'Our Guy' : $b or, The elder brother

"Our Guy; or, The Elder Brother" by Mrs. E. E. Boyd is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on the lives of three siblings—Guy, Ruth, and Agnes—who are orphans navigating their lives after the loss of their parents. The book explores themes of family, faith, sacrifice, and the struggles of maintaining moral integrity in a changing world. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the familial dynamics of the Gorton siblings on New Year's Eve, where they reflect on their past and renew their commitment to their faith. The sisters, Ruth and Agnes, are portrayed as different in temperament—Ruth being more practical and ambitious, while Agnes embodies trust and devotion. Guy, now a young lawyer, aspires for success but has not embraced the sisters' religious convictions. Their backstory reveals the challenges they have faced as orphans and sets the stage for their journey toward personal growth and spiritual development. Through the setting of their home life and their interrelationships, we see the trials they endure and the strength they draw from one another.