Mary Freeman's "The New England Nun"

As I read this story of Louisa Ellis, my first thought was “how sad for her”. But, in the end, I believe she was happy and content with her life, something not many of us ever seem to feel.

I believe her character depicts strength of very few women of the time. Most women felt society expected them to marry and have a husband to care and support them. Even though Louisa’s plan was to do just that, she did not seem comfortable or “sold” on the idea. The story reveals through Louisa’s thoughts her impending dread of having to change her lifestyle. From the orderliness of her bureau-drawers to the fear of Caesar being let loose, she knew the marriage to Joe Dagget would forever alter her methodical existence. It was as if she was hoping for a reprieve of the commitment, and then miraculously happened upon Joe and Lily one night privately discussing their feelings for one another. It was inspiring to read of the honor of the characters in not wanting to hurt the others. Lily was set to leave the area rather than force an uncomfortable state of affairs by living in the same area as the man she loved who was soon to be married to someone else. Joe was set to honor his fifteen year commitment even though he his heart belonged to Lily. Finally, Louisa was strong enough to set Joe free to marry the one he truly loved. I doubt many people of today would be as unselfish as any one of these characters concerning their fellow man’s feelings.

I enjoyed reading this story. As usual, with my love of mysteries, I was trying to speculate what was going to happen as I read. From the narrative of Louisa’s thoughts regarding the upcoming nuptials, it was not very difficult to recognize the decision she was preparing to make. As I read, I also enjoyed the descriptive settings and situations in the story. As I am when I read other high-quality authors, I was impressed with the detail of the scenery, movement, and happenings in the story. I am able to visualize the story and lose myself in it as I read. From the description at the beginning as to what Louise might have been seeing from her window while sewing to the visions she had as she thought of her home and what she would be leaving, I could feel myself in the story, watching and anticipating.