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About Peggy Saville

Written by George de Horne Vaizey

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Young women

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About this book

"About Peggy Saville" by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey is a novel written in the late 19th century. It follows the life of Peggy Saville, a girl who transitions from a life in India to living at a vicarage in England along with the vicar's children. The narrative unfolds as Peggy navigates her new environment, forging friendships, and revealing her charming yet mischievous character. At the start of the story, the Vicar of Renton receives a letter from Mrs. Saville regarding her daughter Peggy, who is set to move in with the vicar's family while her mother returns to India. The vicar and his wife, Mrs. Asplin, discuss the logistics of accommodating Peggy, who is described as a bright and clever girl despite her past struggles in school. As Peggy arrives, her unique personality and flair are immediately apparent—she exhibits both a sense of confidence and a tendency to stir up mischief. The opening chapters depict her early interactions with the vicar's children and set the stage for the humorous and heartfelt tales of her new life and the charm she brings to her surroundings.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in About Peggy Saville, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • uplifting
  • charming

Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey's "About Peggy Saville" is a charming late 19th-century novel chronicling the adventures of Peggy Saville, a spirited young girl sent from India to live in an English vicarage. The story begins with Peggy's arrival at the Vicar of Renton's home, where she is welcomed into the family of the vicar and his wife, Mrs. Asplin, alongside their own children. Despite initial reservations about her academic past, Peggy quickly reveals herself to be a bright, clever, and uniquely confident individual. The narrative masterfully blends humor and heartfelt moments as Peggy navigates her new environment, forms lasting friendships, and leaves an indelible mark on everyone she encounters with her delightful blend of charm and mischievousness.

“"Peggy had a way of looking at you, with her head tilted just so, that made you forget any naughtiness and simply smile."”

Key themes

Coming-of-Age and Identity
This theme explores Peggy's journey as she transitions from childhood in India to adolescence in England, navigating new social norms, forming her own sense of self, and understanding her place in the world. It's about how she retains her core identity while adapting to new environments.
Family and Belonging
The novel deeply explores what constitutes a family and the human need for belonging. Peggy, an 'outsider' initially, finds a new home and family at the vicarage, demonstrating that family ties can be forged through love, acceptance, and shared experiences, not just blood.
Mischief and Morality
This theme examines the fine line between innocent mischief and genuine naughtiness, and how Peggy's actions, though often disruptive, stem from a good heart and an imaginative spirit. It explores how her unconventional approach to life can sometimes lead to unexpected positive outcomes.

Worth discussing

How does Peggy's background in India influence her personality and her interactions with the English characters?

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