“Keziah Coffin” by Joseph Crosby Lincoln is a captivating fiction novel set in the charming small towns of New England. With his masterful storytelling, Lincoln brings to life the character of Keziah Coffin and the vibrant coastal community she inhabits. Through Keziah's experiences, the novel explores themes of family, love, and friendship, painting a vivid portrait of life in a close-knit community. Lincoln's depiction of New England's coastal landscapes adds depth to the narrative, immersing readers in the beauty of the seaside setting. Amidst the warmth of family ties and the intricacies of small-town relationships, romance blossoms, infused with humor and genuine emotion. As a quintessential example of American literature, “Keziah Coffin” captures the essence of community spirit and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life's challenges. With its delightful blend of coastal charm, small-town dynamics, and heartfelt storytelling, the novel is a timeless classic that continues to enchant readers with its warmth and humor.
Joseph Crosby Lincoln was an American novelist, poet, and short story writer, with many of his works situated on a fictional Cape Cod. Lincoln was born in 1870 in Brewster, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, and after his father died, his mother relocated the family to Chelsea, Massachusetts, an industrial community outside of Boston. Lincoln's writing career extolling "old Cape Cod" can be viewed as an attempt to return to an Eden that he had fled due to familial sorrow. Lincoln's work was frequently featured in renowned journals like The Saturday Evening Post and The Delineator. Lincoln was aware of contemporary naturalist writers like Frank Norris and Theodore Dreiser, who utilized American literature to delve into the depths of human nature, but he rejected the creative exercise. Lincoln stated that he was content "spinning yarns" that made readers feel good about themselves and their neighbors. His work served as the basis for six films and a short.
