Lena Rivers (1856), by Mary J. Holmes NOVEL (world classic): Mary Jane Holmes

by Mary Jane Holmes

Book Overview

This novel, published in the 1850's, was a Kindle freebie. It is the story of Lena Rivers, and orphan growing up in the mountains of New England with her grandparents. Her mother died when she was a baby, and she never knew her father because he left her mother before she was born. When her grandfather dies, she and her mother go to live with her uncle in Kentucky. Her uncle is hen pecked by his wealthy wife, who is not happy about having to take...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1533309809
• ISBN13: 9781533309808
• Release Date: May 2016
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 194 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Doable Kindle version of a pleasant, easy-to-read story

This story is about Lena Rivers, whose parents have died. She has to move away from her beloved (western, I believe) Massachusetts home and go to live with relatives in Kentucky. Amazingly, in the early to mid-1800's, she is considered backwoods by her Ky cousins (but her over-the-top grandmother who comes along does chew tobacco...) I have not finished with it yet, but it is basically a star-crossed lovers story with three couples' lives not working out largely because of the interference of Lena's evil aunt...and, of course, there is the secret about Lena's parentage... (If you like this story about an orphaned character with pure motives, you will want to read Eight Cousins and its continuation Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott written later in the 1800's. Rose is orphaned and goes to live with her relatives who treat her much better than Lena's aunt.) Many books of the era have a frame of reference of the Bible, as it was the universally-owned and -read book of the time. So, you could reduce my rating by one star if not understanding expressions like what it means to heap fiery coals on one's head will detract from the story for you. Regarding the Kindle edition, this is only the second novel I am reading on my K2, and although the formatting is somewhat better than the works of Elizabeth Gaskell that I reviewed, it is NOT perfect. Reduce my rating by one star if Kindle formatting issues drive you crazy. (There is even one partially repeated paragraph!) Still, all in all, an appealing story, very easy reading, and a great value for the money [$0.99 for the Kindle edition]!!

named

My grandfather born in 1910 and named Durward Bellmont, spelled Derwood Belmont, after one of the main characters in this book.

History

I have a closer connection with this book since my great-grandmother was named after the main character, Lena Rivers. But to review the book. It is a classic book that is fun to read and has a fairly good plot. I would recommend the book to anyone. I know my kids will read the book someday.