Strangers and Wayfarers

Strangers and Wayfarers by Sarah Orne Jewetts is a collection of eleven short works of fiction that evoke sentiment and nostalgia. The stories explore the New England area, including themes of immigration, romance, family, and struggling towns. The edition features an eye-catching new cover design and a modern, readable font, making it accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences while preserving the original tranquility and beauty of Jewetts work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Sarah Orne Jewett's Strangers and Wayfarers is a collection of eleven short works of fiction that evoke sentiment and nostalgia. The opening story, "A Winter Courtship," depicts the budding relationship between a wagon driver, Jefferson Briley, and a passenger, Fanny Tobin. Despite their opposing personalities, Fanny and Jefferson enjoy each other's company as they transition from coy flirting to seriously considering if their unconventional pairing could function as a long-term relationship.

In "The Town Poor," two ladies ride together in a horse-drawn carriage and discuss the difficult winter that their hometown was just starting to overcome. While the inhabitants of this town struggled through the winter, few citizens were forced to overcome more obstacles than 19th-century immigrants. This is portrayed in "The Luck of the Bogans," which follows a beloved Irish family as they migrate to America.

Succeeding the theme of family, "Fair Day" depicts an elderly woman as she spends the day alone after her son and his family go to the local fair, leaving her time for reflection. Born and raised in South Berwick, Maine, author Sarah Orne Jewett knew the New England area intimately and translated her familiarity with the region to her masterful descriptive prose featured in each of her works of short fiction.

Through carriage rides, lonely days on the farm, and discussions of struggling towns, Strangers and Wayfarers by Sarah Orne Jewett allows readers to explore the countryside and oceanside of New England. With themes of immigration, romance, family, and nostalgia, Strangers and Wayfarers continues to address relevant sentimentality in modern society, despite its original publication in 1890.

This edition of Strangers and Wayfarers includes a new preface by author and scholar Susan L. Smith, which provides insight into the historical context and significance of the collection. Additionally, the book features an appendix that includes biographical information about Sarah Orne Jewett and an essay on her literary style and influence.

Overall, Strangers and Wayfarers is a timeless and beloved collection of short fiction that offers readers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of 19th-century New England. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a captivating and evocative read, this edition is sure to delight and inspire.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135212