Homespun Tales By: Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin (1856-1923)
Homespun Tales by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a collection of heartwarming stories that take readers on a delightful journey through the quaint villages and rolling countryside of New England. At first glance, the book might appear to be a simple collection of tales showcasing the beauty of small-town life. However, upon diving deeper into its pages, readers will discover a treasure trove of profound themes and relatable characters. Wiggin's writing style is elegant, vivid, and filled with rich descriptions that transport readers to each setting. Whether it be a cozy winter evening by the fireplace or a bustling village fair in the summertime, the author effortlessly brings these scenes to life, creating a strong sense of time and place. One of the highlights of this collection is the cast of endearing characters that Wiggin has created. From brave and determined young boys to wise and compassionate elderly women, each character is intricately developed and possesses a unique voice. Their struggles, triumphs, and everyday interactions make them feel like old friends, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in their lives. While the stories are interconnected by the common setting, they each offer something different. Some tales explore themes of love, loss, and forgiveness, while others delve into the power of friendship and the importance of community. Wiggin skillfully weaves these universal themes into her narratives, ensuring that readers can easily relate to and empathize with the characters' experiences. Moreover, the book retains a timeless quality, even though it was originally published more than a century ago. The issues and emotions depicted remain relevant, resonating with readers across generations. This enduring appeal is a testament to Wiggin's skill as a storyteller and her ability to capture the essence of human nature. The only minor drawback is that some readers might find the pacing slow at times, as the stories prioritize introspection and character development over fast-paced action. However, this leisurely approach adds to the overall charm and authenticity of the narratives, allowing readers to savor each story like a leisurely stroll through the countryside. In conclusion, Homespun Tales by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a delightful collection of stories that captivates readers with its idyllic settings, relatable characters, and timeless themes. It is a book that will transport readers to a simpler time and leave them with a warm and comforting feeling long after its pages have been turned. First Page: HOMESPUN TALES By Kate Douglas Wiggin Introduction These three stories are now brought together under one cover because they have not quite outworn their welcome; but in their first estate two of them appeared as gift books, with decorative borders and wide margins, a style not compatible with the stringent economies of the present moment. Luckily they belong together by reason of their background, which is an imaginary village, any village you choose, within the confines, or on the borders of York County, in the State of Maine. In the first tale the river, not "Rose," is the principal character; no one realizes this better than I. If an author spends her summers on the banks of Saco Water it fills the landscape. It flows from the White Mountains to the Atlantic in a tempestuous torrent, breaking here and there into glorious falls of amber glimpsed through snowy foam; its rapids dash through rocky cliffs crowned with pine trees, under which blue harebells and rosy columbines blossom in gay profusion. There is the glint of the mirror like lake above the falls, and the sound of the surging floods below; the witchery of feathery elms reflected in its clear surfaces, and the enchantment of the full moon on its golden torrents, never twice alike and always beautiful! How is one to forget, evade, scorn, belittle it, by leaving its charms untold; and who could keep such a river out of a book? It has flowed through many of mine and the last sound I expect to hear in life will be the faint, far away murmur of Saco Water! The old Tory Hill Meeting House bulks its way into the foreground of the next story, and the old Peabody Pew (which never existed) has somehow assumed a quasi historical aspect never intended by its author... Continue reading book >>

Homespun Tales By: Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin (1856-1923)

Homespun Tales by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a collection of heartwarming stories that take readers on a delightful journey through the quaint villages and rolling countryside of New England.

At first glance, the book might appear to be a simple collection of tales showcasing the beauty of small-town life. However, upon diving deeper into its pages, readers will discover a treasure trove of profound themes and relatable characters.

Wiggin's writing style is elegant, vivid, and filled with rich descriptions that transport readers to each setting. Whether it be a cozy winter evening by the fireplace or a bustling village fair in the summertime, the author effortlessly brings these scenes to life, creating a strong sense of time and place.

One of the highlights of this collection is the cast of endearing characters that Wiggin has created. From brave and determined young boys to wise and compassionate elderly women, each character is intricately developed and possesses a unique voice. Their struggles, triumphs, and everyday interactions make them feel like old friends, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in their lives.

While the stories are interconnected by the common setting, they each offer something different. Some tales explore themes of love, loss, and forgiveness, while others delve into the power of friendship and the importance of community. Wiggin skillfully weaves these universal themes into her narratives, ensuring that readers can easily relate to and empathize with the characters' experiences.

Moreover, the book retains a timeless quality, even though it was originally published more than a century ago. The issues and emotions depicted remain relevant, resonating with readers across generations. This enduring appeal is a testament to Wiggin's skill as a storyteller and her ability to capture the essence of human nature.

The only minor drawback is that some readers might find the pacing slow at times, as the stories prioritize introspection and character development over fast-paced action. However, this leisurely approach adds to the overall charm and authenticity of the narratives, allowing readers to savor each story like a leisurely stroll through the countryside.

In conclusion, Homespun Tales by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a delightful collection of stories that captivates readers with its idyllic settings, relatable characters, and timeless themes. It is a book that will transport readers to a simpler time and leave them with a warm and comforting feeling long after its pages have been turned.

First Page:

HOMESPUN TALES

By Kate Douglas Wiggin

Introduction

These three stories are now brought together under one cover because they have not quite outworn their welcome; but in their first estate two of them appeared as gift books, with decorative borders and wide margins, a style not compatible with the stringent economies of the present moment. Luckily they belong together by reason of their background, which is an imaginary village, any village you choose, within the confines, or on the borders of York County, in the State of Maine.

In the first tale the river, not "Rose," is the principal character; no one realizes this better than I. If an author spends her summers on the banks of Saco Water it fills the landscape. It flows from the White Mountains to the Atlantic in a tempestuous torrent, breaking here and there into glorious falls of amber glimpsed through snowy foam; its rapids dash through rocky cliffs crowned with pine trees, under which blue harebells and rosy columbines blossom in gay profusion. There is the glint of the mirror like lake above the falls, and the sound of the surging floods below; the witchery of feathery elms reflected in its clear surfaces, and the enchantment of the full moon on its golden torrents, never twice alike and always beautiful! How is one to forget, evade, scorn, belittle it, by leaving its charms untold; and who could keep such a river out of a book? It has flowed through many of mine and the last sound I expect to hear in life will be the faint, far away murmur of Saco Water!

The old Tory Hill Meeting House bulks its way into the foreground of the next story, and the old Peabody Pew (which never existed) has somehow assumed a quasi historical aspect never intended by its author... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
Wikipedia – Homespun Tales

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