The Getting of Wisdom

An Apple Books Classic edition.


Writing as Henry Handel Richardson, Ethel Richardson drew on her personal experience to tell the story of her fictional heroine, Laura Rambotham. At age 12, Laura’s mother sends her intelligent, high-spirited daughter to boarding school, even though she can barely afford it with the money she makes doing embroidery. Most of Laura’s classmates come from wealthy backgrounds and look down on her, but that’s not the only issue: Laura’s creativity is at odds with the school’s narrow-mindedness and focus on developing genteel ladies. Her mettle is tested as she navigates her way through a confusing and sophisticated world.


Initially published in 1910, The Getting of Wisdom is a timeless story of class conflict and the loss of innocence. The novel was adapted into a 1977 movie by Australian director Bruce Beresford.