Sons and Daughters (eBook)

Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant, born on April 4, 1828, in Wallyford, Scotland, and known professionally as Mrs. Oliphant, was a prolific writer in the 19th century. Her literary journey encompasses more than 120 works, spanning genres that include fiction, biographies, and historical writings. Her commentary was deeply rooted in examinations of domestic life and the status of women — themes that were ahead of her time and resonated with Victorian audiences. 'Sons and Daughters', a fine example of her narrative craft, showcases her nuanced character development and her often subtly incisive forays into the complexities of middle-class family life. The novel reflects her adeptness at capturing the social milieu and expectations of her era while presenting emotionally rich portraits of her characters. Mrs. Oliphant's writing was marked by a blend of social realism and subtle humor, with a narrative style that ranged from the satirical to the sympathetically imaginative (Jay, 1986). Her work has been appreciated for its detailed depictions of the quotidian and its layered characterizations (Anderson, 1991). Oliphant's contributions extend beyond her fiction; she was also recognized for her literary criticism and autobiographical writings, the latter of which offer an important perspective on the life of a woman balancing her writing with the challenges of widowhood and child-rearing.