Author
Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
1872-1958
Eleanor Hallowell Abbott (1872-1958) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
Fairy Prince and Other Stories
"Fairy Prince and Other Stories" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of family life, wonder, and the intersection of reality and fantasy, often through the eyes of children. The opening story, "Fairy Prince," centers around a family gathering during Thanksgiving, where the excitement of a Christmas tree is intertwined with the arrival of a young man named Derry Willard, who captures the attention of the protagonist's older sister, Rosalee. At the start of the story, the narrator, a lively nine-year-old, introduces their family dynamics and the whimsical tradition of "budding" the Christmas tree—a process that symbolizes hope and the nurturing of dreams. The Thanksgiving dinner is a backdrop for the unfolding drama, featuring family members who bring their unique personalities, such as the mute brother Carol and the beautiful sister Rosalee. As the family interacts, especially with the charming newcomer Derry Willard, themes of love, expectation, and the magic of Christmas weave through the dialogue and reflections, setting the stage for the enchanting journey of the stories to come.
The Sick-a-Bed Lady And Also Hickory Dock, The Very Tired Girl, The Happy-Day, Something That Happened in October, The Amateur Lover, Heart of The City, The Pink Sash, Woman's Only Business
"The Sick-a-Bed Lady" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the titular character, who is a young woman recovering from a severe illness in a seaside house cared for by the Young Doctor, who becomes a central figure in her life. As she navigates her sickness and the peculiarities of her condition, themes of love, identity, and healing begin to emerge. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the Sick-A-Bed Lady, who resides in a lavish bed and finds herself lost in vivid daydreams about her surroundings, including the ocean and the distant land of France. As she grapples with her illness, she meets the Young Doctor, who nurtures her back to health both physically and emotionally. Their interactions are filled with childlike innocence and an evolving bond as he cares for her, leading to complicated feelings and questions about her identity amidst her fragmented memories. The opening provides an intriguing glimpse into a whimsical and poignant tale of recovery intertwined with budding romance.
The Indiscreet Letter
"The Indiscreet Letter" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place during a train journey, where the plot revolves around conversations between various characters, including a traveling salesman and a young girl who has written an "indiscreet letter." The book explores themes of love, uncertainty, and the consequences of revealing one's true feelings. The narrative begins as passengers on the train engage in lighthearted banter, leading to deeper discussions about the nature of relationships and the impact of written communication. The young girl shares her story of survival from a train wreck and the emotional turmoil that followed. In a moment of awakening, she decides to confront the unknown by meeting the recipient of her letter—a man who is both a stranger and a haunting memory. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into her internal struggles while simultaneously witnessing the peculiar dynamics between her, the salesman, and a young electrician. The culmination takes place at the train station, where potential romantic fulfillment and the legitimacy of her emotions hang in the balance, leaving the ending both poignant and open to interpretation.
The Stingy Receiver
"The Stingy Receiver" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mrs. Tome Gallien, a wealthy, headstrong woman who is recovering from an accident and engages in a series of humorous yet thought-provoking exchanges with her young doctor, Sam Kendrue. As they navigate their interactions, themes of gratitude, generosity, and the complexities of human relationships emerge, and the dynamic between giver and receiver is put to the test. At the start of the novel, we meet Mrs. Gallien and the Young Doctor during an interesting conversation in her sickroom. As he urges her to make a wish for her recovery, she surprises him by expressing a desire for letters and packages, revealing her love for shopping as a source of joy. The dialogue between them is marked by wit and irony, particularly as Mrs. Gallien laments what she perceives as the stinginess of those who receive gifts without gratitude. When Mrs. Gallien takes it upon herself to ensure her doctor’s life becomes more exciting, the story takes an unexpected turn, leading to humorous revelations and a reflection on the nature of giving and receiving.
Rainy Week
"Rainy Week" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a group of guests invited to a house party during the notoriously rainy second week of May, where the hosts orchestrate a play-like experience for their eclectic assembly of characters. The personalities of the guests, including a bride and groom, an artist, and a mysterious woman, promise a mix of drama and humor as they interact amidst the backdrop of the rain. At the start of "Rainy Week," we are introduced to the hosts, a husband and wife who have been crafting this unconventional gathering for twenty years. The narrative kicks off with a humorous exploration of the types of guests they invite, including a man named Rollins, who is described as the 'Bore.' The couple meticulously plans each aspect of the event, including costumes and roles for the guests, while hinting at underlying tensions and potential romances among the characters. The tone is lighthearted yet reflective, suggesting that the rain will not only bring challenges but perhaps unexpected connections and revelations among the guests as they navigate their rainy week together.
