Mary Russell Mitford : $b The tragedy of a blue stocking

"The Tragedy of a Blue Stocking" by W. J. Roberts is a biography that tells the story of Mary Russell Mitford, a writer from the early Victorian era, whose life, while seemingly pleasant, was filled with sadness because of her loyalty to people who didn't deserve it. The book attempts to restore Mitford's reputation by looking closely at specific events and the relationships she had. Early on, it becomes clear that Mitford’s devotion to her father and his wasteful behavior greatly impacted her life, preventing her from truly reaching her potential; her childhood in Hampshire appears idyllic on the surface, but underneath lies the constant worry of money problems brought on by her father. This contrast sets the stage for understanding Mitford's complicated life and her relationships as the story moves forward.