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"Mark Hurdlestone: Or, The Two Brothers" by Susanna Moodie is a captivating work of Canadian literature that immerses readers in the intricate tapestry of a historical family saga set against the backdrop of the Victorian era. This gripping drama delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of revenge and redemption within the confines of social class and wealth. Moodie skillfully navigates the nuances of character development and psychological depth, drawing readers into the intricacies of societal norms and familial dynamics. Against the vividly depicted backdrop of Victorian society, the novel unfolds with a sense of literary realism, offering a poignant exploration of human nature and the consequences of one's choices. As the Hurdlestone brothers grapple with their personal struggles and ambitions, readers are transported on a journey of discovery and introspection. Through themes of love, betrayal, and societal expectations, Moodie weaves a narrative that resonates with timeless truths about the human condition and the complexities of life in Victorian society.
About the author
English-born Susanna Moodie, who lived in Canada from 6 December 1803 to 8 April 1885, wrote about her experiences as an immigrant in what was then a British province. On the banks of the River Waveney in Suffolk, Susanna Moodie was born in Bungay. In a family of authors that also included Agnes Strickland, Jane Margaret Strickland, and Catharine Parr Traill, she was the youngest sibling. In addition to publishing books about Spartacus and Jugurtha, she wrote her first children's book in 1822 and other children's stories in London. She participated in the Anti-Slavery Society in London and transcribed Mary Prince's story, a former slave from the Caribbean. She wed retired officer and Napoleonic War veteran John Moodie on 4 April 1831. Moodie immigrated to Upper Canada in 1832 together with her husband, a British Army officer, and daughter. Her brother Samuel Strickland (1804-1867) worked as a surveyor on a farm in Douro Township, close to Lakefield, north of Peterborough, where the family eventually lived. The farm now serves as a museum and houses antiquities. The museum, which Samuel founded, was formerly an Anglican church and has a view of Susanna's former canoeing spot on the Otonabee River.
