Brotherly House

by Grace S. Richmond

At Christmas, Stephen Kingsley, an old bachelor, decides to make one last attempt to reunite his feuding brothers and sisters

Genres: Christmas

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1912

About the author

Grace Louise Smith Richmond (1866–1959), American romance novelist created the Dr. R.P. Burns series.

Her first short stories were published in various women's magazines including the Women's Home Companion, Ladies' Home Journal, and Everybody's Magazine as early as 1898. Richmond wrote 27 novels between 1905 and 1936. Red Pepper Burns was published in 1910. Like most of her strong-willed yet compassionate characters, R.P. Burns is a kind, old-souled country doctor who makes house calls. His fiery red hair and temper to match earned him his nickname Red Pepper, though he is still a charming and endearing gentleman. Mrs. Red Pepper (1913), Red Pepper's Patients (1917), and Red of the Redfields (1924) followed.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short story of an aging older brother who longs to see his younger siblings for Christmas, and more than that longs to see the feuding pairs of them restored to harmony. This Christmas gathering could be explosive, or it could be the best one they have ever had.

Highly recommended. Squeaky clean for all ages.

[Juergen John Roscher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found an older book with several classic Christmas stories that included “Brotherly House” by Grace S. Richmond. The story’s theme of Christmas as a time to put aside family squabbles was of interest to me, so I decided to read this short Christmas story.

This short Christmas story is about an elderly brother, who invites the whole family for Christmas despite the animosities among brothers and other family members. The story starts with an elderly invalid brother wanting to have one last Christmas with all his family but is concerned that with ill feelings among brothers and their families that some will not come. Invitations are sent and to everyone’s surprise all the brothers and their family show up for Christmas at the elderly brother’s home but are not affable and friendly to each other. Then the young son of one of the brother has a serious accident causing all to forget their petty squabbles and to unite as a family. The story ends with a Christmas feast where past differences are resolved and an elderly brother is deeply pleased with the return of family goodwill.

I learned from this short Christmas story that too often inconsequential family quarrels are resolved and forgotten when one of the family has serious difficulties. This story is unfortunately true to life. After reading this story I have made a commitment to be kinder and more caring towards my family, so that I can enjoy my family and forget about all of the small petty disagreements that don’t really matter.

I found one of the characters Jim Dent to be a great example of what everyone should resolve to be like. He was an important catalyst in resolving many of the family’s issues through his love, friendship, and inspiration. He made people happy and better when he was around them. He is a great example of how one good person can influence many others for the positive. I believe that we all need to have good examples in our lives, whether real or in literature that we can learn from and strive to be like.

I recommend this short story to those who enjoy a good Christmas story with a strong moral lesson of resolving the differences that arise in a family and strengthening family bonds.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet little story with a happy ending and a good message. If family quarrels aren't worth holding onto in the face of real trouble, they shouldn't be worth holding onto at all. It was sad that it took this kind of a wake-up call to get the family straightened out, but I'm glad things were finally resolved.

Jim was my absolute favorite, as he was everyone else's. ;) Loved the image of him being pounced on and dragged away by the children--so easy to imagine! :D

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who can quarrel about a story like this? Many of us have observed or been a part of long standing family feuds. Such feuds can make gatherings toxic, or impossible. But, when someone takes a chance, and then fate ( or a bevy of obstreperous children) intervenes, who knows what can happen! We don't clearly know what the source of the rift is, and we don't find out until the very end why the book is called " Brotherly House". This is an excellent Christmas story set in an old New England family home. The detail, characterization, and setting, all blend together to form a charming and thoughtful short story. The scroll decoration surrounding each page of text in my 1912 copy adds to the enjoyment.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good book, but a little weird too. Kissing cousins. I know it was written in the early 1900's. but still.