Mary Liddiard

In Short

Mary Liddiard is a 19th-century juvenile fiction novel by W.H.G. Kingston, set in the Pacific Islands. It follows Mary, the daughter of missionaries, as she navigates life among native tribes, faces dangers like tribal attacks and storms, and spreads Christian teachings. The story highlights themes of faith, resilience, and cultural exchange, offering a glimpse into missionary life and colonial-era attitudes toward indigenous peoples.

The Story

Mary Liddiard, the daughter of missionaries in the Pacific Islands, grows up amidst the challenges and rewards of spreading Christianity among native tribes. The story begins with Mary and her mother teaching native girls, including Lisele, the daughter of a chief, about Christianity. Mary's father, Mr. Liddiard, travels to another island to aid a sick missionary, leaving Mary, her younger sister Maud, and their mother under the protection of Nanari, a native missionary.

Tragedy strikes when Mary's mother falls ill and dies, leaving Mary and Maud motherless. Meanwhile, a volcanic eruption and a hurricane threaten the settlement. Mary sends a warning to a passing ship, which is later attacked by natives. She and her friends flee to the mountains, hiding in a cave while their village is burned. They are eventually rescued by Tofa, a native boy loyal to Lisele, and Charles Norton, a young Englishman who has repented of his past sins.

During their escape, they face a harrowing canoe journey through a storm, where Maud falls gravely ill. They are rescued by a whaling ship, and Mary is reunited with her father, who had believed them all dead. Mary and Maud are taken to another island, where they continue their missionary work. Mary marries Charles Norton, and together they return to her home island, where they witness the conversion of Chief Masaugu and the spread of Christianity.

The novel concludes with Mary's father's death and the establishment of a thriving Christian community, reflecting the resilience of faith and the transformative power of missionary work.

How It Unfolds

The missionary station: Mary and her family live on a Pacific island, where they run a school for native girls, teaching them Christianity and Western ways. Tribal tensions: Chief Masaugu, a local leader, is initially resistant to Christianity, but his daughter Lisele becomes a devoted convert, influencing others. Family separation: Mary's father leaves to aid a sick missionary on another island, leaving the family vulnerable to impending dangers. Natural disasters: A volcanic eruption and a hurricane devastate the island, forcing Mary and her friends to flee for their lives. Attack and escape: Hostile natives attack the settlement, and Mary, Maud, and their companions hide in a cave, later rescued by Tofa and Charles Norton. Storm at sea: During their escape by canoe, they face a violent storm, and Maud falls ill, leading to their rescue by a whaling ship. Reunion and recovery: Mary is reunited with her father, and they settle on another island, where Mary marries Charles and continues her missionary work. Return and triumph: Mary and her husband return to her home island, witnessing the conversion of Chief Masaugu and the growth of Christianity.

The People

Mary Liddiard: The protagonist, a brave and devout young woman who dedicates her life to missionary work. She faces loss and danger with resilience, guided by her faith. Maud: Mary's younger sister, who looks up to Mary and shares her faith. Maud's illness during their escape highlights her vulnerability. Mr. and Mrs. Liddiard: Mary's parents, dedicated missionaries who sacrifice much to spread Christianity. Mrs. Liddiard's death leaves a profound impact on Mary. Lisele: The daughter of a chief, she becomes a key convert and ally, using her influence to protect Mary and her friends. Charles Norton: A young Englishman who repents of his past sins and becomes a missionary. He marries Mary and supports her work. Nanari: A native missionary who protects Mary and her family, demonstrating the impact of local converts in spreading Christianity.

In Its Own Voice

"Yes, indeed, Lisele," said my mother. "Jehovah not only sees all you do, and hears all you say, but knows every thought which is passing through your mind, and if you think anything that is wrong, and utter even a careless word, He is grieved at it. He is so pure and holy that even the bright heavens are not clean in His sight; and were He to treat us as we deserve, when we indulged for a moment in an evil thought, or departed in the slightest degree from the truth, He might justly punish us; but He is merciful, kind, and long-suffering, and thus He allows sinners to continue in life, to give them an opportunity of repenting and turning to Him."

This passage illustrates Mrs. Liddiard's role as a teacher and her efforts to explain Christian concepts to Lisele, emphasizing God's omniscience and mercy.

"Those days I spent in solitude in the mountains have, indeed, been precious days to me, Miss Liddiard," he continued. "I felt like the prodigal son, who had returned to his father, and the bright gleam of His smile seemed to rest on me. My only regret was, that I had not His word to apply to, but many precious verses which I had learned as a child came back to me, and afforded me comfort and consolation, and then I could pray as I had never prayed before."

Charles Norton reflects on his spiritual awakening during their time in hiding, drawing parallels to the prodigal son and finding solace in scripture and prayer.

What It's Really About

At its core, Mary Liddiard explores the intersection of faith, cultural exchange, and personal resilience. The novel promotes the spread of Christianity as a civilizing force, often portraying indigenous cultures as "benighted" and in need of salvation. It highlights the challenges faced by missionaries, including natural disasters, tribal conflicts, and personal loss, while emphasizing the transformative power of faith. The story also touches on themes of repentance and redemption, as seen in Charles Norton's conversion. Ultimately, it reflects Victorian-era attitudes toward colonialism and religion, presenting missionary work as a noble and necessary endeavor.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in historical fiction, particularly stories of missionary life and colonial-era adventures, will find Mary Liddiard engaging. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of 19th-century Pacific Island life, though it reflects the biases of its time, including paternalistic views of indigenous peoples. The story's emphasis on faith and resilience can be inspiring, and its depiction of strong female characters like Mary and Lisele is noteworthy. However, modern readers should approach the book with an awareness of its historical context and the complexities of its themes. The excerpts reveal a narrative that is both earnest and didactic, making it a valuable window into the past rather than a contemporary tale.