The Seven Darlings

"The Seven Darlings" by Gouverneur Morris is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Darling family, primarily focusing on six sisters and their brother Arthur as they confront the unexpected loss of their wealth and the responsibilities that come with it. They must navigate their new circumstances while considering the future of their familial home, a lavish camp in the Adirondacks known as "The Camp." At the start of the novel, following their father’s recent death, the Darling siblings gather to learn from Mr. Gilpin, their family lawyer, that they are now quite poor, a stark contrast to their previous wealth. Each character showcases unique traits—Mary emerges as the determined leader, while Arthur is seen as the gentle observer with a passion for photography, and their triplet sisters display their youthful charm. The siblings discuss how to keep their beloved camp and decide to turn it into a lucrative inn, resulting in humorous yet poignant banter filled with familial affection and camaraderie. As they strategize and adapt to their new reality, the narrative introduces themes of resilience, identity, and the strength of family ties.