Rhoda's education: or, Too much of a good thing.

"Rhoda's Education; or, Too Much of a Good Thing" by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Rhoda Bowers, who is an orphan adopted into a family that begins to show coldness and distance after the arrival of a new baby. As Rhoda navigates school and her relationships, she experiences the struggles of growing up, an education, and feelings of abandonment. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Rhoda, who is busy crafting clothing for her newborn brother, reflecting her caring nature and desire to contribute to her family. Through encounters with her mother and insights into her background—growing up in an orphanage—we learn about Rhoda's responsibilities and aspirations for education. The opening chapters illuminate her complex feelings about family dynamics, particularly as her parents' attention shifts to the new baby. As she prepares to visit her Aunt Hannah, we sense her yearning for knowledge and connection, setting the stage for the conflicts and challenges she will face regarding her identity and place within her adoptive family.