Peace on Earth, Good-will to Dogs
"Peace on Earth, Good-Will to Dogs" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a charming Christmas-themed novel, likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the joys and adventures associated with Christmas and the whimsical antics of dogs, particularly focusing on a group of canine companions and their human friend, Flame Nourice. It highlights themes of kindness, community, and the importance of companionship during the holiday season. The narrative follows young Flame as she discovers a new family of dogs residing in the mysterious Rattle-Pane House and decides to throw a Christmas party for them. Throughout her journey, she experiences various encounters, mingles with eccentric characters including a butler and a Lay Reader, and reflects on her desire to create a unique Christmas experience. The story unfolds with delightful humor and warmth as Flame's well-meaning schemes evolve into an unexpectedly chaotic and joyful celebration, culminating in the arrival of snow on Christmas night, symbolizing peace and joy for all.
Molly Make-Believe
"Molly Make-Believe" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Carl Stanton, a man suffering from rheumatism and the loneliness that accompanies his illness, who becomes increasingly disillusioned with his relationship with his fiancée, Cornelia. As he engages with the whimsical world of "Molly" through a subscription for love letters from imaginary persons, he finds solace and connection in this make-believe correspondence." "The opening of "Molly Make-Believe" introduces us to Carl Stanton, who is stuck in a dreary winter of both physical ailment and emotional detachment. His fiancée's cold and pragmatic letters starkly contrast with the vibrant emotions he craves, leading him to subscribe to a whimsical service that sends him engaging letters from imaginary characters, bringing him a sense of comfort and companionship. As he grapples with his growing affection for this imaginary soul, Molly, he navigates his frustrations with Cornelia's aloofness. This captivating setup instantly immerses readers into the intrigue of the characters’ relationships and sets the stage for a tender exploration of love, loneliness, and the transformative power of imagination."
Old-Dad
"Old-Dad" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Daphne Bretton, a young college student who faces expulsion after a scandal involving a boy in her dorm room. As she navigates the challenges of her troubled relationship with her father, Jaffrey Bretton, the complexities of youthful innocence and the deeper themes of family dynamics, reputation, and self-identity unfold. The opening of "Old-Dad" introduces us to Daphne during a moment of crisis as she bursts into her father's study to reveal her expulsion from college. The interaction between them is charged with both humor and tension, showcasing their unfamiliarity and the strained relationship between father and daughter. Jaffrey’s youthful demeanor and unexpected reactions add to the story's complexity, making it clear that he, too, is grappling with the implications of his daughter's predicament. As they confront the fallout, including Daphne's escalating shame and confusion about her actions and societal perceptions, the groundwork is laid for a deeper exploration of their characters and the challenges ahead.
Little Eve Edgarton
"Little Eve Edgarton" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the life of Eve Edgarton, a unique and unconventional girl who has spent her life traveling the world with her father and yearning for the simpler joys of home and domesticity. The narrative combines elements of humor, poignancy, and social commentary on the nature of beauty and worth through Eve's interactions with those around her. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a conversation between two men outside a hotel, where they discuss the appeal and superficiality of women they encounter. The Younger Man expresses his frustrations about dating attractive but shallow women, while the Older Man suggests that true beauty lies deeper within a person. Their dialogue sets the stage for the appearance of Eve, who, contrary to their expectations, is presented as a seemingly plain yet intriguing character. As the story unfolds, Eve's tomboyish spirit is contrasted with the expectations of society, particularly as she unexpectedly teams up with the Younger Man for a riding adventure that leads them into an unexpected storm, symbolizing the chaos and unpredictability of life and relationships.
The White Linen Nurse
"The White Linen Nurse" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Rae Malgregor, a young nursing student, who is on the brink of graduation and grapples with her identity, personal aspirations, and the expectations of her profession. The narrative explores themes of femininity, self-identity, and the societal pressures faced by women, particularly in care-giving roles. The beginning of the novel introduces readers to Rae Malgregor as she reflects upon the exhausting and often confining nature of her nursing training. She struggles with maintaining a "noble expression" that her profession demands while longing to express her true self, complete with its flaws and emotions. Through her interactions with her classmates, such as the more pragmatic Zillah Forsyth and the composed Helene Churchill, Rae voices her internal conflicts about love and career choices, feeling the weight of societal expectations. The opening chapters paint her as a relatable character facing the tensions between professional duty and personal desires, setting the stage for her journey of self-discovery.