 |
|
 |
 |
 |
+ 100 Total Pages |
Read it on All Devices |
+ 1,000 Active Readers |
Book Description |
| “A Country Idyl, and Other Stories” by Sarah Knowles Bolton is a collection of short stories likely written in the late 19th century. The stories feature various characters navigating themes of love, loss, and societal expectations set against the backdrop of small-town life in New England. As the title suggests, the stories interweave rustic life with deeper emotional narratives, exploring human relationships and the choices individuals make. At the start of “A Country Idyl,” we are introduced to the quiet town of Nineveh, where the miller Crandall and his wife live a content life until they adopt their niece, Nellie. The narrative contrasts Nellie’s innocent affection for her childhood friend John Harding with her budding attention to a city youth, Byron Marshall, leading to a love triangle. John confesses his lifelong love for Nellie, setting the premise for heartache as she becomes entangled with the more worldly Byron, ultimately leading to complications that twist through themes of fidelity and societal acceptance. This opening portion establishes the characters’ relationships and foreshadows the emotional trials they will encounter in the pursuit of love and personal fulfillment. |
About Author |
| Sarah Knowles Bolton |
|
Sarah Knowles Bolton (1841–1916) was an American writer, biographer, and poet known for her inspirational works, particularly her biographies of notable figures. She focused on stories of perseverance, character, and achievement, aiming to educate and uplift readers. Bolton’s most famous works include Lives of Poor Boys Who Became Famous (1885) and Lives of Girls Who Became Famous (1886), which provided young readers with role models from history, literature, and politics. She wrote extensively about influential men and women, including reformers, scientists, and leaders, emphasizing moral and intellectual growth. As a journalist and advocate for women’s education and social reform, Bolton’s writing often reflected her belief in hard work, integrity, and self-improvement. Her works remain significant as early examples of inspirational biography, helping to shape the genre. |
