Set in Victorian England, The Daisy Chain tells to the story of the May family: Dr. May, his wife Margaret, and their eleven children. The warmth and tranquility of the May family is broken one day suddenly when in an accident Mrs. May is killed, Dr. May badly injured, and the eldest daughter Margaret left permanently disabled.
As the May family come to terms with their grief and new circumstances the older children Ethel, Flora, Norman, Harry, and Tom seek their place in the world. The bright fifteen-year-old Ethel makes it her ambition to help the deprived community of Cocksmoor. However, she soon finds that to do so she must first face and overcome her own weaknesses and temptations.
Following the aspirations of the children, The Daisy Chain is a stirring family saga which while it paints a vivid portrait of its period can still inspire today.
Unfortunately Charlotte Mary Yonge's books have been a little forgotten by the publishing industry and you will need to look around the internet for the most affordable copy. If you do not mind reading digital version then you can get her books for free through the Project Gutenberg. The books are well worth reading nevertheless!
