Alice Wilde: The Raftsman's Daughter. A Forest Romance

"ALICE WILDE: THE RAFTSMAN'S DAUGHTER. A FOREST ROMANCE" by Mrs. Metta V. Victor is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around Alice Wilde, the daughter of a raftsman, who navigates her idyllic yet tumultuous life in a remote cabin, facing the complexities of love and identity in a forest setting. The interactions between Alice, her father David, and the men around her, particularly Ben Perkins and Philip Moore, hint at underlying romantic tensions and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Alice Wilde, a spirited young girl fishing on the creek, who is eagerly awaiting her father’s return from a trip. The narrative paints a vivid picture of her rural surroundings and establishes the relationships between the characters, particularly her interactions with Ben Perkins, who has unspoken feelings for her, and Philip Moore, a charming city man who becomes an unexpected visitor to their home. As Alice discovers a hidden trunk in the garret containing her mother's belongings, she is propelled into a journey of self-discovery and emotional awakening, setting the stage for impending challenges that will test her relationships and personal growth in this changing world.