Eric, or Little by Little

A fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Eric Williams, who navigates the challenges of growing up at a boarding school on the Isle of Man. As he is exposed to various temptations and forms of misbehavior, the narrative aims to impart lessons of morality, inner purity, and the importance of seeking divine guidance amidst personal struggles. The opening of the book introduces Eric as an exuberant twelve-year-old eagerly anticipating his first experiences at school while grappling with the weight of familial love and expectations. His playful spirit and innocence contrast sharply with the foreshadowing of challenges he will face as he interacts with peers and authority figures. Eric's tender relationship with his cousin Fanny and his loving, protective home environment emphasize his inherent goodness, yet hint at the moral trials he is set to encounter, showcasing the complexities of adolescence and the critical choices that will shape his character moving forward.