Contrary Mary By: Temple Bailey (-1953)
Contrary Mary by Temple Bailey is a heartwarming story that transports readers to a world of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Set in the quaint town of Shiloh, this novel takes us on a journey through the life of the protagonist, Mary Ware. At first glance, Mary might seem like a difficult and stubborn woman, hence the nickname "Contrary Mary." However, as we delve deeper into her story, we begin to understand the reasons behind her demeanor. Bailey masterfully portrays Mary's transformation from a woman consumed by bitterness, to one who finds solace in love and forgiveness. One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the author's ability to create a vivid and charming setting. Shiloh and its residents are depicted in such a way that readers can almost feel the warm embrace of community that envelopes them. The small-town atmosphere is beautifully captured, serving as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding tale. Bailey's characterization is another highlight of this book. Mary, despite her initial obstinacy, is an incredibly relatable character. Her struggles and flaws make her all the more human, and her growth throughout the narrative is both believable and inspiring. Supporting characters, such as Mary's childhood friend David, add depth and complexity to the story, and their interactions enhance the novel's emotional impact. Themes of forgiveness and second chances are prevalent throughout the book, and Bailey explores these with grace and authenticity. As Mary confronts her past and battles her demons, readers cannot help but reflect on their own experiences and the power of forgiveness in their lives. While Contrary Mary is a love story at its core, it is much more than that. It is a tale of self-discovery and redemption, wrapped in a tapestry of beautiful prose and unforgettable characters. Through her compelling narrative and evocative descriptions, Bailey pulls the reader in from the very first page and keeps them captivated until the satisfying conclusion. All in all, Contrary Mary is a compelling and heartwarming novel that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Temple Bailey's eloquent storytelling and relatable characters make for a truly memorable reading experience. This book is a testament to the power of forgiveness, reminding us that it is never too late to find redemption and rebuild our lives. First Page: CONTRARY MARY by TEMPLE BAILEY Author of Glory of Youth Illustrations by Charles S. Corson [Frontispiece: She flashed a quick glance at him.] New York Grosset & Dunlap Publishers Copyright 1914 by The Penn Publishing Company First printing, December, 1914 Second printing, February, 1915 Third printing, March, 1915 Fourth printing, March, 1915 Fifth printing, April, 1915 Sixth printing, July, 1915 Seventh printing, November, 1915 To My Sister Contents CHAPTER I In Which Silken Ladies Ascend One Stairway, and a Lonely Wayfarer Ascends Another and Comes Face to Face with Old Friends. CHAPTER II In Which Rose Leaves and Old Slippers Speed a Happy Pair; and in Which Sweet and Twenty Speaks a New and Modern Language, and Gives a Reason for Renting a Gentleman's Library. CHAPTER III In Which a Lonely Wayfarer Becomes Monarch of All He Surveys; and in Which One Who Might Have Been Presented as the Hero of this Tale is Forced, Through No Fault of His Own, to Take His Chances with the Rest. CHAPTER IV In Which a Little Bronze Boy Grins in the Dark; and in Which Mary Forgets that There is Any One Else in the House. CHAPTER V In Which Roger Remembers a Face and Delilah Remembers a Voice; and in Which a Poem and a Pussy Cat Play an Important Part... Continue reading book >>

Contrary Mary By: Temple Bailey (-1953)

Contrary Mary by Temple Bailey is a heartwarming story that transports readers to a world of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Set in the quaint town of Shiloh, this novel takes us on a journey through the life of the protagonist, Mary Ware.

At first glance, Mary might seem like a difficult and stubborn woman, hence the nickname "Contrary Mary." However, as we delve deeper into her story, we begin to understand the reasons behind her demeanor. Bailey masterfully portrays Mary's transformation from a woman consumed by bitterness, to one who finds solace in love and forgiveness.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the author's ability to create a vivid and charming setting. Shiloh and its residents are depicted in such a way that readers can almost feel the warm embrace of community that envelopes them. The small-town atmosphere is beautifully captured, serving as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding tale.

Bailey's characterization is another highlight of this book. Mary, despite her initial obstinacy, is an incredibly relatable character. Her struggles and flaws make her all the more human, and her growth throughout the narrative is both believable and inspiring. Supporting characters, such as Mary's childhood friend David, add depth and complexity to the story, and their interactions enhance the novel's emotional impact.

Themes of forgiveness and second chances are prevalent throughout the book, and Bailey explores these with grace and authenticity. As Mary confronts her past and battles her demons, readers cannot help but reflect on their own experiences and the power of forgiveness in their lives.

While Contrary Mary is a love story at its core, it is much more than that. It is a tale of self-discovery and redemption, wrapped in a tapestry of beautiful prose and unforgettable characters. Through her compelling narrative and evocative descriptions, Bailey pulls the reader in from the very first page and keeps them captivated until the satisfying conclusion.

All in all, Contrary Mary is a compelling and heartwarming novel that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Temple Bailey's eloquent storytelling and relatable characters make for a truly memorable reading experience. This book is a testament to the power of forgiveness, reminding us that it is never too late to find redemption and rebuild our lives.

First Page:

CONTRARY MARY

TEMPLE BAILEY

Author of Glory of Youth

Illustrations by Charles S. Corson

[Frontispiece: She flashed a quick glance at him.]

New York Grosset & Dunlap Publishers Copyright 1914 by The Penn Publishing Company First printing, December, 1914 Second printing, February, 1915 Third printing, March, 1915 Fourth printing, March, 1915 Fifth printing, April, 1915 Sixth printing, July, 1915 Seventh printing, November, 1915

To My Sister

Contents

CHAPTER I

In Which Silken Ladies Ascend One Stairway, and a Lonely Wayfarer Ascends Another and Comes Face to Face with Old Friends.

CHAPTER II

In Which Rose Leaves and Old Slippers Speed a Happy Pair; and in Which Sweet and Twenty Speaks a New and Modern Language, and Gives a Reason for Renting a Gentleman's Library.

CHAPTER III

In Which a Lonely Wayfarer Becomes Monarch of All He Surveys; and in Which One Who Might Have Been Presented as the Hero of this Tale is Forced, Through No Fault of His Own, to Take His Chances with the Rest.

CHAPTER IV

In Which a Little Bronze Boy Grins in the Dark; and in Which Mary Forgets that There is Any One Else in the House.

CHAPTER V

In Which Roger Remembers a Face and Delilah Remembers a Voice; and in Which a Poem and a Pussy Cat Play an Important Part... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Temple Bailey
Wikipedia – Contrary Mary

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