Author
Mary Hallock Foote
1847-1938
Mary Hallock Foote (1847-1938) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Mary Hallock Foote
In Exile, and Other Stories
"In Exile, and Other Stories" by Mary Hallock Foote is a collection of short stories likely written in the late 19th century. The opening story, titled "In Exile," introduces readers to Nicky Dyer, a young Cornish boy, and Frances Newell, a schoolmistress, as they navigate the dry and harsh landscape of a Californian mining camp. Their interactions reveal themes of youth, exploration, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of an unforgiving wilderness. The opening of "In Exile" begins with Nicky and Frances sitting on a hill overlooking a sunburnt valley, where they engage in a conversation about water sources. This simple discussion reveals their personalities—Nicky, the carefree and amiable boy, and Frances, the thoughtful and somewhat isolated schoolmistress yearning for a connection. As they venture to a spring, they encounter a young man named Arnold, who disrupts their retreat and introduces an element of romantic tension. The story captures the essence of isolation and yearning for companionship, ultimately establishing a grounded narrative steeped in the everyday realities of life in a mining camp while hinting at deeper emotional undertones and the potential for future connections.
The Desert and the Sown
"The Desert and the Sown" by Mary Hallock Foote is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in a rich tapestry of social dynamics, character interactions, and themes of love and conflict centered around the lives of military families engaged in the everyday realities of their surroundings. The early chapters introduce a range of characters, including Colonel Middleton and his daughter Moya, as well as the Bogardus family, laying the groundwork for impending relationships, familial tensions, and dynamics influenced by social class and personal aspirations. At the start of the book, we find Colonel Middleton grappling with the challenges of hosting Mrs. Bogardus, the future mother-in-law of his daughter Moya. The conversation reveals their differing perspectives on social class, duties, and personal ambitions, setting a tone of satire and introspection. Meanwhile, Moya's spirited personality contrasts with the heavier themes introduced through her interactions with her future husband, Paul Bogardus, and the burdens of their respective legacies. The opening scenes expertly blend humor and tension, hinting at deeper conflicts and relationships that will unfold as the story progresses, setting up themes of love, societal expectation, and the quest for identity amidst the complexities of frontier life.
The Little Fig-tree Stories
"The Little Fig-tree Stories" by Mary Hallock Foote is a collection of illustrated children's stories written in the late 19th century. This charming volume features a variety of narratives that reflect the natural world and the lessons embedded within it, drawing on the perspectives of young characters experiencing growth and connection with their surroundings. The stories intertwine themes of patience, aspiration, and the simple beauty of rural life. The beginning of the collection introduces the reader to a garden located in Northern California, where young fig trees observe the blooming almond trees around them. While the almond trees celebrate their blossoms, the fig trees wait patiently, longing for their own flowers. The discussion among the trees highlights notions of beauty, fruitfulness, and worth, as the fig trees grapple with their perceived inadequacies. As the narrative unfolds, it sets the stage for deeper reflections on identity and fulfillment, signaling to readers the journey of self-discovery that each character will undertake. This opening segment invites readers to ponder themes of growth, belonging, and the unfolding of potential within oneself.
A Touch of Sun, and Other Stories
"A Touch of Sun and Other Stories" by Mary Hallock Foote is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The initial story introduces us to the lives of characters living in the context of a mining community in northern California, highlighting themes of grief, family dynamics, and the complexities of love. The central characters seem to grapple with personal struggles against a backdrop of social and environmental challenges typical of that era. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the Thorne family, where Mrs. Thorne returns home unexpectedly to discuss a troubling matter with her husband, Mr. Thorne. Their conversation reveals a significant concern regarding their son, Willy, who is engaged to a woman named Helen Benedet, whose past is shrouded in mystery and potential scandal. As they navigate their emotions, the couple reflects on the nature of love, innocence, and the burdens of truth. The opening portion sets a tense and thought-provoking atmosphere that invites readers to ponder the consequences of hidden secrets and the complexities of human relationships.
The Cup of Trembling, and Other Stories
"The Cup of Trembling and Other Stories" by Mary Hallock Foote is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The first story, "The Cup of Trembling," transports the reader to the rugged, wintery landscapes of the Coeur d'Alêne region, focusing on themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships within a mining community. The main characters introduced include a miner returning home, his companion at the cabin, and the intriguing yet troubled relationships involving a couple who has vanished. The opening of "The Cup of Trembling" sketches a harrowing scene where a miner is journeying home through snow-laden trails, reflecting on life in a harsh, isolated environment. As he stops at a cabin for supper, discussions among the occupants reveal gossip regarding a missing woman tied to a wealthy mine owner and a superintendent, both presumed to have fled together. As speculation mounts amongst the miners, the narrative weaves through their conversations, leading to an ominous tension surrounding the fate of the missing couple. Meanwhile, a new character, the brother of the missing superintendant, arrives with paternal instincts and a sense of urgency, hinting at deeper, darker narratives about love and moral ambiguity that unfold throughout the story.