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Her First Appearance
With illustrations by C. D. Gibson and E. M. Ashe. This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1901 edition by Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York; London.
68 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
About the author
Richard Harding Davis
439 books30 followersRichard Harding Davis (1864–1916) was a journalist and writer of fiction and drama, known foremost as the first American war correspondent to cover the Spanish-American War, the Second Boer War, and the First World War. His writing greatly assisted the political career of Theodore Roosevelt and he also played a major role in the evolution of the American magazine. His influence extended to the world of fashion and he is credited with making the clean-shaven look popular among men at the turn of the 20th century.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 19, 2023
**Featured on the historic fiction podcast The Gibson Girl Review! Listen as my cohost Amy Drown and I discuss this novel at gibsongirlreview.com/season-1-episode-4**
4 stars. What an unusual novella! A young man discovers a little child performing on the stage and decides to save her from the dangerous lifestyle she is destined for. What lengths will he go to?
I loved Van Bibber. He was such a nice fellow. And the child was absolutely adorable with him. They melted my heart from the start. ;) Mr. C. wasn’t my fav at all, and neither was anyone else, but I suppose that was to be expected. There isn’t much that can be said about the plot without giving major spoilers, but I enjoyed the storyline, even if the ending was a little disappointing. What most interested me was the portrayal of 1800s stage life. The comments on the child’s mother and how her lifestyle and character would crop up in the girl, making her go astray in the same way; the condemnation, although not unkind, of the actors and actresses and stage life; the anxiety of Van B. and the condemned callousness of Mr. C. about the unhealthy and immoral life the girl would have… it was all very contemporary to the author’s era and thought provoking in history and humanity points of view.
Overall, it was a heartwarming, interesting little novella and I mean to read it again.
Content: language; divorce; hinted adultery
*Quotes to come upon reread*
4 stars. What an unusual novella! A young man discovers a little child performing on the stage and decides to save her from the dangerous lifestyle she is destined for. What lengths will he go to?
I loved Van Bibber. He was such a nice fellow. And the child was absolutely adorable with him. They melted my heart from the start. ;) Mr. C. wasn’t my fav at all, and neither was anyone else, but I suppose that was to be expected. There isn’t much that can be said about the plot without giving major spoilers, but I enjoyed the storyline, even if the ending was a little disappointing. What most interested me was the portrayal of 1800s stage life. The comments on the child’s mother and how her lifestyle and character would crop up in the girl, making her go astray in the same way; the condemnation, although not unkind, of the actors and actresses and stage life; the anxiety of Van B. and the condemned callousness of Mr. C. about the unhealthy and immoral life the girl would have… it was all very contemporary to the author’s era and thought provoking in history and humanity points of view.
Overall, it was a heartwarming, interesting little novella and I mean to read it again.
Content: language; divorce; hinted adultery
*Quotes to come upon reread*
July 4, 2018
What a charming tale. Could easily be a one act with two characters. A timeless tale of love and loss and love. Read an original copy I do believe, so was not this printing.
June 3, 2023
Very sweet novella recommended by the Gibson Girl Review podcast.
May 20, 2023
FEATURED on The Gibson Girl Review Historic Fiction Podcast! Listen at gibsongirlreview.com/season-1-episode-4
Wow. Just.... wow. This little short story really blew me away. Not only was it surprising, intriguing, heartwarming, and convicting, but man.... Dick Davis can WRITE!!!! His style is both beautifully archaic and unflinchingly modern—how does he do that?? He is a master at dropping his reader right into the action, carrying you through an unpredictable tale with a satisfying conclusion, only to kick you right out again and leave you dying to know more. And this little short story about a child actress is no exception. I think I have found a new literary hero! <3
Wow. Just.... wow. This little short story really blew me away. Not only was it surprising, intriguing, heartwarming, and convicting, but man.... Dick Davis can WRITE!!!! His style is both beautifully archaic and unflinchingly modern—how does he do that?? He is a master at dropping his reader right into the action, carrying you through an unpredictable tale with a satisfying conclusion, only to kick you right out again and leave you dying to know more. And this little short story about a child actress is no exception. I think I have found a new literary hero! <3
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews