Fannie E. (Fannie Ellsworth) Newberry
Sara, a Princess: The Story of a Noble Girl
"Sara, a Princess: The Story of a Noble Girl" by Fannie E. Newberry is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. It centers around Sara Olmstead, a young girl from a humble fishing village who aspires for a life of greater understanding and promise despite her challenging circumstances. The novel illustrates her journey as she navigates familial responsibilities, personal aspirations, and the challenges that life at sea brings to her fisherman father and their household. The opening of the novel introduces Sara in her modest home, a place filled with the sounds and struggles of family life. As she helps her father mend fishing nets and cares for her younger siblings, Sara's thoughts often drift back to her time at the seminary, where she learned to love books and knowledge. This duality of her existence—facing daily domestic challenges while longing for intellectual fulfillment—sets the tone for her character’s development throughout the story. Sara's blend of hope and practicality highlights her innate nobility, suggesting themes of resilience, self-reliance, and the pursuit of education in the face of adversity. The interplay between her familial duties and her aspiration for a better life draws readers into her world, inviting them to explore her journey.