Author
Ruth Sawyer
1880-1970
Ruth Sawyer (1880-1970) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Ruth Sawyer
This Way to Christmas
“This Way to Christmas” by Ruth Sawyer is a charming children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around an eight-year-old boy named David, who is adjusting to a new life in the Hill Country with his caretaker Johanna after the abrupt departure of his scientist father due to the war. David's journey explores themes of loneliness, the essence of Christmas, and the magic of belief as he interacts with various characters, including fairies, a flagman, and locals who will help him rediscover the meaning of the holiday season. At the start of the novel, David grapples with feelings of loss and isolation as he moves away from everything familiar. He travels with Johanna to a mountain lodge, where he faces a Christmas that feels devoid of cheer. As he waits for the holiday to approach, David begins to conjure thoughts of magic and fairies, leading him to wonder how to celebrate Christmas without the traditional decorations and festivities he's accustomed to. In his thoughts, he recalls Johanna's tales of a "locked-out fairy," whom he hopes to find to help guide him back to the joy of the season. The opening sets the stage for David’s inner transformation as he seeks connection and joy in his new, albeit challenging, circumstances.
Leerie
"Leerie" by Ruth Sawyer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Peter Brooks, a man grappling with a debilitating fear of sleep and his journey in a sanitarium, where he encounters a vibrant nurse named Sheila O'Leary, also known as Leerie. As their paths intertwine, the novel explores themes of mental health, healing, and the human connection in the face of vulnerability. At the start of the book, we meet Peter, who feels abandoned by society due to his declining health and emotional struggles. After a series of failed attempts to regain control over his life, he is sent to a sanitarium for treatment. Upon arriving, he meets Sheila O'Leary, a nurse with a luminous presence, who brings warmth and hope into his despondent world. The opening sets up Peter's complex relationship with his fears, highlighted by his fixation on a girl he only glimpsed once in an omnibus, which hints at a deeper emotional exploration as the story unfolds. The dynamics of patient and caregiver, the struggle with internal demons, and the healing power of human connection form the core of this poignant narrative.
Seven Miles to Arden
"Seven Miles to Arden" by Ruth Sawyer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds through the character of Patricia "Patsy" O'Connell, a charming and spirited young actress who finds herself in difficult circumstances after her company goes bankrupt. As she recovers from pneumonia in a city hospital, she reflects on her uncertain future and her adventurous spirit leads her to set out on a journey to find her place in the world. The opening of the book introduces Patsy sitting on the edge of her cot in the hospital, contemplating her tattered dreams and prospects. Though she is physically weak after her illness, her witty personality and resilience shine through as she engages with the hospital staff and fellow patients. After being released, she navigates the city, determined to connect with a friend from her theatrical days. Her journey is marked by encounters with various characters, including a mysterious tinker, who join her as she travels along the winding path to Arden, a place she hopes will offer her a fresh start and the fulfillment of her aspirations. The narrative hints at themes of identity, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams against the backdrop of an enchanting landscape.
The Primrose Ring
"The Primrose Ring" by Ruth Sawyer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set primarily in a children's hospital called Saint Margaret's, focusing on the character Margaret MacLean, a nurse who is deeply committed to the well-being of the children in her care. The book explores themes of hope, kindness, and the transformative power of love and imagination as Margaret seeks to bring joy and a sense of normalcy to the lives of the ill and disabled children residing in the hospital. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the festive atmosphere of May Eve, contrasted with the more somber realities of Trustee Day at the hospital. Margaret is characterized as a lively and optimistic person, filled with a belief in the magic of life, which she tries to impart to the children around her. As she interacts with the flower seller and prepares to face the trustees, it becomes clear that her mission extends beyond simple medical care—she aims to nurture the spirits of the children. The opening chapters dive into Margaret's reflections on her own difficult past and the need for compassion and understanding in a system often undercut by cold efficiency. Through her whimsical approach, she hopes to create a brighter world for the children at Saint Margaret's, setting the stage for a heartfelt exploration of humanity and the bonds that form in the face of adversity.