From the world of Stella Montgomery whom many may have met in Withering-by-the-Sea, comes A
Garden of Lilies, the book that Stella’s aunts gave her to read in Wormwood Mire. It is not part of the Intrigue series but a stand-alone book
on etiquette, manners and decorum; imperative learning material for children of
the Victorian era.
Its handbook style covers virtues and vices, moral behaviour,
and misbehaviours and their consequences. The lessons are disguised as stories
reinforced with a dramatic, abrupt and unbelievable ending.
Using extraordinary examples of bad outcomes due to
disobedience and lack of good manners was in fact the way children were taught
in the 1800s. I loved the names of the characters and the language used, and
found myself easily visualizing those times, habits and customs due to the
excellent prose.
In A Garden
of Lilies, to ‘enliven dull conversations’ children are encouraged to
memorize particular facts to impress, or use when boredom sets in. The
knowledge of table manners and the correct use of cutlery (accompanied by an
illustrated and numbered list of each item and its correct use) is an essential
part of good breeding. Housekeeping hints for baking economically to avoid
waste, and darning, which is shown in detailed illustrations, encourage thrift.
Learning how to create a compass with a stick and
being familiar with a code of signals is a must. Imperative is the knowledge of
parlour games played in ‘respectable homes’.
The language of flowers, and how to write a letter
to a person of distinction using the correct form of address (all listed), is
highly recommended. (I didn’t know any of this!) There is also a correct way to
brush hair!
Bound in black cloth, and adorned with decorative
lilies and lettering in gold, this is a stunning gift book full of knowledge.
Readers of all ages will be astonished by how much social history Rossell has
managed to fit into this little book. Gorgeous black and white illustrations in
the company of a few full colour images, show the dress code, Victorian way of
life, and project the strict habits adhered to by ‘well bred’ people.
How will Stella react to the contents? We’re sure
to find out in Wakestone Hall: Book 3, of
the Stella Montgomery Intrigues, out soon.
Title:
A Garden of Lilies: Improving Tales for Young Minds
Author/Illustrator:
Judith Rossell
Publisher:
ABC Books, $19.99
Publication
Date: November 2017
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9780733338229
For
ages: 11+
Type: Middle Fiction
