For Sarah Orne Jewett Fans

This is another gem by Sarah Orne Jewett, and, as this writer always does, she perfectly captures the flavor of the historic setting, as well as the age and social standing of her characters. The insight is lovely, gentle, and loving, the descriptions poignant and beautiful. While not in the class of her masterpiece, Country of the Painted Firs, it is still a must-read (or must hear) piece for all Jewett fans.
The narrator is a bit unfortunate. It isn't her fault, because she is clear and steady, but her voice is just that tad hard-edged, almost screechy--in places. I suppose I am spoiled by the outstanding narration in the other Jewett books available on Audible. This narrator reads like a "regular" person, not like a chosen narrator for what has become a professional genre. And there are distracting noises in the background, as if the recording has been transferred from tape. The narration isn't a problem, it just isn't an enhancement.
Further interest to this book is added by the recent interest in female friendships during the time period, Boston Marriages, and Jewett's own gender preferences. The first time I read the book, I was totally unaware of any of these issues, but since then have read enough for this added edge of speculation about what seems a perfectly innocent friendship between two young women. Again, this certainly does not intrude on the story, and is only brought to the book by the reader's background of historical information and speculation.

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