THE IVY: The novel that was severely criticized, especially for its "female style".

'THE IVY,' Fredrika Wilhelmina Carstens' remarkable novel, will transport you to the heart of 19th-century Finland. See the world through the eyes of two young girls as they navigate love, loss, and life in an upper-class family. 'THE IVY' is a buried classic waiting to be found, written with raw emotion and deep character insight reminiscent of Jane Austen. Dive into this moving investigation of women's lives and experiences during a moment of enormous change.""'THE IVY," a captivating epistolary novel written by Carstens in 1840, immerses readers in the emotional journey of a young woman who embarks on a voyage to Stockholm as a lady's companion. Within the pages, she eloquently recounts her encounters, disappointments, and moments of joy while residing in an affluent household. Inspired by the spirit of Jane Austen, this literary masterpiece was crafted to satiate the yearning for engaging narratives, providing a domestic counterpart to the popular literature of that era. Notably, "'THE IVY" holds the distinction of being the first Finnish novel, marking a significant milestone in the country's literary landscape.Epistolary Format: The novel is written in the form of letters, providing an intimate perspective into the protagonist's experiences and emotions.Focus on Women's Experiences: As the work of a noted advocate for women's rights, the novel offers a nuanced portrayal of women's lives in the 19th century.Historical Significance: 'THE IVY' is recognized as the first novel published in Finland, making it a landmark work in the country's literary history.Emotional Depth: The narrative is imbued with strong emotional elements, exploring themes of love, loss, and disappointment.Societal Context: The protagonist's role as a lady's companion in an upper-class family provides insights into the social and historical context of the era.Comparisons to Jane Austen: The novel's style and focus on the experiences of women have drawn comparisons to the works of Jane Austen.Criticism and Rediscovery: Initially criticized for its "female style" and sprawling language, the novel was largely forgotten before being rediscovered by feminist literary research in the late 20th The Ivy F.W. Carstens - noFirst 1840, Helsinki, Finland – original SwedishTRANSLATION all rights reserved by Fides Legals Publishing © 2023 - first edition