The Wall Between

by Sara Ware Bassett

"The Wall Between" by Sara Ware Bassett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the longstanding feud between two neighboring families, the Howes and the Websters, represented by the main characters Martin Howe and Ellen Webster. Their rivalry, symbolized by a crumbling wall that separates their farms, has been passed down through generations, resulting in a stubborn refusal to reconcile and cooperate. The narrative explores themes of pride, hostility, and the impact of family legacy. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the significance of the wall that divides the Howe and Webster properties, encapsulating a century of animosity. As tensions manifest in everyday interactions between Ellen Webster and Martin Howe, both characters exhibit deep-seated pride and resentment, spurred by their family's history. Ellen, a fiercely independent woman, feels her agricultural legacy is threatened, particularly with the arrival of her niece, Lucy, who unexpectedly becomes a key player in the unfolding drama. With contrasting perspectives and personalities emerging, the novel sets the stage for exploring how the legacies of the past influence the present and the potential for change embodied in the younger generation.