Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the life and legacy of Harriet Parr (1828–1900), a prolific 19th-century English novelist who wrote under the pseudonym Holme Lee.

Despite being almost completely forgotten today, Parr was a highly successful Victorian author whose books sold exceptionally well and received rave reviews during her lifetime. Join us as we explore her fascinating journey from working as a governess to becoming a celebrated writer who published nearly one novel a year between 1854 and 1883.

We'll uncover her impressive connections in the world of Victorian literature, including how literary giant Charles Dickens purchased three of her stories for the Christmas numbers of his weekly magazines. We also discuss how her historical fiction and novels made her a massive hit with Charles Edward Mudie, the founder of Victorian London's largest lending library, who championed her work for its "depictions of shy maidens and their decent love problems".

Tune in to discover the extensive bibliography of this hidden gem among 19th-century English women writers, from her classic Victorian novels and Protestant hymns to her enchanting children's fairy tales and non-fiction essays. If you love uncovering forgotten authors and exploring the rich history of the Victorian era, you won't want to miss this deep dive into the life of Harriet Parr!