Eight Cousins Or the Aunt-Hill

Cousins or The Aunt-Hill was published in 1875 by American novelist Louisa May Alcott. It is the story of Rose Campbell a lonely and sickly girl who has been recently orphaned and must now reside with her maiden aunts the matriarchs of her wealthy Boston family. When Rose's guardian Uncle Alec returns from abroad he takes over her care. Through his unorthodox theories about child-rearing she becomes happier and healthier while finding her place in her family of seven boy cousins and numerous aunts and uncles. She also makes friends with Phebe her aunts' young housemaid whose cheerful attitude in the face of poverty helps Rose to understand and value her own good fortune. (Wikipedia)