I finished reading The Vicar of Wakefield (1766) by Oliver Goldsmith. This novel is told from the point of view of Dr. Primrose, as he attempts to resolutely persevere through a number of personal and familial hardships in 18th century England.

The plot revolves around the vicar’s family and those they meet when they must move because of financial ruin. There is humor, melodrama, difficult to believe coincidences, honor, faith, and love! All in all, quite a story…and one can’t be certain if it feels more like a deft satire, a sentimental drama on the stage, or an episode of the Lone Ranger set in the Georgian countryside. Whatever the reader ultimately decides it is, I found there to be many thoughtful observations scattered throughout.

“…for is there upon earth a gem so precious as the human soul?”