealed: Christian is portrayed as a caring and somber figure, responsible for her younger siblings, while her brother Halbert is hinted to be grappling with profound existential questions. The opening chapters evoke a sense of transition as Christian navigates her dual role of celebrator and mourner, setting the stage for the deeper emotional and moral challenges the characters will face. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant was a Scottish novelist and historical writer, who usually wrote as Mrs. Oliphant. Her fictional works cover "domestic realism, the historical novel and tales of the supernatural".