The Caxtons: A Family Picture — Volume 18

"The Caxtons: A Family Picture — Volume 18" by Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton is a story set in the Victorian era that looks closely at family life and the drive to get ahead, especially when facing old traditions and the exciting opportunities of a new land. The book tells the story of the Caxton family, mainly Pisistratus Caxton, as he grows up and figures out what is expected of him. We see Pisistratus coming back to England after being in Australia for years, where he tried his hand at farming. As he gets back in touch with his family, he thinks about the past and notices how his family has changed. The story also focuses on his relationship with his cousin Blanche, and other family members that look to the past as they face the difficulties of being adults. The book mixes romance with thoughts on society, showing how luck and hard work play a role in what we try to achieve in life.