A. L. O. E. 
Harold’s Bride: A Tale 

A. L. O. E.’s ‘Harold’s Bride: A Tale’ is a gripping novel that delves into themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Set in the Victorian era, the book follows the story of Harold and his unwavering commitment to his bride amidst societal pressures and personal turmoil. A. L. O. E. employs a rich, descriptive prose that captivates readers and transports them to a bygone era filled with moral dilemmas and emotional depth. The novel’s exploration of complex characters and intricate relationships reflects the author’s keen understanding of human nature and the challenges faced in the pursuit of true love. As one of the early female writers in the 19th century, A. L. O. E.’s own experiences and observations likely inspired her to pen this poignant tale of love and sacrifice. ‘Harold’s Bride’ is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers, offering valuable lessons on the enduring power of love and devotion.

About the author

A. L. O. E., an acronym standing for ‘A Lady of England’, was the nom de plume of Charlotte Maria Tucker (1821-1893), a prolific British author and poet known for her instructive and allegorical children’s literature. Raised in a family of prominent English intellectuals and civil servants, Tucker took to writing at an early age, leveraging her literary talent to imbue Victorian ideals and Christian morals into her stories. Her ethos emphasized character and virtue, predominantly aimed at a young audience. One of her notable works, ‘Harold’s Bride: A Tale, ‘ typifies her narrative style, weaving together the threads of fiction and didacticism to engage and edify her readership. Beyond her writing, Tucker dedicated a significant part of her life to missionary work in India, where she continued to write and publish under her widely recognized pseudonym, A.L.O.E. Her voluminous contributions, comprising over 100 books, encompassed a variety of genres including school stories, adventure tales, and fables, which often featured allegorical themes reflective of her devout Anglican faith. Tucker’s literary style is characteristic of 19th-century didactic literature, with an emphasis on moral instruction through engaging storytelling—a hallmark of her writing that earned her a respected place among Victorian children’s authors (Sturrock, June. ‘Tucker, Charlotte Maria [A.L.O.E.] (1821–1893)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004).