"Surly Tim": A Lancashire Story

Name: "Surly Tim": A Lancashire Story
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett

By Frances Hodgson Burnett

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About This Book

A young factory manager becomes concerned about Tim Hibblethwaite, a quiet spinner shunned as surly by coworkers but observed to perform secret acts of kindness for poor children. Investigation and patient conversation reveal Tim's private sorrow: he cares for the grave of a little son and the child's mother, whose relationship with him the law does not recognize, leaving him socially ostracized and heartbroken. The story traces the manager's efforts to understand and defend Tim, portraying Lancashire mill life, the damage of social judgment, and the tension between outward reputation and hidden compassion.

About the Author

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Frances Hodgson Burnett was an English-American author best known for her children's novels, which often explore themes of resilience and transformation. Born in 1849, she gained fame with works such as "A Little Princess," which tells the story of a young girl who maintains her dignity and hope despite adversity. Burnett's writing is characterized by its rich character development and imaginative settings, appealing to both children and adults. In addition to her beloved children's literature, she wrote novels for adults, including "A Lady of Quality" and "Emily Fox-Seton." Her contributions to literature continue to resonate, making her a significant figure in both children's and women's literature.