The Adventures of an Ugly Girl

"The Adventures of an Ugly Girl" by George Corbett is a book set in the late 19th century, telling the story of Dora, a young woman who feels insecure and unwanted because she thinks she is ugly, especially when compared to her beautiful sister, Belle. When her father remarries, Dora hopes to finally find acceptance and love from her new stepmother, Lady Elizabeth, but she must learn to deal with difficult family relationships and change how she sees herself in the process. The story begins by showing Dora's difficult relationship with Belle and her deep worries about her looks and how this affects how she thinks of herself. Dora anticipates the arrival of her father's new wife with fear, worrying that her supposed flaws will keep her from getting the affection she wants. Throughout the story, Dora battles feelings of anger and jealousy as she watches Belle receive attention from their father. The book introduces the complex character of Dora and her emotional conflicts right from the start, making readers feel sympathy for her desire to be accepted.