Victorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘The Red Girl’s Reasoning’ by E Pauline Johnson & ‘The Epaulettes’ by Gilbert Parker

The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century.

Current Theme: Colonial Short Stories: Canada

Continuing our exploration of Victorian colonial short stories, from this autumn we will consider and discuss tales of and from Canada. These will cover portrayals of new settlers, indigenous first nations people, the landscape, and the flora and fauna.

‘The Red Girl’s Reasoning’ by E Pauline Johnson & ‘The Epaulettes’ by Gilbert Parker

A clash of cultures, and their associated ethics, combined with honour, pride and perceived needs for social status drives these stories.

Upon registration you will receive a link to an on-line copy of the text and, as it is a short story group, it will require no more than an evening’s preparation to read the required material.

Sessions take place monthly between October and June at a venue in Chiswick, London, W4 1TT, between 7 and 8.30 pm. At each session there is a brief introduction to the work, followed by a group discussion in a relaxed atmosphere, with wine and nibbles supplied.

Image: A map of Canada dated 1904

A short history of England (1904) (14777886795) – Category:1904 maps of Canada – Wikimedia Commons

Ticket Price: £6
Date: November 12th, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm– 8:30 pm
Venue: Priory Gardens, London W4 1TT - View on map
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