Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole In Many Lands by Mary Seacole

“Unless I am allowed to tell the story of my life in my own way, I cannot tell it at all.”

― Mary Seacole, Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands

Mary Jane Grant was born on November 23rd, 1805 in Kingston, Colony of Jamaica as a member of free Black people in Jamaica. 

Her father was James Grant, a Scottish Lieutenant in the British Army, who came from an old Scottish family.  Her Creole mother ran a boarding house and used herbalist skills as a “doctress”, mastering the use of the herbs and hygiene in Jamaican folk medicine. Doctresses had a great knowledge of tropical diseases and the ailments and injuries prone to the area and basically functioned with a general practitioner’s skill.

Mary Jane displayed a great interest in practicing medicine as a child; first to a doll and then to pets before her mother allowed her to help in the treatment of humans. A combination of her knowledge of West African remedies and the chance to observe practices of British military doctors, gave her a helpful base in her development in practicing medicine.

After travels to London, New Providence, Haiti and Cuba, Mary married a merchant, Mr. Edwin Seacole, sometime in the 1830s. In the mid-1840s, Mrs. Seacole lost both her husband and her mother.  It was the impetus to throw herself even further into her work.

“Time is a great restorer, and changes surely the greatest sorrow into a pleasing memory.” 

― Mary Seacole, Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands

There is apparently historic controversy regarding Mrs. Seacole’s attempts to become a nurse with Florence Nightingale’s “Angel Band” of military nurses. Much has been debated among historians, but there is in fact no record of anything other than pleasantries between Florence and Mary. Her rejection into the group only sent Mary in another direction and she went on to nurse in the Crimea and other battle fronts where she tended army personnel of all ranks.

“War, like death, is a great leveller, and mutual suffering and endurance had made us all friends.” 

― Mary Seacole, Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands

Mary Seacole published Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands in 1857 with a second edition released in 1858, but despite attention surrounding the releases, she was plagued with financial concerns and disappeared from the public eye after 1867.

Mrs. Seacole died at the age of 75 in 1881 in London and is buried in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Harrow Road, Kensal Green. There is no doubt Mary she was a vibrant, creative and driven person. She dealt with prejudice throughout her nursing career but accomplished a great deal of work and care for wounded soldiers regardless of rank.

We will discuss this amazing account of one woman’s life and endeavors in our Autumn Book Breakfast with our read of  Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole. We will be discussing this book over a delicious breakfast on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

“Death is always terrible—no one need be ashamed to fear it. How we bear it depends much upon our constitutions. I have seen some brave men, who have smiled at the cruelest amputation, die trembling like children; while others, whose lives have been spent in avoidance of the least danger or trouble, have drawn to their last painful breath like heroes, striking at their foe to the last, robbing him of his victory, and making their death a triumph.” 

― Mary Seacole, Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands

Washington Square by Henry James

Love demands certain things as a right; but Catherine had no sense of her rights.
Narrator - Washington Square

Henry James was born in April of 1843 at 21 Washington Place in Manhattan, New York City to wealthy parents, but spent most of his life living abroad. A lover of reading and crafting his own stories, Henry James began his writing career as a critic and journalist, but quickly turned to fiction with his first novel, Watch and Ward, published in 1871.

He wrote more than 20 novels in his lifetime with The Portrait of a Lady being the most well-known. Henry James novels are recognized as strong works of psychological depth  with plots exploring human relationships with an intricately-crafted prose style.

Published in1880-81, Washington Square is one of Henry James’ shorter novels.  It first ran as a serial in The Cornhill Magazine in 1880 and then in book form in 1881 by NY publisher, Harper and Brothers. It is a work known for its well-developed, intricate plot and meticulously-crafted characters.

Washington Square is set in the mid-19th century in the area where Henry James was born — the heart of New York City and in the present day Greenwich Village Neighborhood. The setting has a direct influence on how the characters and their actions are formed  — the peaceful, isolated nature of the square itself, contrasting with the bustle and active atmosphere surrounding it.

