An Alabaster Box By: Florence Morse Kingsley (1859-1937)
An Alabaster Box by Florence Morse Kingsley is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Set in a quaint village during the late 19th century, it explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and the power of second chances. The story revolves around a young woman named Ruth Thayer who inherits an ancient alabaster box from her late aunt. Unbeknownst to Ruth, the box holds a secret that will challenge her beliefs and change the course of her life forever. As she begins to uncover the truth, she finds herself torn between following her heart and adhering to societal expectations. Kingsley's writing style is elegant and engaging, immersing readers in the vividly depicted scenes and offering a glimpse into the lives of the characters. Her attention to detail breathes life into the setting, making the village and its inhabitants feel authentic and relatable. The characters in An Alabaster Box are multi-dimensional and well-developed. Ruth's journey from a sheltered and naive young woman to a resilient and independent individual is beautifully depicted. The struggles she faces, both internally and externally, are portrayed with depth and sensitivity, evoking empathy from readers. What makes this book truly remarkable is its exploration of faith and spirituality. Kingsley skillfully weaves elements of religious beliefs into the narrative, emphasizing the importance of introspection, compassion, and understanding. However, the underlying message goes beyond any specific religious doctrine, reminding readers of the universal human experience and the power of love and forgiveness. While the pace of the plot may seem slow at times, Kingsley's ability to create a strong emotional connection with the characters compensates for it. The gradual unfolding of the story keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, eager to discover the answers to the questions that arise throughout the narrative. Overall, An Alabaster Box is a beautifully written novel that combines elements of romance, mystery, and spirituality. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit and the complexities of love and forgiveness. Florence Morse Kingsley's insightful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this book a captivating and inspiring read. First Page: [Illustration: "Money!" she whispered. "He must have hidden it before before "] An Alabaster Box By Mary E. Wilkins Freeman and Florence Morse Kingsley Illustrated by Stockton Mulford D. Appleton and Company New York London 1917 ......There came a woman, having an alabaster box of ointment, very precious; and she broke the box..... Chapter I "We," said Mrs. Solomon Black with weighty emphasis, "are going to get up a church fair and raise that money, and we are going to pay your salary. We can't stand it another minute. We had better run in debt to the butcher and baker than to the Lord." Wesley Elliot regarded her gloomily. "I never liked the idea of church fairs very well," he returned hesitatingly. "It has always seemed to me like sheer beggary." "Then," said Mrs. Solomon Black, "we will beg." Mrs. Solomon Black was a woman who had always had her way. There was not one line which denoted yielding in her large, still handsome face, set about with very elaborate water waves which she had arranged so many years that her black hair needed scarcely any attention. It would almost seem as if Mrs. Solomon Black had been born with water waves. She spoke firmly but she smiled, as his mother might have done, at the young man, who had preached his innocent best in Brookville for months without any emolument... Continue reading book >>

An Alabaster Box By: Florence Morse Kingsley (1859-1937)

An Alabaster Box by Florence Morse Kingsley is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Set in a quaint village during the late 19th century, it explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and the power of second chances.

The story revolves around a young woman named Ruth Thayer who inherits an ancient alabaster box from her late aunt. Unbeknownst to Ruth, the box holds a secret that will challenge her beliefs and change the course of her life forever. As she begins to uncover the truth, she finds herself torn between following her heart and adhering to societal expectations.

Kingsley's writing style is elegant and engaging, immersing readers in the vividly depicted scenes and offering a glimpse into the lives of the characters. Her attention to detail breathes life into the setting, making the village and its inhabitants feel authentic and relatable.

The characters in An Alabaster Box are multi-dimensional and well-developed. Ruth's journey from a sheltered and naive young woman to a resilient and independent individual is beautifully depicted. The struggles she faces, both internally and externally, are portrayed with depth and sensitivity, evoking empathy from readers.

What makes this book truly remarkable is its exploration of faith and spirituality. Kingsley skillfully weaves elements of religious beliefs into the narrative, emphasizing the importance of introspection, compassion, and understanding. However, the underlying message goes beyond any specific religious doctrine, reminding readers of the universal human experience and the power of love and forgiveness.

While the pace of the plot may seem slow at times, Kingsley's ability to create a strong emotional connection with the characters compensates for it. The gradual unfolding of the story keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, eager to discover the answers to the questions that arise throughout the narrative.

Overall, An Alabaster Box is a beautifully written novel that combines elements of romance, mystery, and spirituality. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit and the complexities of love and forgiveness. Florence Morse Kingsley's insightful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this book a captivating and inspiring read.

First Page:

[Illustration: "Money!" she whispered. "He must have hidden it before before "]

An Alabaster Box

Mary E. Wilkins Freeman and Florence Morse Kingsley

Illustrated by Stockton Mulford

D. Appleton and Company

New York London

1917

......There came a woman, having an alabaster box of ointment, very precious; and she broke the box.....

Chapter I

"We," said Mrs. Solomon Black with weighty emphasis, "are going to get up a church fair and raise that money, and we are going to pay your salary. We can't stand it another minute. We had better run in debt to the butcher and baker than to the Lord."

Wesley Elliot regarded her gloomily. "I never liked the idea of church fairs very well," he returned hesitatingly. "It has always seemed to me like sheer beggary."

"Then," said Mrs. Solomon Black, "we will beg."

Mrs. Solomon Black was a woman who had always had her way. There was not one line which denoted yielding in her large, still handsome face, set about with very elaborate water waves which she had arranged so many years that her black hair needed scarcely any attention. It would almost seem as if Mrs. Solomon Black had been born with water waves.

She spoke firmly but she smiled, as his mother might have done, at the young man, who had preached his innocent best in Brookville for months without any emolument... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – Florence Morse Kingsley
Wikipedia – An Alabaster Box

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