Uncle Max

"Uncle Max" by Rosa Nouchette Carey is a story set in the late 1800s that follows Ursula, a young woman dealing with the sadness of losing her twin brother as she tries to figure out who she is and what she wants in a society that tells her how to act and what to do. She's trying to manage her feelings and relationships when her Uncle Max comes into the picture, who is a forward-thinking clergyman who encourages her to follow her heart and help people in need, which becomes a major turning point for her as she strives for freedom. At the start of the book, Ursula is thinking about life events which she is reminded of because of her sorrow. She feels stuck in her aunt's house after volunteering at a hospital after her brother's passing, and she yearns for meaning and a sense of belonging. She feels her family, especially her Aunt Philippa and cousin Sara, don't understand her, because their lives seem shallow compared to her strong desire to do something important. When Uncle Max arrives, he brings hope and comfort; his gentle nature is a refreshing change from the oppressive environment at her home, and their discussions lead her to think about a future where she can pursue her purpose of helping others. She has a possibility of moving away to pursue her aspirations demonstrating how tough she is and how much she wants to live a fulfilling life.