The Two Sides of the Shield

"The Two Sides of the Shield" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a novel written in the late 19th century. It follows the life of a young girl named Dolores Mohun, who faces the daunting prospect of leaving her father to live with her Aunt Lilias and her large family, after her father accepts a government appointment in Fiji that requires him to be away for at least three years. The story explores themes of family dynamics, the challenges of fitting in, and the journey of a girl coping with the loss of her mother while navigating her new life. At the start of the novel, Dolores has a poignant conversation with her father, Mr. Mohun, in which he informs her of his upcoming move and the necessity for her to live with her aunt. Overwhelmed with anxiety and sadness, she expresses her wish to remain in her current home rather than join her relatives, whom she perceives as potentially unkind. Her departure is marked by a mixture of longing and dread as she reflects on the stories of unfortunate orphans mistreated by their aunts. As she arrives at her Aunt Lilias’s house, Dolores experiences a whirlwind of emotions, feeling both out of place among her lively cousins and burdened by her own expectations to excel. The opening chapters set the stage for her journey of self-discovery in a family that, while loving, presents numerous challenges for someone used to a different way of life.

The Two Sides of the Shield, by Charlotte M. Yonge. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #6007.