The Lamplighter

Description

The Lamplighter was among the most popular and well-received books when it was first published in the mid-19th century. Written by Maria Susanna Cummins, it is an outstanding example of how Christian values were viewed in that period, and a beautiful sentimental outline of the manner in which Divine Providence can help a young orphan girl grow up well and turn her life around through the compassion of strangers.

In the book, we are first introduced to Gertrude as an 8 year-old orphan girl who was mistreated, and finds refuge in meeting Trueman Flint, a lamplighter who rescues her from the hands of her abusive guardian. Life soon seems to change for the better for young Gerty, as she finds the hand of Providence working through the strangers she meets, and acquainting her with the trust, benevolence and kindness of Divine compassion.

The Lamplighter is written as a highly emotional novel, emphasizing not only the Christian values and beliefs presented in a detailed and quite beautiful fashion by the author, but also introducing ties and relationships between people that would normally not have much in common at all. Through thoughtful symbolism, a beautiful love story and a significant dose of seemingly coincidental events leading to joyful and favorable opportunities the girl can connect with, the novel offers a wholly satisfying and interesting reading experience.

The title of the book itself is considered by many to be a striking symbolic expression of the light of Providence that Gertrude had found in the lamplighter who helped her – a light that, as the Christian book would suggest, each of us can find in a world of darkness, as long as we simply open up to its benevolent rays.

Whether you enjoy religious novels, or you just want to read a lighthearted, beautiful story about how life can improve even under the most difficult of circumstances, The Lamplighter is undoubtedly a recommended read for you.
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