A Flat Iron for a Farthing; or, Some Passages in the Life of an only Son

In this gently nostalgic tale a young narrator looks back on a modest childhood in a bustling Victorian street, where even a flat iron could be bought for a farthing. He recalls the solemn moment of being introduced to his newborn sister, a brief flicker of joy that is swiftly shadowed by the loss of his mother. The story unfolds through the everyday rhythms of home life—Mrs. Bundle’s watchful presence, the clatter of market stalls, and the simple pleasures of a toy‑laden world.

Through these early recollections the narrative explores themes of grief, responsibility, and the quiet resilience that grows from loss. The flat iron, modest yet prized, becomes a small anchor for the boy’s imagination, hinting at the larger values of thrift and affection that shape his later years. Warmly illustrated and narrated with a gentle humor, the opening chapters invite listeners to share in a world where even the tiniest objects hold deep personal meaning.