Probable Sons

by Amy Le Feuvre

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is illustrated several times in this allegorical children’s story. Little Milly’s innocent understanding of the Bible became the simple wisdom that was needed by the adults around her. The “Probable Son” as she calls it, is the substance of her hopes and her prayers throughout the story. “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."—John 10:15.

Genres: Fiction, Classics, Christian, Christian Fiction, Childrens, Historical Fiction

102 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1895

About the author

Amelia Sophia Le Feuvre (1861-1929) was born in Blackheath, London, England in 1861.

She grew up in a large family which employed a governess for the children's education. Her father worked as a Surveyor at H. M. Customs. Her grandfather, James Mainguy, was a reverend in Guernsey.

She dedicated her life to writing and wrote many books and stories that are filled with Biblical principles and her popularity began in the 1890s and continued for over three decades. She also wrote for magazines like 'Sunday at Home' and 'The Quiver'. Her writing was typical of the new approach of the evangelical writers to the young reader and, like many of the writers of the period she was particularly fond of the "quaint" child, "old fashioned" with delicate health, a type modelled on Paul Dombey. She also wrote of family life, specialising in the outwardly naughty child, the odd one out, whose motives are consistently misunderstood by the adults.

Her publishers included Revell in Chicago, Dodd Mead in New York, the Religious Tract Society in London, and Hodder and Stoughton in London and latterly the Lutterworth Press kept her works in print.

She died at Exeter, Devon, on 29 April 1929 after 68 fruitful years.

Her first book, 'Eric's Good News', was published in 1894 and her last, 'A Strange Courtship' was published posthumously in 1931. She wrote more than 65 books in her career, including at least one, 'Laddie's Choice' (1912), using the pseudonym Mary Thurston Dodge.

Note: Her exact date of birth is not known, she was born in the first quarter of 1861 so the date of 1 March has been used for convenience.

Reviews

[Janelle]

This was a sweet story, very typical of its time, with an innocent charming orphan thawing the heart of her grouchy guardian. The theme of the prodigal son however gave it an evangelistic emphasis. The prodigal son is one of my favourite Bible stories, and I thought it was neatly incorporated into the book.
Despite being a classic, this story is still readable for modern kids, especially those who enjoy historical or Christian fiction.
I listened to the Librivox audiobook which was very ably read. Much appreciated.

[Sarah Grace Grzy]

This book was beyond adorable! The title says it all! Sweet Millie tries to convince her uncle, Edward Wentworth that he is a "probable (prodigal) son", in a way only a little child can! So so sweet! An awesome read aloud, great for any ages.

[Chloe W]

Loved this little book! Milly's sweet, child-like faith was beautiful to see. The plot was very simple but the earnestness that Milly expressed about everything made the stoy simply delightful. Marvelous book!

[Elaine]

I read the Lamplighter edition of this book. Like all Lamplighter books, the story is a little far-fetched, but it is a good story none the less. The story is about a young girl who goes to live with a bachelor uncle after the death of her mother. The young niece's favorite story from the Bible is the story of the "probable" son (aka. prodigal, but she can't pronounce that word). It seems the uncle is a prodigal son himself, so the story is about how the young niece influences her uncle for good and for God. Her interactions with others around her was encouraging to me. I loved seeing how her simple faith impacted others. There is nothing objectionable in this book for children, although it would go over the head of most younger children. I'd recommend for ages 10 and up, simply for understanding.

[Mikayla]

>>2020 I honestly like this way more then the first time I read it. Yes, Millie is a bit too perfect. Yes, she happens to be more religious then any kid I've ever met, but I still like her. This was a sweet story, and while it's not my favorite, I appreciated the themes.

2016>> This book was disappointing. I was very glad it was short. I appreciated the moral the author was trying to put into the story but it was so sappy. Uncle Edward is, I thought, overly stiff. And Millie never does anything truly wrong, is always repentant and always cares about everything. I thought Millie was way overly perfect. I know there are really nice kids out there, but all kids have their bad days.
I wished Millie had been more relatable, it would have made the story so much sweeter.
Overall, I think I will just stick to Amy Le Feuvre's Teddys Button. It was my personal favorite of her books.

[Hannah]

After reading another book tonight, with a disappointing ending, I wanted something short and pleasant. I've been meaning to read this for years, but waited until I could get an unabridged copy (one not rewritten by Lamplighter!) I read it in just half an hour, but it was wonderful! I highly recommend it.
This is the third Amy le Feuvre book I've read, and so far she never disappoints. There are always wonderful Christian values and endearing children and happy endings. What more could improve them?

[Mrs K R Salter]

A sweet and wholesome read.

This book is a sweet wholesome read about a sweet little girl who comes to live with her uncle. It is based around the bible story of 'the probable son'. I would recommend this book to young children, though I still find it an enjoyable read myself.

[Massimo Gioffre]

A pleasant read, but nothing more.

[Melanie Robinson]

Second reading of this and my kids love it!

[Monica]

quaint :)

[Zielle]

Such a sweet book, loved by my family and me! I love Amy Le Feuvre's books!

[Kaitlyn Rinehart]

I enjoyed this book a lot! It reminded me to pray for good fruit in the Christian life.

[Elizabeth Miller]

I've been reading the Lamplighter editions of many classic books to my children. We have enjoyed all of them thus far.

The Probably Sons is a heart-warming book about an uncle and orphaned niece. The faith and trust of a young child, her imagination, and her heartfelt concern for others is refreshing. A great read for the entire family.

[Beth]

Very sweet story of a little orphan girl who goes to live with her confirmed bachelor uncle. Slowly over what seems to be many months the little girls love and conversations about the Lord draws the uncle (a prodigal son of God - or probable son as she said when she first came) back to Him.

[Isabelle (SimplyLovedBooks=etsy)]

This was such a sweet read and I will definitely be reading this again. This is definitely the kind of book that I will buy so that I can read it with my future kids one day. I also really loved the vocabulary notes at the bottom of each page! 😍 So great!

[Katy Lovejoy]

I'm bored today but that's not a bad book to pass the time with

[Anete Ābola]

Moving little book for children and adults alike about faith.

[Ioannidesz Evjeniosz]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rachel Sheppard]

Sweet story!

[Karissa]

What a sweet story! This was another convicting story about evangelism and coming home to your Father through a sweet influence. Beautifully written

[Julia]

We fell in love with Milly, and we love Amy Le Feuvre books. We may never have known of them had it not been for Lamplighter Theatre!

[Nonresistant C. Really]

This book is probably one of my all time favorites. It brings me to tears every time I read it.

[Loretta F. Miller]

A sweet story of the impact of a child.

[Rachel]

Read this aloud to my younger sisters.