Margaret Oliphant’s "The Sorceress" is the third and final volume in her "Chronicles of Carlingford" series, focusing on the formidable and enigmatic Mrs. Hillyard. The novel is a sharp character study of a woman who wields power not through magic, but through intelligence, determination, and a profound understanding of human nature, making her a "sorceress" of social manipulation. The plot revolves around her efforts to secure a brilliant marriage for her daughter, Rose. Mrs. Hillyard, a widow of strong will and considerable intellect, has dedicated her life to her daughter’s advancement and is determined to see her marry the wealthy and promising young clergyman, Edward Rider. She maneuvers with subtlety and force, navigating the complex social waters of Carlingford to achieve her goal, often clashing with the young man’s family and other potential suitors. The narrative delves into the tensions between maternal ambition and a child’s own desires, as Rose is a gentle soul who may not share her mother’s fierce aspirations. Margaret Oliphant masterfully explores the limitations placed on Victorian women of talent, showing how Mrs. Hillyard’s only available sphere of power is within the domestic and social realm. The novel is a compelling portrait of a powerful, often intimidating woman, examining the sacrifices she has made and the moral compromises she is willing to undertake in the name of love and social ascendancy for her child.

Table of Contents:

• The Sorceress. Part 1

• The Sorceress. Part 2

• The Sorceress. Part 3

• The Sorceress. Part 4

• The Sorceress. Part 5

• The Sorceress. Part 6

• The Sorceress. Part 7

• The Sorceress. Part 8