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Flamsted quarries   By: (1855-1938)

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Flamsted Quarries by Mary E. Waller is a hidden gem among classic literature that deserves much more recognition than it has received. Set in the early 1900s in the small town of Flamsted, Iowa, this captivating novel explores themes of ambition, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The story centers around David Langdon, a prominent lawyer who is considered by many to be Flamsted's most successful resident. However, deep down, he feels a yearning for something more meaningful in his life. This longing leads him to purchase a neglected and forgotten limestone quarry that lays at the edge of the town.

Waller's ability to paint vivid imagery of the quarries makes them come alive as a character in their own right. Through her mesmerizing descriptions, we witness the untamed beauty of the quarries as David endeavors to transform them into a profitable business. The author successfully creates a sense of enchantment and awe, making it impossible for readers not to be captivated by the grandeur of this forgotten place.

Beyond the enchanting setting, Flamsted Quarries delves deep into the complexities of human relationships. Waller skillfully crafts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own hopes, dreams, and struggles. The dynamic between David and his wife, Diana, is particularly captivating. As David becomes consumed by his new venture, tensions arise, exposing the cracks in their seemingly perfect marriage.

Moreover, the novel impressively confronts societal judgements and expectations faced by women during the time period. Diana, a woman with artistic aspirations of her own, is caught between the pressures of conformity and her own desire for self-expression. Waller masterfully challenges traditional gender roles, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the limitations women faced during that era.

Flamsted Quarries also tackles profound questions about the pursuit of success and the costs associated with it. Through David's journey, readers are reminded of the inherent dangers of adopting a single-minded pursuit of wealth and status. Waller never sugarcoats the sacrifices that come with ambition, highlighting the toll it takes on David's relationships and mental well-being.

Mary E. Waller's Flamsted Quarries is a beautifully written novel that intertwines stunning descriptions, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. Its timeless exploration of ambition, love, and the human spirit resonates just as powerfully today as it did when first published. If you are seeking a literary gem that will immerse you in a different time and place while leaving you with profound reflections, Flamsted Quarries should be your next read.

First Page:

Flamsted Quarries

BY MARY E. WALLER

Author of "The Wood Carver of Lympus," "The Daughter of the Rich," "The Little Citizen," etc.

WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS BY G. PATRICK NELSON

A. L. BURT COMPANY PUBLISHERS NEW YORK

Copyright, 1910 , BY MARY E. WALLER Published September, 1910

Reprinted, September, 1910; November, 1910; December, 1910

TO THOSE WHO TOIL

[Illustration: "She sang straight on, verse after verse without pause"]

Contents

THE BATTERY IN LIEU OF A PREFACE

PART FIRST, A CHILD FROM THE VAUDEVILLE

PART SECOND, HOME SOIL

PART THIRD, IN THE STREAM

PART FOURTH, OBLIVION

PART FIFTH, SHED NUMBER TWO

THE LAST WORD

Illustrations

"She sang straight on, verse after verse without pause"

"Those present loved in after years to recall this scene"

"What a picture she made leaning caressingly against the charmed and patient Bess"

"'Unworthy unworthy!' was Champney Googe's cry, as he knelt before Aileen"

FLAMSTED QUARRIES

" Abysmal deeps repose Beneath the stout ship's keel whereon we glide; And if a diver plunge far down within Those depths and to the surface safe return, His smile, if so it chance he smile again, Outweighs in worth all gold... Continue reading book >>




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