On the Church Steps By: Sarah C. Hallowell (1833-1914)
On the Church Steps by Sarah C. Hallowell takes readers on an evocative and introspective journey, exploring the complexities of faith, grief, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a quiet coastal town, this poignant novel invites readers to reflect on the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. Hallowell’s writing skillfully weaves together multiple narratives, drawing readers into the lives of her richly developed characters. The story primarily follows Elizabeth, a young woman grappling with the recent loss of her sister. As she seeks solace and answers within her tight-knit community, Elizabeth finds herself drawn to the church steps—a symbolic space that becomes a catalyst for her personal transformation. One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its nuanced portrayal of grief. Hallowell does not shy away from exploring the uncomfortable and messy emotions that accompany loss. Through Elizabeth's journey, readers are confronted with the raw reality of mourning, navigating the intricacies of guilt, regret, and the struggle to move forward. This authenticity adds a layer of depth and vulnerability that resonates long after the final page. In addition to its exploration of grief, On the Church Steps tackles themes of spirituality and doubt. Hallowell delves into the paradoxical nature of faith, questioning traditional beliefs while also acknowledging its profound influence on individuals and communities. The novel prompts readers to ponder their own relationships with spirituality, and encourages open-mindedness and introspection. Furthermore, the atmospheric setting plays a crucial role in the narrative, almost becoming a character in itself. Hallowell’s vivid descriptions of the coastal town transport readers to a place imbued with history, beauty, and a sense of community. The town, with its hidden corners and unspoken secrets, reinforces the introspective nature of the story, and adds an air of intrigue and mystery. Although the novel moves at a deliberate pace, this allows for deep introspection and reflection. Hallowell’s elegant prose and insightful observations make each page turn a captivating experience. However, readers seeking fast-paced action may find the book’s introspective nature too contemplative for their tastes. On the Church Steps is a thought-provoking novel that beautifully captures the complexities of human emotion, faith, and personal growth. Sarah C. Hallowell’s lyrical prose, combined with her empathetic depiction of grief, makes this book a compelling and poignant read. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the depths of the human experience, and will surely resonate with readers who seek profound and introspective narratives. First Page: ON THE CHURCH STEPS. By SARAH C. HALLOWELL. This e text was compiled from sections of this novel published in the August to October editions of: LIPPINCOTT'S MAGAZINE OF POPULAR LITERATURE AND SCIENCE. 1873 CHAPTER I. What a picture she was as she sat there, my own Bessie! and what a strange place it was to rest on, those church steps! Behind us lay the Woolsey woods, with their wooing fragrance of pine and soft rushes of scented air; and the lakes were in the distance, lying very calm in the cloud shadows and seeming to wait for us to come. But to day Bessie would nothing of lakes or ledges: she would sit on the church steps. In front of us, straight to the gate, ran a stiff little walk of white pebbles, hard and harsh as some bygone creed. "Think of little bare feet coming up here, Bessie!" I said with a shiver. "It is too hard. And every carriage that comes up the hill sees us." "And why shouldn't they see us?" said my lady, turning full upon me. "I am not ashamed to be here." "Churches should always have soft walks of turf; and lovers," I would fain have added, "should have naught but whispering leaves about them." But Bessie cut me short in her imperious way: "But we are not lovers this morning: at least," with a half relenting look at my rueful face, "we are very good friends, and I choose to sit here to show people that we are... Continue reading book >>

On the Church Steps By: Sarah C. Hallowell (1833-1914)

On the Church Steps by Sarah C. Hallowell takes readers on an evocative and introspective journey, exploring the complexities of faith, grief, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a quiet coastal town, this poignant novel invites readers to reflect on the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.

Hallowell’s writing skillfully weaves together multiple narratives, drawing readers into the lives of her richly developed characters. The story primarily follows Elizabeth, a young woman grappling with the recent loss of her sister. As she seeks solace and answers within her tight-knit community, Elizabeth finds herself drawn to the church steps—a symbolic space that becomes a catalyst for her personal transformation.

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its nuanced portrayal of grief. Hallowell does not shy away from exploring the uncomfortable and messy emotions that accompany loss. Through Elizabeth's journey, readers are confronted with the raw reality of mourning, navigating the intricacies of guilt, regret, and the struggle to move forward. This authenticity adds a layer of depth and vulnerability that resonates long after the final page.

In addition to its exploration of grief, On the Church Steps tackles themes of spirituality and doubt. Hallowell delves into the paradoxical nature of faith, questioning traditional beliefs while also acknowledging its profound influence on individuals and communities. The novel prompts readers to ponder their own relationships with spirituality, and encourages open-mindedness and introspection.

Furthermore, the atmospheric setting plays a crucial role in the narrative, almost becoming a character in itself. Hallowell’s vivid descriptions of the coastal town transport readers to a place imbued with history, beauty, and a sense of community. The town, with its hidden corners and unspoken secrets, reinforces the introspective nature of the story, and adds an air of intrigue and mystery.

Although the novel moves at a deliberate pace, this allows for deep introspection and reflection. Hallowell’s elegant prose and insightful observations make each page turn a captivating experience. However, readers seeking fast-paced action may find the book’s introspective nature too contemplative for their tastes.

On the Church Steps is a thought-provoking novel that beautifully captures the complexities of human emotion, faith, and personal growth. Sarah C. Hallowell’s lyrical prose, combined with her empathetic depiction of grief, makes this book a compelling and poignant read. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the depths of the human experience, and will surely resonate with readers who seek profound and introspective narratives.

First Page:

ON THE CHURCH STEPS.

By SARAH C. HALLOWELL.

This e text was compiled from sections of this novel published in the August to October editions of:

LIPPINCOTT'S MAGAZINE OF POPULAR LITERATURE AND SCIENCE. 1873

CHAPTER I.

What a picture she was as she sat there, my own Bessie! and what a strange place it was to rest on, those church steps! Behind us lay the Woolsey woods, with their wooing fragrance of pine and soft rushes of scented air; and the lakes were in the distance, lying very calm in the cloud shadows and seeming to wait for us to come. But to day Bessie would nothing of lakes or ledges: she would sit on the church steps.

In front of us, straight to the gate, ran a stiff little walk of white pebbles, hard and harsh as some bygone creed.

"Think of little bare feet coming up here, Bessie!" I said with a shiver. "It is too hard. And every carriage that comes up the hill sees us."

"And why shouldn't they see us?" said my lady, turning full upon me. "I am not ashamed to be here."

"Churches should always have soft walks of turf; and lovers," I would fain have added, "should have naught but whispering leaves about them."

But Bessie cut me short in her imperious way: "But we are not lovers this morning: at least," with a half relenting look at my rueful face, "we are very good friends, and I choose to sit here to show people that we are... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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