"Jane Field: A Novel" by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman is a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of love, duty, and societal expectations in 19th-century New England. Set against the backdrop of a small rural village, the novel follows the titular character, Jane Field, as she navigates the challenges of life in a tightly-knit community. As Jane grapples with her own desires and ambitions, she finds herself torn between the expectations placed upon her by society and her longing for independence and fulfillment. Freeman's masterful storytelling brings the world of Jane Field to life, with vivid descriptions and richly drawn characters that resonate with authenticity. Through Jane's journey, the novel explores timeless themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness. At its core, "Jane Field: A Novel" belongs to the genre of American regional literature, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the intricacies of rural life in New England during the 19th century. Freeman's keen insight into human nature and her evocative prose ensure that Jane's story lingers in the minds of readers long after they've turned the final page.
Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman was an American author. Freeman was born on October 31, 1852, in Randolph, Massachusetts, to Eleanor Lothrop and Warren Edward Wilkins, who christened her "Mary Ella". Freeman's parents were conservative Congregationalists, and he grew up under severe supervision. Religious limitations play an important role in some of her works. In 1867, the family relocated to Brattleboro, Vermont, where Freeman graduated from the local high school before spending one year at Mount Holyoke College (formerly Mount Holyoke Female Seminary) in South Hadley, Massachusetts, from 1870 to 1871. She eventually completed her schooling at Glenwood Seminary in West Brattleboro. When the family's dry goods business in Vermont failed in 1873, they moved back to Randolph, Massachusetts. Freeman's father died unexpectedly in 1883, leaving her with no close family and an estate of barely $973. Wilkins returned to her hometown, Randolph. She moved in with a friend, Mary J. Wales, and started writing as her sole source of income. During a visit to Metuchen, New Jersey in 1892, she met Dr. Charles Manning Freeman, a non-practicing doctor seven years her junior. After years of courtship and delays, the couple married on January 1, 1902. She immediately established her name as "Mary E. Wilkins Freeman," and requested that Harper's use it on all of her work.
