"The Home Acre" by Edward Payson Roe is a captivating novel that epitomizes the essence of American literature during the Victorian era. Roe's narrative intricately weaves together themes of family, farming, and rural life, painting a vivid portrait of the moral values and community bonds that defined the era. In this compelling work of fiction, readers are transported to a bygone era where the intricacies of rural life unfold against the backdrop of the American landscape. Through the lens of romance and drama, Roe explores the complexities of relationships within the tight-knit community, offering glimpses into the struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants. Amidst the challenges of farming and the ever-present moral values of the time, characters in "The Home Acre" embark on journeys of redemption and self-discovery. As they navigate the intricacies of rural existence, readers are drawn into a world brimming with warmth, heartache, and hope. Roe's novel stands as a timeless testament to the enduring spirit of American literature, capturing the essence of a bygone era while exploring universal themes of love, community, and the pursuit of redemption.
Edward Payson Roe was an American novelist, Presbyterian clergyman, gardener, and historian. Edward Payson Roe was born in the settlement of Moodna, which is now part of New Windsor, New York. He attended Williams College and the Auburn Theological Seminary. In 1862, he was appointed chaplain of the Second New York Cavalry, United States Volunteers, and in 1864, chaplain of Hampton Hospital in Virginia. From 1866 to 1874, he was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Highland Falls, New York. In 1874, he moved to Cornwall-On-Hudson, where he focused on fiction writing and horticulture. During the American Civil War, he published weekly letters to the New York Evangelist and later lectured on the conflict and wrote for publications. He married Anna Paulina Sands in 1863 and had a number of children. Sarah married Olympic fencer Charles T. Tatham, while Pauline married landscape painter Henry Charles Lee. His writings were well-received in their day, particularly among middle-class readers in England and America, and were translated into other European languages. Their strong moral and theological aim helped to overcome America's Puritan prejudice toward works of fiction. One of his most common criticisms was that his writing resembled sermons.
