Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch By: Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice (1870-1942)
Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch by Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice is a heartwarming and touching novel that explores the lives of various characters living in a poverty-stricken neighborhood known as the Cabbage Patch. Set in the early 20th century, the book centers around the determined and resilient Mrs. Wiggs, a widowed mother of five children. Right from the beginning, the author effectively portrays the harsh realities faced by the impoverished community. The vivid descriptions of the dilapidated houses, meager resources, and everyday struggles instantly transport readers into this world of poverty. Despite the challenging circumstances, Mrs. Wiggs's character shines brightly with her unwavering optimism and indomitable spirit. One of the highlights of this novel is undoubtedly the well-drawn characters. Each person living in the Cabbage Patch has a unique personality and contributes to the overall narrative in their own way. From Lovey Mary, a young girl who befriends Mrs. Wiggs's children, to Miss Lucy Olcott, a wealthy woman with a heart of gold, the characters are richly developed and add depth to the story. They are flawed but lovable, making it easy for readers to empathize with their struggles. The book explores various themes, including the power of love, friendship, and the importance of community. Rice skillfully weaves these themes together, creating a poignant tale that tugs at the heartstrings. Through Mrs. Wiggs's dedication to her children, her unwavering hope for a better future, and her selflessness towards others, readers are reminded of the power of love and the significance of human connection. Furthermore, Rice's writing style is engaging and captivating. The dialogues are realistic, and the narrative flows seamlessly, making it difficult to put the book down. The author effortlessly combines moments of humor with moments of intense emotion, resulting in a well-balanced story. If there is one critique, it would be that some readers may find the plot predictable at times. Nevertheless, the overall charm and heart of the story compensate for this minor flaw. In conclusion, Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch is a timeless classic that captivates readers with its heartfelt narrative and endearing characters. Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice's ability to depict the struggles of poverty and the resilience of the human spirit is both moving and inspiring. This book is a testament to the power of love, friendship, and community, making it a must-read for fans of heartwarming tales. First Page: MRS. WIGGS OF THE CABBAGE PATCH BY ALICE CALDWELL HEGAN NEW YORK . . MCMII Copyright, 1901, by THIS LITTLE STORY IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO MY MOTHER, WHO FOR YEARS HAS BEEN THE GOOD ANGEL OF "THE CABBAGE PATCH" CONTENTS MRS. WIGGS'S PHILOSOPHY WAYS AND MEANS THE "CHRISTMAS LADY" THE ANNEXATION OF CUBY A REMINISCENCE A THEATER PARTY "MR. BOB" MRS. WIGGS AT HOME HOW SPRING CAME TO THE CABBAGE PATCH AUSTRALIA'S MISHAP THE BENEFIT DANCE MRS. WIGGS OF THE CABBAGE PATCH CHAPTER I MRS. WIGGS'S PHILOSOPHY "In the mud and scum of things Something always always sings!" "MY, but it's nice an' cold this mornin'! The thermometer's done fell up to zero!" Mrs. Wiggs made the statement as cheerfully as if her elbows were not sticking out through the boy's coat that she wore, or her teeth chattering in her head like a pair of castanets. But, then, Mrs. Wiggs was a philosopher, and the sum and substance of her philosophy lay in keeping the dust off her rose colored spectacles. When Mr. Wiggs traveled to eternity by the alcohol route, she buried his faults with him, and for want of better virtues to extol she always laid stress on the fine hand he wrote. It was the same way when their little country home burned and she had to come to the city to seek work; her one comment was: "Thank God, it was the pig instid of the baby that was burned!" So this bleak morning in December she pinned the bed clothes around the children and made them sit up close to the stove, while she pasted brown paper over the broken window pane and made sprightly comments on the change in the weather... Continue reading book >>

Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch By: Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice (1870-1942)

Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch by Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice is a heartwarming and touching novel that explores the lives of various characters living in a poverty-stricken neighborhood known as the Cabbage Patch. Set in the early 20th century, the book centers around the determined and resilient Mrs. Wiggs, a widowed mother of five children.

Right from the beginning, the author effectively portrays the harsh realities faced by the impoverished community. The vivid descriptions of the dilapidated houses, meager resources, and everyday struggles instantly transport readers into this world of poverty. Despite the challenging circumstances, Mrs. Wiggs's character shines brightly with her unwavering optimism and indomitable spirit.

One of the highlights of this novel is undoubtedly the well-drawn characters. Each person living in the Cabbage Patch has a unique personality and contributes to the overall narrative in their own way. From Lovey Mary, a young girl who befriends Mrs. Wiggs's children, to Miss Lucy Olcott, a wealthy woman with a heart of gold, the characters are richly developed and add depth to the story. They are flawed but lovable, making it easy for readers to empathize with their struggles.

The book explores various themes, including the power of love, friendship, and the importance of community. Rice skillfully weaves these themes together, creating a poignant tale that tugs at the heartstrings. Through Mrs. Wiggs's dedication to her children, her unwavering hope for a better future, and her selflessness towards others, readers are reminded of the power of love and the significance of human connection.

Furthermore, Rice's writing style is engaging and captivating. The dialogues are realistic, and the narrative flows seamlessly, making it difficult to put the book down. The author effortlessly combines moments of humor with moments of intense emotion, resulting in a well-balanced story.

If there is one critique, it would be that some readers may find the plot predictable at times. Nevertheless, the overall charm and heart of the story compensate for this minor flaw.

In conclusion, Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch is a timeless classic that captivates readers with its heartfelt narrative and endearing characters. Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice's ability to depict the struggles of poverty and the resilience of the human spirit is both moving and inspiring. This book is a testament to the power of love, friendship, and community, making it a must-read for fans of heartwarming tales.

First Page:

MRS. WIGGS OF THE CABBAGE PATCH

ALICE CALDWELL HEGAN

NEW YORK . . MCMII

THIS LITTLE STORY IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO MY MOTHER, WHO FOR YEARS HAS BEEN THE GOOD ANGEL OF "THE CABBAGE PATCH"

CONTENTS

MRS. WIGGS'S PHILOSOPHY

WAYS AND MEANS

THE "CHRISTMAS LADY"

THE ANNEXATION OF CUBY

A REMINISCENCE

A THEATER PARTY

"MR. BOB"

MRS. WIGGS AT HOME

HOW SPRING CAME TO THE CABBAGE PATCH

AUSTRALIA'S MISHAP

THE BENEFIT DANCE

MRS. WIGGS OF THE CABBAGE PATCH

CHAPTER I

MRS. WIGGS'S PHILOSOPHY

"In the mud and scum of things Something always always sings!"

"MY, but it's nice an' cold this mornin'! The thermometer's done fell up to zero!"

Mrs. Wiggs made the statement as cheerfully as if her elbows were not sticking out through the boy's coat that she wore, or her teeth chattering in her head like a pair of castanets. But, then, Mrs. Wiggs was a philosopher, and the sum and substance of her philosophy lay in keeping the dust off her rose colored spectacles. When Mr. Wiggs traveled to eternity by the alcohol route, she buried his faults with him, and for want of better virtues to extol she always laid stress on the fine hand he wrote. It was the same way when their little country home burned and she had to come to the city to seek work; her one comment was: "Thank God, it was the pig instid of the baby that was burned!"

So this bleak morning in December she pinned the bed clothes around the children and made them sit up close to the stove, while she pasted brown paper over the broken window pane and made sprightly comments on the change in the weather... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch

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