Friendship Village By: Zona Gale (1874-1938)
Friendship Village by Zona Gale is a heartwarming and inspiring novel that beautifully captures the essence of community and the power of friendship. Set in a small rural town called Friendship Village, the story revolves around a group of neighbors who come together to support each other through life's ups and downs. One of the strengths of this book lies in its characterization. The author creates a vivid and diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality and story. From the resilient and compassionate widow, Rebecca, to the humorous and kind-hearted postman, Elick, each character feels genuine and relatable. They are flawed, yet lovable, and the authentic portrayal of their relationships and interactions make them truly come alive. The theme of friendship is prominently explored throughout the book. The bonds that form between the residents of Friendship Village are portrayed with depth and sincerity, reminding us of the profound impact that genuine connections can have on our lives. Gale demonstrates the power of friendship in both ordinary day-to-day situations as well as during challenging times, as the characters navigate through the joys and sorrows of life together. Setting also plays a significant role in this novel. The small-town atmosphere of Friendship Village is vividly described, making it feel like a character in itself. Gale beautifully captures the charm and simplicity of rural life, highlighting the importance of community and the shared values that hold people together. The setting adds an enchanting backdrop to the story and serves as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in simplicity and human connection. Furthermore, the writing style is elegant and immersive. Gale's prose is rich and evocative, painting picturesque scenes and dialogues that transport the reader into the heart of Friendship Village. The pacing of the narrative is well-balanced, allowing for moments of reflection and introspection, as well as moments of excitement and anticipation. However, the book does have a tendency to meander at times, with occasional subplots that could have been further developed or explored. While these diversions add depth to the story, they may also distract readers who prefer a more tightly focused plot. Overall, Friendship Village is a delightful novel that celebrates the power of friendship and community. Zona Gale's passionate storytelling and memorable characters create a warm and inviting world that readers will not soon forget. It is a tale that reminds us of the universal need for connection and the transformative impact of human kindness. First Page: FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE BY ZONA GALE AUTHOR OF "THE LOVES OF PELLEAS AND ETTARRE" NEW YORK THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 1908 All rights reserved Copyright, 1908, By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. Set up and electrotyped. Published October, 1908. Norwood Press J. S. Cushing Co. Berwick & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. To EDITH, HARRIET, AND MUSA AND THE TWO FOR WHOM IT COMES TOO LATE GEORGIA AND HELEN THIS BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED AUTHOR'S NOTE Friendship Village is not known to me, nor are any of its people, save in the comradeship which I offer here. But I commend for occupancy a sweeter place. For us here the long Caledonia hills, the four rhythmic spans of the bridge, the nearer river, the island where the first birds build these teach our windows the quiet and the opportunity of the "home town," among the "home people." To those who have such a bond to cherish I commend the little real home towns, their kindly, brooding companionship, their doors to an efficiency as intimate as that of fairy fingers. If there were shrines to these things, we would seek them. The urgency is to recognize shrines. Portage, Wisconsin, September, 1908. Certain of the following chapters have appeared in The Outlook, The Broadway Magazine, The Delineator, Everybody's, and Harper's Monthly Magazine ... Continue reading book >>

Friendship Village By: Zona Gale (1874-1938)

Friendship Village by Zona Gale is a heartwarming and inspiring novel that beautifully captures the essence of community and the power of friendship. Set in a small rural town called Friendship Village, the story revolves around a group of neighbors who come together to support each other through life's ups and downs.

One of the strengths of this book lies in its characterization. The author creates a vivid and diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality and story. From the resilient and compassionate widow, Rebecca, to the humorous and kind-hearted postman, Elick, each character feels genuine and relatable. They are flawed, yet lovable, and the authentic portrayal of their relationships and interactions make them truly come alive.

The theme of friendship is prominently explored throughout the book. The bonds that form between the residents of Friendship Village are portrayed with depth and sincerity, reminding us of the profound impact that genuine connections can have on our lives. Gale demonstrates the power of friendship in both ordinary day-to-day situations as well as during challenging times, as the characters navigate through the joys and sorrows of life together.

Setting also plays a significant role in this novel. The small-town atmosphere of Friendship Village is vividly described, making it feel like a character in itself. Gale beautifully captures the charm and simplicity of rural life, highlighting the importance of community and the shared values that hold people together. The setting adds an enchanting backdrop to the story and serves as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in simplicity and human connection.

Furthermore, the writing style is elegant and immersive. Gale's prose is rich and evocative, painting picturesque scenes and dialogues that transport the reader into the heart of Friendship Village. The pacing of the narrative is well-balanced, allowing for moments of reflection and introspection, as well as moments of excitement and anticipation.

However, the book does have a tendency to meander at times, with occasional subplots that could have been further developed or explored. While these diversions add depth to the story, they may also distract readers who prefer a more tightly focused plot.

Overall, Friendship Village is a delightful novel that celebrates the power of friendship and community. Zona Gale's passionate storytelling and memorable characters create a warm and inviting world that readers will not soon forget. It is a tale that reminds us of the universal need for connection and the transformative impact of human kindness.

First Page:

FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE

BY ZONA GALE

AUTHOR OF "THE LOVES OF PELLEAS AND ETTARRE"

NEW YORK THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 1908

Set up and electrotyped. Published October, 1908.

Norwood Press J. S. Cushing Co. Berwick & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

To EDITH, HARRIET, AND MUSA AND THE TWO FOR WHOM IT COMES TOO LATE GEORGIA AND HELEN THIS BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Friendship Village is not known to me, nor are any of its people, save in the comradeship which I offer here. But I commend for occupancy a sweeter place. For us here the long Caledonia hills, the four rhythmic spans of the bridge, the nearer river, the island where the first birds build these teach our windows the quiet and the opportunity of the "home town," among the "home people." To those who have such a bond to cherish I commend the little real home towns, their kindly, brooding companionship, their doors to an efficiency as intimate as that of fairy fingers. If there were shrines to these things, we would seek them. The urgency is to recognize shrines.

Portage, Wisconsin, September, 1908.

Certain of the following chapters have appeared in The Outlook, The Broadway Magazine, The Delineator, Everybody's, and Harper's Monthly Magazine ... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Zona Gale
Wikipedia – Friendship Village

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac