"The Carter Girls" by Nell Speed is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the lives of the Carter family, particularly focusing on the struggles and dynamics among the five sisters as they navigate personal challenges, family illness, and unexpected changes in their lifestyle. The opening of the story introduces us to the Carter family, who are grappling with the serious health issues of their father, Robert Carter. The eldest daughter, Douglas, leads the conversation among her siblings as they learn from Dr. Wright, a new physician, that their father's condition necessitates a sea trip for recovery. This revelation sets off a chain of events, including the sisters’ reflections on their responsibilities at home while their parents are away. The opening showcases their varied personalities, hints at some family tension regarding financial matters, and sets the stage for a transformative summer that will challenge their notions of comfort and self-sufficiency. (This is an automatically generated summary.)