Customer Reviews

St. Elmo

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This classic Victorian novel popular in its time is a fine example of descriptive writing at its best. It will entertain as well as educate the most prolific of readers with references to world-wide geographic locations, foreign phraseology, and descriptive paragraphs that are refreshing different to 21st century reading. A tale of romance and intrigue woven with Christian morality will delight the reader into imagining themselves present in an era now passed. I can see why it was a favorite of my grandmother and will remain a favorite with me.

Although the book chronicles the life of Edna Earl from childhood into adult life, it was titled, 'St. Elmo.' Edna Earl maintained a very high sense of morality, and strongly valued her belief system and her integrity. It was this sense of morality, expressed through her confident personality, that resulted in the eventual 'spiritual reawakening' of St. Elmo Murray. St. Elmo was truly 'born again' as a man and as a spiritual being. His turnaround from an angry, misanthropic individual into an enlightened individual was remarkable. It was Edna Earl who triggered this awakening in him. Therefore, naming the book 'St. Elmo' was a testament his receiving of grace. Agusta Jane Evans was an outstanding writer, as good as any whose books I have ever read.

The Story was written over 100 years ago, and is about an orphan girl and her development into a woman. The first few chapters are hard to get through, but you'll be hooked by Chapt. 4. The author frequently refers to other literary works by Dante, Schiller, the Bible, etc., which you may or may not have already read, but the story-line is captivating and unpredictable. It was hard to put it down. I thoroughly loved it, and highly recommend it to others. When you walk away from it, you'll still have a lot to think over.

St. Elmo is a wonderful, thought-provoking book which will leave you encouraged and inspired. The heroine is a wonderful model for all young women, and the intelligence of the author, with her continuous allusions to other books and situations, will also leave you inspired and desirous to seek knowledge and wisdom. All in all, this book serves a challenge for the mind, and an inspiration for the soul. I would highly recommend it.

I have read this book threetimes. The first was when I was a teenager no more than l4 years. I read it again soon after I was married at twehty three. The first two times were borrowed books - I then found it still in print so I finally bought my own copy. I treasure it and probably will read it again for the fourth time. It is the greatest book I have ever owned not counting the Bible.

When I picked up this book I had no idea o f what I was getting into, after the first few chapters I couldnt put it down and stayed up all night to read it. I didnt even know who wrote it until tonight. I would recommond this book to anyone.

The copy of this book that I found at an antique shop looks exactly like this, but with a blue backing instead of the red. Written in 1866, it is interesting to read a novel coming out of the civil war period. The title page says it was entered by an act of congress in 1896. At the back of the book is an ad for Underwood typewriters which says they won first prize at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904, which would mean that my volume was printed 1904 or after.

The romantic story follows the adventures of Edna Earl whose parents have died and finds herself on her own when her grandfather also passes. She decides to get on a train and head for work in a factory, when there is a train derailment, causing her a serious leg injury. She's taken in by a wealthy widow, Mrs. Murray. Seeing Edna's great thirst for knowledge, she sets up her education with Mr. Manning, who also was the town's preacher back in the day. After numerous travels, St. Elmo Murray enters, a bitter disillusioned wealthy man who has thoroughly debauched himself. His stern pessimistic manner makes most fear him. As the novel progresses, Edna develops into an accomplished writer whose books are quite popular.

The novel may seem a bit melodramatic by today's standards. Edna is so so good! She is so moral and Christian that she can't forgive the man she loves for his transgressions; so chooses to live independently, turning down a line of potential suitors. A product of its times perhaps, Edna eschews women's right to vote, preferring to see them excel in the home. This may be a bit too retrograde for today's woman, but was interesting to me in the context of its time. The story is nevertheless compelling. Edna teaches a young boy named Felix. Their relationship is very tenderly described. Augusta J. Evans or Augusta Evans Wilson went on to write eight novels, of which I believe St. Elmo is the first. Since Edna is a student, I found frequent stretches in my vocabulary and references to people or incidents that are outside my frame of reference. However old fashioned, it was a pleasure to tune in to this vintage fiction. Enjoy!

I found St. Elmo at my grandmothers house last year and decided to read it since I live in Columbus, GA around the area where it is set. I couldn't put it down. I've just finished reading it a second time and it is more wonderful the second time around.

Deep reading with good Christian standards. I loved all the references and quotes from famous authors and philosophers. It's all about a real-life hero who has real-life problems to conquer. Definately recommended!

One of the best books I've ever read. This is no light read, it will sharpen the mind and challenge your knowledge of the classical education. Her characters are very well developed.

If you loved Jane Eyre you'll love this.