What I Read Last Week...{1.05}

A Country Doctor by Sarah Orne Jewett

I have this weird thing where I have to read this book every time I go to the beach. Over 10 years ago, I first read this book while on summer vacation with my family. I had such pleasant memories of being on that beach and reading this fantastic book, that I've done it on every beach vacation since. In fact, I eventually used this book in my thesis years later.

"...a semi-autobiographical work about a young girl's struggle to choose between a medical career and marriage. Like most of Jewett's work, the novel gives a striking, realistic depiction of the world, but also illustrates her more transcendental worldview. Jewett portrays an independent woman whose talents and desires drive her away from the traditional role of wife, and the novels exploration of gender, society, and human nature are as prevalent today as they were upon its publication in 1884."

My Take: I just love this book because it portrays a world that is completely unfamiliar to me, yet with characteristics that I can identify. The novel is set in rural Maine, with characters who are well-developed, flawed, and  genuine. The plot itself might be a little outmoded, because it deals with a woman who is strongly discouraged from becoming a doctor. However, some of Nan's struggles still ring true today. A lot of women have difficulty finding a balance between work and home, career and family. Most of us don't have to choose one or the other, but we all make sacrifices for the sake of our jobs or our children.

My Recommendation: Definitely, definitely a must-read! I've read this book no less than 15 times, and I still love it! This author is not very well known, but she is an amazing writer.