Aspendale (1871)

Aspendale is a novel written by Harriet Waters Preston in the year 1871. The story is set in a small town in New England, where the protagonist, a young woman named Dora, lives with her family. Dora is a bright and ambitious woman who dreams of pursuing a career in music, despite the societal norms of the time that dictate women should focus on domestic duties. The novel explores themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the struggle for independence and self-determination. Dora's journey towards achieving her goals is fraught with obstacles, including disapproval from her family and community, financial constraints, and personal setbacks. Aspendale also delves into the complex relationships between the characters, including Dora's romantic entanglements with two very different men: the wealthy and sophisticated Dr. Charles Ware and the humble and hardworking farmer, John Brierly. Through Dora's story, Preston offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by women in the 19th century and the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Aspendale is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.