"Vagabondia" by Frances Hodgson Burnett explores themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of personal happiness within the constraints of society. The novel follows a young woman navigating the challenges of social expectations and financial hardship in her unconventional Bohemian family. The story portrays her spirited interactions with a lively group of companions, including a charming yet troubled fiancé, as they strive to find meaning and fulfillment in a world that often seems at odds with their values. At its core, Vagabondia is about the tension between societal norms and personal desires. The family is positioned against the more rigid upper class and the story critiques the conventional ideals of wealth and status. As the young woman prepares for an invitation to a formal event hosted by the upper class, her determination to navigate this world—while staying true to herself—becomes a central theme. The novel ultimately examines the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and the pursuit of authenticity in a society where the expectations of class and appearance often clash with personal aspirations.
Anglo-American novelist Frances Hodgson Burnett was born in Manchester, England on 24 November 1849. She started writing when she was young to help her family through difficult times. After her father passed away in 1854, Frances Hodgson's circumstances became progressively more difficult as she grew older. The family left Europe in 1865 and relocated in New Market, Tennessee, close to Knoxville, but the support promised by a maternal relative did not materialize. Hodgson was successful in getting a story accepted by Godey's Lady's Book in 1868. Within a few years, Godey's, Scribner's Monthly, Peterson's Ladies' Magazine, and Harper's all routinely published her work. After spending a year in England, she married Dr. Swan Moses Burnett of New Market in 1873. A number one bestseller in 1886, Little Lord Fauntleroy eventually enjoyed success as a play, immortalized her son's curls and velvet suits, and was adapted into a silent film. Her stories often feature rags-to-riches themes that mirror her own journey from disadvantaged beginnings to renowned novelist. She became a hot topic due to her extravagant Victorian style attire, divorce, extensive travels, literary network of friends, and their gatherings. She was generous in financing different organizations, particularly those involving children.