The strongest theme throughout this work centers on society’s expectations and the pressure that it inflicts on individuals and the characters are worth study - complex and multi-layered. Washington Square is supposedly based on a story told to Henry James by British actress, Fanny Kemble, a friend of James’.  It was not one of Henry James’ favorites among his own works, but is definitely worth a close read.

For our  Summer Book Lunch  we will discuss the Henry James novel,  Washington Square. It’s our first Henry James book as a book group — why do you think he has remained so popular? We will be discussing this book over a delicious lunch on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi - Our Read for Spring 2026

 

Pride & Prejudice - Thoughts On Mr. Darcy

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

Pride and Prejudice - Opening sentence of novel, Chapter 1.

There are few classic novels that have had quite the far-reaching impact that Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice has had, and it continues to be a favorite read for every succeeding generation - remaining among the top books included on almost every “Best Loved” and “Books You Should Have Read” list.

Why the continuing popularity?  And more importantly - exactly why do we all love Mr. Darcy?

My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.

Pride and Prejudice - Darcy, Chapter 11.

What other male character in classic literature has had the romantic impact of Mr. Darcy, has been compared to more heroes and, frankly has been found more lacking in our initial perception of him.  He has remained an icon of devotion and love, despite his haughty and inauspicious beginning in the story.

She is tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.

Pride and Prejudice - Mr. Darcy to Mr. Bingley about Elizabeth Bennet, Chapter 3.

We are never given any very clear description of Mr. Darcy, other than - tall, handsome features, noble mien, clever, haughty, reserved, fastidious…  But we are given Elizabeth’s close observations and brief glimpses into his heart through the events in the novel that show his developing devotion toward her.  

Is that what pulls us in and makes us love his character?  That his rigid reserve melts?  That it is her character and personality that changes him?

The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, to be above his company, and above being pleased; and not all his large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a most forbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be compared with his friend.

Pride and Prejudice - Other characters' reaction to Mr. Darcy, Chapter 3.

It isn’t just Elizabeth’s perception of Darcy that changes as the storyline progresses. Our own understanding of him becomes deeper and more appreciative.  Throughout the novel we learn that the people closest to Darcy - Bingley, Georgiana, his housekeeper - all have the utmost respect for his loyalty, kindness, generosity and affection.  

Let’s face it - all of the stable and worthy characters of the book all value Darcy.  

Elizabeth’s journey through her first year of knowing Mr. Darcy reveals the same thing in the end.  His proves to be the heart that is worth knowing long and knowing well.

There are so many memorable characters in Pride And Prejudice - ones that stay with you long after you finish reading and that we love to revisit with each rereading.  Both Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet have proven to be two of the best known and well-beloved characters in literature.  

Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry; but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody; and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger.

Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 10.

Elizabeth’s father described her as being more quick to understand than her sisters. Her mother described her as half as handsome as her older sister and half as good humored as her youngest. But Darcy’s blossoming impression of her draws more fine detail - a face rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes and a figure that was “light and pleasing”. Her manners were “not those of the fashionable world” but nonetheless he was drawn by her “easy playfulness”. 

Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley's attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at the ball; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise. But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying. Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness. Of this she was perfectly unaware; to her he was only the man who made himself agreeable nowhere, and who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with.

Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 6.

According to most timelines that you find for Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice, the novel begins in September of 1811 (Mr. Bingley agreed to take possession of Netherfield before Michaelmas or before September 29th) and ends in October of 1812 - a time period just over one year.

When you ponder over such a timeline, it’s amazing to realize that the many vital events of the novel play out within such a short time period. The carefully crafted storyline that takes us from Darcy’s initial indifference to Elizabeth to his desperate proposal in Hunsford, spans only six event-packed months.  Through the framework of a single year -  and the events that lead to the book’s conclusion -  Jane Austen was able to unfold a masterpiece of intricate pacing.

