Suburban Sketches

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Howells, William Dean, 1837-1920

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Suburban Sketches" by William Dean Howells is a collection of observational essays and sketches written during the late 19th century. The work offers a vivid portrayal of life in the suburbs, reflecting on the dynamics between city and country living, as well as the characters who inhabit these spaces. The opening portion introduces various characters and settings, particularly focusing on the experiences of a family living in Charlesbridge as they navigate the challenges and pleasures of suburban existence. The opening of "Suburban Sketches" sets the scene with a portrayal of the family's initial move to their new home during a peculiar New England spring, blending snow and rain amidst the verdant landscape. The narrative is rich with details of their domestic lives, the picturesque yet chaotic suburb, and the trials of finding suitable help, as illustrated through their complex relationship with their servant, Mrs. Johnson. With humor and poignancy, Howell explores themes of social class, race, and the nuances of everyday life in a suburban setting, highlighting the contrasts and connections between different societal groups. The piece also examines the character of Mrs. Johnson, a cook with a storied past and an endearing personality, establishing her as a significant figure in the household and the fabric of suburban living. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

Mrs. Johnson

Doorstep acquaintance

A pedestrian tour

By horse-car to Boston

A day's pleasure

A romance of real life

Scene

Jubilee days

Some lessons from the school of morals

Flitting.

Credits:

Produced by Olaf Voss, Eric Eldred, Charles Franks, David Widger, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

Notes:

Reading ease score: 54.8 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2004-12-01