Effie Ogilvie: the story of a young life; vol. 1

"Effie Ogilvie: The Story of a Young Life; Vol. 1" by Mrs. Oliphant is a 19th-century novel that explores a young girl's trials with family changes and social connections after her father remarries. As Effie deals with her stepmother stepping into her life and the loss of her own mother, the story looks at her feelings, plans, and the social scene of her Scottish town. The story begins with Effie Ogilvie and her family, including her father, his new wife, and her brother, Eric, who is away in the army. The first parts of the book show the family struggling after Mr. Ogilvie's second marriage and Effie's dislike for her stepmother, who is trying to fit in. Effie and Eric, miss their mother, and think about what they will do, while their uncle helps them. When the wealthy Dirom family moves in nearby, it suggests big social changes and new experiences for Effie, who is about to become a woman. This sets the stage for the challenges and changes the characters face as they look for belonging in their community.