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The Cuckoo in the Nest, v. 1/2 by Mrs. Oliphant
by Oliphant, Mrs. (Margaret), 1828-1897Description
The Cuckoo in the Nest by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins at a once-prominent country inn, the Seven Thorns, which is now struggling with decline and has a few key inhabitants, including Patience Patty Hewitt, the innkeeper’s daughter, and the young squire, Gervase Piercey. The narrative explores themes of class, ambition, and the complexities of personal relationships set against the backdrop of rural life. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the desolate atmosphere of the Seven Thorns inn, juxtaposed with its once-grand stature. The opening chapter focuses on Patty, who is portrayed as a strong-willed and determined woman, reflecting on her family’s fall from grace and her own aspirations. She engages in a quarrelsome yet affectionate exchange with Gervase, the softy heir of Greyshott Manor, who is infatuated with her but plagued by self-doubt and familial pressure. As their budding romantic tension unfolds, Patty contemplates the implications of a potential relationship with Gervase, revealing her aspirations for a future that diverges from her current station. The dynamic between these characters sets the stage for further exploration of their lives and the social constraints surrounding them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
