Rhoda Broughton

Rhoda Broughton (1840-1920) was a Welsh novelist who gained prominence in the Victorian era for her sensational fiction and romance novels. Her work often challenged the conventional literary and social norms of her time. Known for depicting strong-willed heroines and exploring themes of love, marriage, and women's lives, Broughton published over 20 novels during her career. Her most successful works include "Cometh Up as a Flower" (1867), "Not Wisely, but Too Well" (1867), and "Red as a Rose is She" (1870). Broughton's early novels caused controversy for their frank treatment of female sexuality and emotional depth, earning both critical attention and public censure. Her later work evolved toward more conventional romantic plots, though she maintained her characteristic wit and sharp social observations. The author's influence extended beyond her own time, with writers like Oscar Wilde and Henry James acknowledging her impact on Victorian literature. Her novels helped pave the way for more realistic portrayals of women's experiences in fiction, though her work fell into relative obscurity in the twentieth century.

Modern readers appreciate Broughton's sharp wit and realistic dialogue, particularly in depicting women's inner lives and romantic relationships. They note her insight into social pressures faced by Victorian women and her characters' relatable emotional struggles. Positives: - Natural, engaging dialogue that feels modern - Complex female characters who defy period conventions - Humor that still resonates today - Clear, direct writing style without excessive Victorian sentimentality Negatives: - Slow pacing by contemporary standards - Predictable romantic plots, especially in later works - Period-specific references that require context - Uneven quality across her large body of work On Goodreads, Broughton's novels average 3.7/5 stars across 500+ ratings. "Cometh Up as a Flower" receives the highest ratings at 3.9/5. Amazon reviews (limited data, <50 total reviews) trend positive but note the dated writing style. One reviewer writes: "Her heroines feel surprisingly modern and relatable despite the historical setting." Reader blogs and forums frequently recommend her work as an entry point to Victorian women's literature, praising her accessible style compared to contemporaries.

Not Wisely but Too Well (1867) First novel by Broughton about a Welsh girl's passionate and ultimately tragic romance with a nobleman.

Cometh Up as a Flower (1867) The story of Nell Lestrange's ill-fated love affair and her struggles within the constraints of Victorian society.

Red as a Rose is She (1870) A narrative following the romance between the independent Esther Craven and a wealthy gentleman.

Good-bye, Sweetheart! (1872) Chronicles the relationship between Lenore Herrick and her three suitors, exploring themes of love and loss.

Nancy (1873) Details the life of Nancy Hamilton as she navigates romance and family obligations in Victorian England.

Joan (1876) The tale of Joan Dering and her experiences with love, focusing on the conflict between passion and social expectations.

Second Thoughts (1880) Follows the story of Gillian Latimer as she deals with romantic complications and social pressures.

Belinda (1883) Chronicles the romantic pursuits of Belinda Churchill and her interactions with various suitors.

Doctor Cupid (1886) A novel about love and courtship centered around the character of Elizabeth Le Marchant.

A Widower Indeed (1891) Co-written with Elizabeth Bisland, depicts a widower's attempts to navigate life and new relationships.

A Beginner (1894) The story of a young woman's entry into society and her subsequent romantic encounters.

Dear Faustina (1897) Explores the relationship between two women in late Victorian society.

The Game and the Candle (1899) A romance examining the consequences of past decisions on present relationships.

Between Two Stools (1912) Portrays the complexities of love and marriage in early 20th century society.

Mary Elizabeth Braddon wrote sensation novels in the Victorian era with romance, crime and supernatural elements. She focused on unconventional female characters who defied social norms, similar to Broughton's protagonists.

Ellen Wood created domestic fiction that explored marriage, scandal and social intrigue in Victorian society. Her works deal with moral dilemmas and feature strong narrative voices.

Wilkie Collins specialized in mystery novels with complex plots and multiple narrators. His works incorporate elements of romance and Gothic horror within Victorian settings.

Florence Marryat wrote novels about spiritualism and the supernatural mixed with romance plots. She challenged Victorian conventions about women's roles and marriage in her fiction.

Margaret Oliphant produced novels focusing on small-town life and social dynamics in Victorian Britain. Her works examine women's experiences and domestic relationships with psychological depth.