A Flat Iron for a Farthing; or, Some Passages in the Life of an only Son

"A Flat Iron for a Farthing; or, Some Passages in the Life of an only Son" by Juliana Horatia Ewing is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story is narrated from the perspective of a young boy, Reginald Dacre, who shares the poignant and often humorous moments in his life as an only son navigating childhood after the loss of his mother and sister. The narrative explores themes of family, grief, and the innocence of youth. At the start of the novel, Reginald reflects on his early memories, particularly the deaths of his mother and baby sister, Alice. His feelings of loneliness and longing are evident as he describes his attachment to Mrs. Bundle, the nurse who comes to care for him after the tragedy. Ewing's writing captures the emotional complexity of a young boy grappling with the concepts of loss and love, while also introducing the playful and whimsical nature of childhood as Reginald constructs a world filled with imagination and his cherished pet dog, Rubens. The narrative flows with an engaging tone as Reginald navigates his new life with Mrs. Bundle, revealing both the joys and challenges of growing up without a mother.

A Flat Iron for a Farthing; or, Some Passages in the Life of an only Son, by Juliana Horatia Ewing. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #19859.