A Dateless Bargain

Set against the backdrop of an affluent estate in Gloucestershire, the novel explores the lives of sisters Mab and Joyce, who prepare for their father's arrival. Their excitement turns to tragedy when they learn of his sudden death, thrusting them into a harsh reality that compels them to mature quickly. Pirkis delves into themes of family, class, and trauma, making this work a significant contribution to Victorian literature and a reflection on the women's rights movement. It invites critical reassessment of its overlooked author.