"Not Like Other Girls" by Rosa Nouchette Carey is a compelling Victorian novel that delves into the complexities of womanhood and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, Carey crafts a poignant narrative that challenges the conventional roles imposed on women. The story follows the protagonist, Etheldreda, as she navigates the constraints of her gender and seeks to forge her own path in a society that expects her to conform. Etheldreda is depicted as a strong-willed and independent woman who defies stereotypes and refuses to be confined by traditional gender norms. Carey's prose is rich with vivid descriptions and intricate characterizations, drawing readers into Etheldreda's world as she grapples with love, duty, and self-discovery. Through Etheldreda's journey, Carey explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the struggle for equality, shedding light on the limitations placed on women in Victorian society.
"Not Like Other Girls" deftly combines elements of romance, drama, and social commentary, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of feminism and the quest for individuality. Carey's timeless tale continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a testament to the enduring power of women's voices in literature.
Rosa Nouchette Carey was an English children's book author and popular novelist who lived from 27 September 1840 to 9 July 1809; her writings were seen as healthy for girls and mirrored the standards of the day. Still, they are "not entirely bereft of grit and realism." Rosa was the sixth of seven children born in Stratford-le-Bow to shipbroker William Henry Carey (d. 1867) and his wife, Maria Jane, who was Edward J. Wooddill's daughter. She was raised in South Hampstead and on Tryons Road in Hackney, Middlesex, in London. She received her education at home and at the St. John's Wood Ladies' Institute, where she was friends and a contemporary of the poet Mathilde Blind (1841–1896), who was born in Germany. After her parents passed away, her family's obligations grew along with her writing career. Following the death of her mother in 1870, she and her single sister took on the role of housekeeper and caregiver for her brother, who was left widower. After the brother passed away and the sister got married, Carey was left to raise the kids by herself. Mrs. Henry Wood, a famous novelist, was one of her close acquaintances. About 1875, the poet Helen Marion Burnside moved in with her, and after her husband's death, Carey's sister came back to look after them. On July 19, 1909, Carey passed away from lung cancer in her Putney, London, residence. She was laid to rest in Hampstead Cemetery.
