Mabel Wynn : $b or, "Those boys"

by Faye Huntington

"Mabel Wynn: or, 'Those Boys'" by Faye Huntington is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Mabel Wynn, a young woman who feels a compelling call to devote her life to teaching and guiding a challenging class of boys in her Sunday school. The narrative explores themes of faith, community involvement, and the struggle between duty and societal expectations, as Mabel navigates opposition from her family and the broader community. The beginning of the book introduces Mabel's fervent desire to serve God through her new role as a teacher, highlighting her readiness to engage with the unruly boys in her class despite her initial uncertainty. She begins her teaching journey with enthusiasm and a commitment to making a positive impact on her students' lives. Through her interactions, we see the challenges she faces not only in managing the boys but also in overcoming social obstacles, notably from her mother and the prevailing attitudes of her community regarding the place of girls and women in roles of significance outside the home. The opening sets the tone for a story that ultimately delves into Mabel's growth, her challenges in fulfilling her commitments, and the transformational impact she hopes to have on her students.