Subject
Harpeth Valley (Tenn.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Maria Thompson Daviess
Phyllis
"Phyllis" by Maria Thompson Daviess is a coming-of-age novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Phyllis Forsythe, the wealthy daughter of a businessman, who struggles with loneliness and the perception of her wealth in the small town of Byrdsville. The narrative captures her feelings of isolation as she yearns to connect with others, particularly with the kind and charming Roxanne Byrd, who embodies the warmth and simplicity of life that Phyllis craves. At the start of the novel, Phyllis finds herself uprooted from her city life and living in the countryside due to her mother's health. She feels out of place and alienated from her peers, who view her wealth with suspicion. The opening portion introduces Phyllis's reflections on her loneliness and her admiration for Roxanne, who lives in a modest cottage behind her family's estate. As Phyllis begins to interact with Roxanne and her brother Lovelace, she experiences moments of joy and friendship, stirring a desire for genuine connections that transcend social barriers. This struggle against the stigmas attached to wealth and her journey toward acceptance and belonging set the stage for the unfolding story.
Maria Thompson Daviess
The Tinder-Box
"The Tinder-Box" by Maria Thompson Daviess is a novel published in the early 20th century that explores themes of love, independence, and the evolving role of women in society. The story follows Evelina Shelby, a recently graduated architecture student returning to her hometown, Glendale, Tennessee, where she grapples with her newfound aspirations for personal freedom and the societal expectations surrounding marriage and gender roles. The opening of the novel introduces the protagonist, Evelina, as she reflects on her emotional landscape and her relationships with her friends, particularly Jane Mathers, who encourages her to assert herself in love and life. Evelina is posed with a challenge: to navigate her feelings for Richard Hall and Polk Hayes while also being urged to take responsibility for guiding other young women in their romantic choices. Throughout these early pages, we see Evelina's internal conflict between traditional societal roles and her desire for independence, setting the stage for her journey of self-discovery and empowerment amidst the complexities of familial and romantic expectations.
Maria Thompson Daviess
Over Paradise Ridge A Romance
"Over Paradise Ridge" by Maria Thompson Daviess is a romance novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the character Betty and her relationship with Samuel Foster Crittenden, who has chosen a life of farming over his promising ambitions in the city. With themes of love, sacrifice, and the clash between rural and urban life, the narrative explores Betty's struggle to reconcile her feelings for Sam, her own aspirations, and her loyalty to her friends, particularly Peter Vandyne, a poet. The opening of the novel introduces us to Betty's internal conflict as she grapples with her feelings for Sam, who now leads a humble life as a farmer. Their childhood friendship has evolved into something deeper, yet Sam's life choices leave Betty feeling torn between her affection for him and her societal expectations. As she reflects on their shared past and the decisions they have both made, we see a glimpse of Betty’s desire to lead a meaningful life defined by her own choices. The first chapter sets the stage for a poignant exploration of love and personal ambition amidst the backdrop of pastoral life, ultimately encouraging the reader to ponder the sacrifice that often accompanies heartfelt decisions.
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