The Doctor's Family

The Doctor's Family is a novella by Mrs. Oliphant revolves around Dr. Edward Rider a compassionate and duty-bound doctor in the small town of Carlingford who finds himself in a complicated emotional and familial situation. The plot centers on Dr. Rider's relationship with his irresponsible brother Fred who returns from Australia with his family. Fred does little to support his family leaving the burden of care to his wife and especially his sister-in-law Nettie.Dr. Rider initially trying to help the family eventually falls in love with Nettie. Dr. Rider is torn between his romantic feelings for Nettie and his ongoing sense of responsibility toward his brother reflecting the theme of familial duty and the sacrifice it demands. The novella explores the emotional complexities of family life with particular attention to the roles of women in the Victorian era their expectations of selflessness and the difficult balance between personal desires and the demands of duty.