Marietta Holley
Samantha at Coney Island, and a Thousand Other Islands
"Samantha at Coney Island and a Thousand Other Islands" by Marietta Holley is a humorous fictional novel written in the early 20th century." The story centers around Samantha Allen and her husband Josiah, whose lives take an adventurous turn as they become enamored with trips to various attractions, specifically Coney Island, after being inspired by colorful tales from friends. This narrative offers a comedic exploration of societal customs, relationship dynamics, and the pursuit of happiness through leisure activities. "The opening of the book introduces us to Samantha's frustration as her husband, Josiah, becomes obsessed with Coney Island after hearing tales from a friend, Serenus Gowdey." As Serenus raves about the fun and frivolity of the attractions, Josiah's interest grows to the point where he dreams about visiting it, much to Samantha’s dismay. Despite her best efforts to redirect his enthusiasm towards more traditional values and domestic responsibilities, Josiah remains determined, setting the stage for their upcoming adventures. The lively and comedic tone reflects Samantha's clever observations about her husband and the societal expectations of their lives, hinting at the humorous challenges they will face as they navigate the world of summer leisure attractions.