Meg of the Heather
by Evelyn R. Garratt (1920)
More than anything else in the world, Meg longs to be free--away from her abusive father--away from the public houses he forces her to sing in--away from the beatings she receives, when her beautiful voice doesn't bring in enough pennies. The only one she would miss is her dear friend Jem, who had always watched over her.
When Jem tells Meg the secret he has been keeping--that the man Meg knows as her father is of no relation to her at all, Meg starts for London. She earns a little along the way by her singing, but soon finds herself in dire straits.
Raised by an uncle who allowed her to do whatever she pleased, Miss Sheila Dennison takes orders from no one. Her pride prevents her from seeing her errors, and her selfishness prevents her from doing what is right and just for others (if it is at her own expense). Worst of all, she loves new, delightful ideas and enterprises--for a little while. But when she tires of each new thing, it is always tossed aside. When Sheila impulsively decides to adopt the destitute Meg as her sister, she tries to change the poor girl into a lady. Will Sheila soon tire of Meg, and cast her aside as she has so many other things? Will Jem come in search of Meg, as he promised? After a time of living in luxury, will Meg choose to return to possible poverty with the man she loves? Most of all, will Meg learn to trust in the God Who never changes?
Kindness, Forgiveness, Trust in God, a Christian Testimony, and Being Genuine.
*strong negative example of pride, selfishness, lack of compassion, and lack of responsibility. (In Sheila)
Elements for Parental Consideration:
Mention of "mother earth"; Meg hates her guardians (who are physically abusive) and runs away; mention of rude remarks; mentions of swearing and oaths (not written); misbehaving children fight, and are generally disrespectful; mention of a mother who would beat her children when drunk; someone asks for brandy to revive an unconscious person; mention that there are people in London who would take advantage of girls who are alone; Meg is approached by a woman in London, and feels uncomfortable--a kind widow, Mrs. Webb, comes to her rescue (it is implied that the woman would have taken advantage of Meg if Mrs. Webb had not whisked the girl away); the opinion is stated a handful of times that a person's character depends more of heredity that environment; Sheila is extremely proud, willful, spoiled, and (Spoiler:) eventually tires of having Meg around, though Meg bows to her every whim; Sheila states that she does not "profess to be a Christian" (no salvation in this story); Meg wishes herself dead; Meg goes through a crisis in the hospital "She was on the verge of disaster; standing on the very brink of the road that leads to hell. She could see nothing before her but sin, darkness, and despair." Spoiler: it is implied that she is saved at this time (no clear salvation presentation is given).
*George MacDonald is quoted. Men named Musgrave Reade and Max Muller are referenced.
Romance note: Meg and Jem have a continuing romance throughout this story. They hold hands, stare at each other, and speak of marriage.
Comment from the Reviewer:
Due to the above content, I do not recommend this story for young children. Maybe 15+? (Parental discretion advised)
This title may be downloaded/read for free:
Multiple formats: gutenberg.org