I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.

Pride and Prejudice - Elizabeth about Darcy, Chapter 5.

It is indeed a striking feature of our current read, Pride And Prejudice, that this single year of profound self-discovery and life-defining events for a young twenty-year old in Regency England continues to be relatable to readers across many cultures.

I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.

Pride and Prejudice - Darcy to Elizabeth who asked him to account for having fallen in love with her, Chapter 60.

We continue with our beloved Jane Austen with our Winter Book Lunch choice of Pride And Prejudice. Take some time to ponder why the “Darcy Appeal” continues strong through 200 years of readers. We will be discussing this book over a delicious breakfast on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens

Nicholas was one of those whose joy is incomplete unless it is shared by the friends of adverse and less fortunate days.

Charles Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby)

Born Charles John Huffam Dickens in Portsmouth, England on February 7,1812, Charles Dickens was the 2nd of 8 children born to John and Elizabeth Barrow Dickens. 

His childhood was not without difficulty. John Dickens lived far beyond his scant means and was incapable of supporting his large family, His father’s poor head for finances led to his imprisonment for debt in the Marshalsea Prison and ultimately forced 12 year old Charles to begin work at at Warren’s Blacking Factory. These early formative years became a taboo topic for discussion with Charles Dickens but found wonderfully creative expression in each of his literary works.

Because of personal experiences in these early years, Dickens was also a dedicated campaigner for children’s rights, education, and social reforms — including his stance as an outspoken proponent for copyright law and the protection of intellectual property. 

Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.

Charles Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby)

Charles Dickens was an incredible creative force during his lifetime.  He wrote 15 novels, 5 novellas and hundreds of short stories and non-fictional articles. He gave lectures, was a prolific letter writer and edited a weekly journal for almost 20 years. But above all Charles Dickens was most celebrated and beloved for his pioneering of the narrative serial novel. Not only did he capture the imagination of millions during his writing career, but he also had an intense gift for a deep portrayal of a time period and a way of life in the world in which he lived.

Mystery and disappointment are not absolutely indispensable to the growth of love, but they are, very often, its powerful auxiliaries.

Charles Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby)

I love to read Charles Dickens.  He’s not always an easy read - his books are usually very lengthy works and there is a different rhythm to reading them…  You don’t finish a Dickens novel in a night or even two nights and you need a fully engaged mind.  They are made to settle into - to invest in with your time and attention — but they are so worth it with their rich, colorful characters and memorable storylines.

Our current read - Nicholas Nickleby — or The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Containing a Faithful Account of the Fortunes, Misfortunes, Uprisings, Downfallings, and Complete Career of the Nickleby Family — is Dickens’ 3rd full-length novel and was originally published in serial form from March 1838 to October 1839 with a book form releasing in 1839.

In short, the poor Nicklebys were social and happy; while the rich Nickleby was alone and miserable.

Charles Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby)

One of the important plot focuses in Nicholas Nickleby involves Nicholas’ teaching position at a Yorkshire boarding school, Dotheboys Hall. Charles Dickens was aware that he could direct public attention and reform by exposing current issues and possibly affect change in people’s attitudes and governmental thinking.  There was a boarding school industry in Yorkshire that involved inhumane treatment of children and Dickens used Nicholas’ teaching experiences to direct a spotlight onto this issue of the time. Unwanted children were being sent to boarding schools where they were kept without vacations or visits home and often lacked basic medical care. As a result of the novel, Nicholas Nickleby, Charles Dickens was a key force in bringing down the Yorkshire School Industry.

But the novel also includes a wealth of memorable characters and twists and turns in storyline.  It is perfect to be paired with hot apple cider and a fireside for a chilly Autumn read.

We will all be able to share our thoughts and ideas on this wonderful novel as we meet for an Autumn Book Breakfast Buffet on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 to discuss Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens. There is still plenty of time to read this one but you may want to get started soon - it is worth the effort!

The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.

Charles Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby)