Edifying, Christian read with some theological problems.
Plot
Lucy Grant is the second daughter of a poor man with eleven children living during the 1800s. A sickness forces Lucy to leave her beloved home and live with her wealthy uncle in the city, where she befriends her cousins, Charles and Helen, and a peculiar old lady called Miss Prigott. There Lucy endures various joys and trials, growing ever closer to her Savior through them, and discipling her dearest friend Helen.
Morality
Very good. The highest standards are kept and though all of the characters stumble sometimes, they repent and turn away from all sin.
Spiritual Content
The characters are strongly Christian and much of the book has to do with their spiritual growth and how to be a "good" Christian. Their faith does seem to be rather works-based, however.
Violence
Someone accidentally hits a boy with his carriage and the boy is seriously injured. A main character gets very sick and another character dies of an illness. Two characters pass away of age and poor health.
Drug and Alcohol Content
None.
Sexual Content
A lady is teased about being engaged, and someone says they feel sorry for her future husband, whoever he might be.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
While I have a few problems with this book, particularly the somewhat incorrect view of what it means to be a Christian and the fact that the parents have a cup of affliction growing fuller through the years rather than a cup of joy, it is interesting with delightful characters who go through real life spiritual struggles that I can relate to and learn from. Miss Prigott can be quite amusing at times and I appreciated that the book had only a little bit of romance, though it does seem to have a somewhat sad ending. I recommend The Flower of the Family for Christian girls who desire to grow in their faith and are mature enough to see some of the subtle problems in the Christianity.
This review is brought to you by Nienna.
