"Margaret Maliphant" by Alice Vansittart Strettel Carr is a captivating novel that immerses readers in the tumultuous world of 19th-century England. Carr, known for her insightful narratives, masterfully crafts a story that intertwines romance, drama, and societal commentary. Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, "Margaret Maliphant" delves into the complexities of class, gender, and ambition. Through the journey of the titular character, Margaret Maliphant, readers are transported to a world where societal norms dictate every aspect of life. As Margaret navigates the challenges of her time, Carr skillfully explores themes of love, duty, and personal agency. Against a backdrop of social change and upheaval, the novel offers a poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. With meticulous attention to detail and rich character development, Carr creates a cast of memorable characters who grapple with their desires and ambitions in a world where conformity is prized above all else. "Margaret Maliphant" stands as a testament to Carr's literary prowess, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the complexities of Victorian life and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to defy societal expectations.
Alice Vansittart Strettel Carr was a British costume designer whose work is linked to the Aesthetic clothing movement. Alice Vansittart Strettell was the daughter of Laura Vansittart Neale and the Reverend Alfred Baker Strettell, a British consular chaplain in Genoa, Italy, and later the rector of St. Martin's Church in Canterbury. Her sister Alma was a writer and translator. In 1873, Alice married J. Comyns Carr, a drama and art critic, novelist, writer, and director of the Grosvenor Gallery. They had three children: Philip, Dorothy, and Arthur, who later became a member of parliament. As a costume designer, Carr was linked with the Aesthetic dress movement, which championed looser, more flowing gowns with theatrical embellishments like lace and embroidery. It was said that she was the inspiration for the comic persona "Mrs Cimabue Brown" created by cartoonist George du Maurier to lampoon the Aestheticists in several of his Punch magazine illustrations. Carr, who succeeded Patience Harris as Ellen Terry's chief costume designer, worked for two decades. Carr authored a fashion analysis for The Woman's World magazine in 1850, following Oscar Wilde's appointment as editor. Carr published a collection of memories in 1926.
