Red as a Rose is She: A Novel

"Red as a Rose is She: A Novel" by Rhoda Broughton is a romantic novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives and loves of characters in a Welsh valley, with a particular focus on Esther Craven, a young woman navigating the complexities of affection and societal expectations. As the narrative begins, readers are invited into the lives of Esther and those around her, exploring themes of love, desire, and the trials of youth. At the start of the novel, the author sets the stage with a charming and humorous tone, introducing Esther Craven, who reflects on life in Wales and her recent proposal from Robert Brandon, a local suitor. Although initially taken aback, she navigates her feelings with a mix of amusement and irritation, revealing her strong attachment to her brother Jack. The dialogue showcases Esther's wit and reluctance toward traditional romance, as she enjoys the freedom of her young adulthood while grappling with the expectations of love. This opening chapter establishes a light-hearted yet poignant exploration of romance and character dynamics, engaging readers to ponder Esther's journey ahead. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Rhoda Broughton was a Welsh novelist and short story writer. Her early novels earned a reputation for sensationalism, so that her later, stronger work tended to be neglected by critics, although she was called a queen of the circulating libraries. Her novel Dear Faustina (1897) has been noted for its homoeroticism. Her novel Lavinia (1902) depicts a seemingly "unmanly" young man, who wishes he had been born as a woman. Broughton descended from the Broughton baronets, as a granddaughter of the 8th baronet. She was a niece of Sheridan le Fanu, who helped her to start her literary career. She was a long-time friend of fellow writer Henry James and was noted for her adversarial relationship with both Lewis Carroll and Oscar Wilde.