Ouida

Ouida: The English Novelist with a Penchant for Extravagance

Ouida, the pseudonym of Maria Louise Ramé (1 January 1839 – 25 January 1908), was a prolific English novelist who captured the imagination of readers in the Victorian era. Here's a comprehensive look at her life and work:

Early Life and Influences:

• Born in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, to a French father and an English mother.
• Her childhood nickname, "Louise," transformed into "Ouida" due to her own pronunciation.
• Raised in a household with a strong connection to French culture, which might have influenced her later writing.

Literary Career:

• Began writing at a young age, publishing her first novel, Granville de Vigne (later renamed Held in Bondage) in 1863.
• Known for her extravagant and often melodramatic romances set against a backdrop of fashionable life.
• Achieved early success with novels like Strathmore (1865), Chandos (1866), and Under Two Flags (1867).
• Explored social issues and historical settings in some of her later works.
• Wrote children's stories, including the popular A Dog of Flanders (1872).
• Authored over 40 novels, short stories, essays, and children's books throughout her career.

Personal Life and Legacy:

• Lived a flamboyant lifestyle, entertaining literary figures of her time.
• Faced financial difficulties later in life due to extravagant spending and loss of copyrights.
• A champion of animal rights, known for owning many dogs throughout her life.
• While her popularity waned in the 20th century, there's renewed interest in her work, particularly for its historical context and exploration of social themes.

Additional Points:

• Ouida's relationship with her birthplace was complex. While she achieved literary success, she later criticized the town's conservatism.
• Her work challenged some societal norms, featuring strong female characters and social commentary alongside elements of melodrama.
• Modern readers might find her writing style melodramatic, but it captured the Victorian audience's imagination.