Rathfelder's Hotel

"Rathfelder's Hotel" by Annie E. Bosworth is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two sisters, Charlotte and Maria Marlow, who are taken in by their kind guardians, Mr. and Mrs. Rossiter, after the death of their parents. The narrative explores their lives as they navigate growing up in the Cape Colony, dealing with their contrasting personalities, and experiencing various adventures, including a trip to Rathfelder's Hotel. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the picturesque setting of Rathfelder's Hotel, where the Marlow sisters are excitedly preparing for a getaway. Maria, or Mechie, is enthusiastic about the trip and shares her joy with the indifferent Charlotte, who appears more reluctant. We learn about their background, including the loss of their parents and the benevolent guardianship of the Rossiters. As they prepare for their journey, themes of familial bonds, personal character differences, and early frustrations of adolescence begin to unfold, setting the stage for the events that will transpire throughout their stay at Rathfelder's Hotel.