Samantha Among the Brethren By: Marietta Holley (1836-1926)
Samantha Among the Brethren by Marietta Holley is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on an adventure through small-town life in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Samantha, a strong-willed and independent woman who finds herself amidst a community of religious brethren. Holley's writing style is unique and engaging, as she presents the narrative through the witty and humorous voice of Samantha. The author masterfully uses Samantha's perspective to highlight the idiosyncrasies and hypocritical practices of the brethren, shedding light on the rarely discussed aspects of religious communities during that era. The character of Samantha is wonderfully developed, portraying a complex and multidimensional woman who challenges societal norms and embraces her own individuality. Throughout the novel, Samantha grapples with her own doubts and questions about the brethren's beliefs and practices, making her relatable and endearing to readers. The novel also provides a fascinating commentary on gender roles and the limitations imposed on women during that time period. Holley skillfully explores the themes of women's rights and female empowerment, weaving them seamlessly into Samantha's story. Samantha's determination to challenge the brethren's patriarchal hierarchy and assert her own agency serves as a powerful message of resilience and defiance. Moreover, the book cleverly addresses several social issues prevalent in society at that time, such as slavery, temperance, and racial equality. Holley's ability to incorporate these topical issues within a seemingly lighthearted narrative demonstrates her literary prowess and social awareness. One of the standout aspects of the novel is the author's use of satire and humor to explore the contradictions and absurdities within the brethren. Holley's razor-sharp wit consistently entertains readers, while also offering an incisive critique of the religious practices and societal norms of the time. It is important to note that while the novel is set in the 19th century, many of the issues and themes it discusses are still relevant today. Samantha's journey of self-discovery and her unwavering dedication to challenging societal expectations resonate with readers of any era. Overall, Samantha Among the Brethren is a remarkable novel that not only delivers an entertaining and engaging story but also offers a profound commentary on religion, gender, and social norms. Marietta Holley's sharp wit and astute observations make this book a timeless piece of literature that will continue to captivate readers for generations to come. First Page: [Illustration] SAMANTHA AMONG THE BRETHREN. BY "JOSIAH ALLEN'S WIFE" (MARIETTA HOLLEY). WITH ILLUSTRATIONS . 1890 TO All Women WHO WORK, TRYING TO BRING INTO DARK LIVES THE BRIGHTNESS AND HOPE OF A BETTER COUNTRY, THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED . PREFACE. Again it come to pass, in the fulness of time, that my companion, Josiah Allen, see me walk up and take my ink stand off of the manteltry piece, and carry it with a calm and majestick gait to the corner of the settin' room table devoted by me to literary pursuits. And he sez to me: "What are you goin' to tackle now, Samantha?" And sez I, with quite a good deal of dignity, "The Cause of Eternal Justice, Josiah Allen." "Anythin' else?" sez he, lookin' sort o' oneasy at me. (That man realizes his shortcomin's, I believe, a good deal of the time, he duz.) "Yes," sez I, "I lay out in petickuler to tackle the Meetin' House. She is in the wrong on't, and I want to set her right." Josiah looked sort o' relieved like, but he sez out, in a kind of a pert way, es he set there a shellin corn for the hens: "A Meetin' House hadn't ort to be called she it is a he." And sez I, "How do you know?" And he sez, "Because it stands to reason it is. And I'd like to know what you have got to say about him any way?" Sez I, "That 'him' don't sound right, Josiah Allen... Continue reading book >>

Samantha Among the Brethren By: Marietta Holley (1836-1926)

Samantha Among the Brethren by Marietta Holley is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on an adventure through small-town life in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Samantha, a strong-willed and independent woman who finds herself amidst a community of religious brethren.

Holley's writing style is unique and engaging, as she presents the narrative through the witty and humorous voice of Samantha. The author masterfully uses Samantha's perspective to highlight the idiosyncrasies and hypocritical practices of the brethren, shedding light on the rarely discussed aspects of religious communities during that era.

The character of Samantha is wonderfully developed, portraying a complex and multidimensional woman who challenges societal norms and embraces her own individuality. Throughout the novel, Samantha grapples with her own doubts and questions about the brethren's beliefs and practices, making her relatable and endearing to readers.

The novel also provides a fascinating commentary on gender roles and the limitations imposed on women during that time period. Holley skillfully explores the themes of women's rights and female empowerment, weaving them seamlessly into Samantha's story. Samantha's determination to challenge the brethren's patriarchal hierarchy and assert her own agency serves as a powerful message of resilience and defiance.

Moreover, the book cleverly addresses several social issues prevalent in society at that time, such as slavery, temperance, and racial equality. Holley's ability to incorporate these topical issues within a seemingly lighthearted narrative demonstrates her literary prowess and social awareness.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is the author's use of satire and humor to explore the contradictions and absurdities within the brethren. Holley's razor-sharp wit consistently entertains readers, while also offering an incisive critique of the religious practices and societal norms of the time.

It is important to note that while the novel is set in the 19th century, many of the issues and themes it discusses are still relevant today. Samantha's journey of self-discovery and her unwavering dedication to challenging societal expectations resonate with readers of any era.

Overall, Samantha Among the Brethren is a remarkable novel that not only delivers an entertaining and engaging story but also offers a profound commentary on religion, gender, and social norms. Marietta Holley's sharp wit and astute observations make this book a timeless piece of literature that will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.

First Page:

[Illustration] SAMANTHA

AMONG THE BRETHREN.

"JOSIAH ALLEN'S WIFE"

(MARIETTA HOLLEY).

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS .

1890

All Women

WHO WORK, TRYING TO BRING INTO DARK LIVES

THE BRIGHTNESS AND HOPE OF A

BETTER COUNTRY,

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED .

PREFACE.

Again it come to pass, in the fulness of time, that my companion, Josiah Allen, see me walk up and take my ink stand off of the manteltry piece, and carry it with a calm and majestick gait to the corner of the settin' room table devoted by me to literary pursuits. And he sez to me:

"What are you goin' to tackle now, Samantha?"

And sez I, with quite a good deal of dignity, "The Cause of Eternal Justice, Josiah Allen."

"Anythin' else?" sez he, lookin' sort o' oneasy at me. (That man realizes his shortcomin's, I believe, a good deal of the time, he duz.)

"Yes," sez I, "I lay out in petickuler to tackle the Meetin' House. She is in the wrong on't, and I want to set her right."

Josiah looked sort o' relieved like, but he sez out, in a kind of a pert way, es he set there a shellin corn for the hens:

"A Meetin' House hadn't ort to be called she it is a he."

And sez I, "How do you know?"

And he sez, "Because it stands to reason it is. And I'd like to know what you have got to say about him any way?"

Sez I, "That 'him' don't sound right, Josiah Allen... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Humor
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Marietta Holley
Wikipedia – Samantha Among the Brethren

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