A London Girl of the 1880s

This is Molly Hughes' second book in her trilogy of memoirs, and it's just as interesting as the first. Most of this book is about Molly's schooling and her training to become a teacher. Again I was struck by the depth of learning, even for "just a girl." I mean, she drops Latin phrases like we're all supposed to know what they mean! We are also introduced to the man who Molly will eventually marry, Arthur Hughes.

I was also struck by Molly's and her mother's ability to make do with what they have, and to never seem to resent the things others have that they don't. For instance, as far as I can tell, Molly never has more than three dresses at any given time, and that seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Can you imagine anyone today (at least anyone who has the means to read this blog) surviving on just three outfits?

This book, like the first, ends rather abruptly and with a sad event. But I guess Molly considered those to be natural ending points, when her life changes. I've already started the third book, and I'm looking forward to see how it goes.

London Girl of 1880'S