"I Say No" by Wilkie Collins

"I Say No" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written during the late 19th century. Set in a boarding school for young ladies, the story revolves around the dynamics of schoolgirl friendships and rivalries, particularly focusing on a new student named Francine de Sor, and her interactions with the other girls, including the spirited Emily Brown. The book engages with themes of social class, education, and the complexities of youth. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the setting of Miss Ladd's school, establishing an atmosphere of quietude interrupted by the nighttime antics of the students. As the midnight hour strikes, we witness a clandestine gathering in the girls' dormitory, where the students plan a smuggled supper. Through witty dialogues and varied personalities, we are introduced to the central figures: Emily, who asserts her leadership, and Francine, the insecure newcomer from the West Indies. The tension between their characters surfaces as they navigate misunderstandings and form tentative connections. Emily’s warmth contrasts with Francine’s defensiveness, setting the stage for further exploration of their relationship as the narrative unfolds. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Collins, Wilkie, 1824-1889
Title "I Say No"
Credits Produced by James Rusk and David Widger
Reading Level Reading ease score: 83.9 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
Subject Mystery fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 1629
Release Date
Last Update Mar 16, 2025
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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