More Pages from a Journal

"More Pages from a Journal" by William Hale White is a collection of fictional writings, giving readers a peek into the lives of different people as they deal with relationships, problems, and big questions, all within a boarding house in Brighton, England, in the late 1800s. We meet Miss Toller, the owner of the boarding house, along with her renters like Mrs. Poulter, a widow; Mr. Goacher, a churchman; and Miss Everard, who is strong and independent, as the story looks at topics like social class, how we connect with each other, and what it means to be human during a Christmas season filled with deep thoughts and feelings. The book paints a picture of Russell House and its residents, with each person's story adding to the mix, showing their reasons, relationships, and problems, while the story builds around Christmas preparations and lively talks among the boarders, bringing up issues of polite society and the hidden competition between classes, as Miss Toller grapples with her duties and personal value, thinking back on her life and the choices she's made.