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Cover of Our Little Lady: Six Hundred Years Ago

Our Little Lady: Six Hundred Years Ago

Written by Emily Sarah Holt

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Great BritainConduct of lifeHistorical fictionChristian life

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About this book

"Our Little Lady" by Emily Sarah Holt is a historical novel set in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of Avice, a nursery-maid in the Royal Palace during the 13th century. Through her eyes, readers gain insight into life in the Middle Ages, including the challenges and societal norms of the time, particularly surrounding a beautiful princess who is deaf and dumb. At the start of the novel, the ambiance of 13th-century Lincoln is vividly depicted through detailed descriptions of the Cathedral, the clothing of the congregation, and the harsh realities of daily life. The story introduces Avice as she recounts her role caring for a royal child and emphasizes the sorrow of the princess's inability to pray, despite her unique ways of communicating. This section effectively sets the stage for exploring themes of faith, the burdens of social rank, and the complexities of human emotion in a time where life is markedly more difficult than today. Through Avice's eyes, we witness the contrasts of royal luxury and personal struggle that define the era, hinting at the deeper connections that will develop throughout the story.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Our Little Lady: Six Hundred Years Ago, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • historical
  • reflective
  • empathetic

Emily Sarah Holt's "Our Little Lady: Six Hundred Years Ago" transports readers to 13th-century England through the eyes of Avice, a perceptive nursery-maid in the Royal Palace. The narrative centers on Avice's care for a beautiful young princess, who is deaf and mute, exploring the unique challenges of communication and understanding in an era less equipped to handle such disabilities. Set against the richly detailed backdrop of medieval Lincoln, the novel delves into themes of faith, social hierarchy, and the stark realities of daily life, contrasting royal luxury with personal struggles. Through Avice's empathetic perspective, the story highlights the profound connections that can form despite societal barriers and the complexities of human emotion in a demanding historical period.

“"The greatest prayers are not always those spoken aloud, but those whispered in the heart, understood by God alone."”

Key themes

Disability and Communication
Central to the narrative, this theme explores the challenges and triumphs of living with and understanding deafness and muteness in a medieval context. It delves into how individuals find alternative ways to communicate and connect when conventional methods are unavailable, highlighting the profound impact of empathy and non-verbal expression.
Faith and Spirituality
Given the 13th-century setting, faith is a pervasive theme, particularly in how it relates to the princess's condition. The narrative explores the nature of prayer, spiritual connection, and how one finds solace and meaning within a deeply religious society, even when unable to participate in traditional rituals.
Social Class and Duty
The novel examines the rigid social hierarchy of the Middle Ages through the contrasting experiences of Avice, the nursery-maid, and the royal princess. It explores the duties and expectations tied to one's birthright, the limitations imposed by social status, and the unexpected connections that can transcend these barriers.

Worth discussing

How does Avice's first-person perspective shape the reader's understanding of 13th-century life and the princess's condition?

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