A Master's Degree By: Margaret Hill McCarter (1860-1938)
In A Master's Degree, Margaret Hill McCarter showcases her remarkable talent for storytelling, transporting readers to rural Kansas in the late 1800s. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, this novel explores the journey of Helen, a strong-willed young woman who has aspirations beyond the traditional societal roles assigned to her. McCarter's portrayal of Helen is both authentic and relatable, capturing the struggles and triumphs of a woman determined to pursue education and forge her own path in a time when such aspirations were largely discouraged. Through Helen's eyes, the reader witnesses the challenges she faces as she defies societal expectations, confronts gender stereotypes, and battles against ingrained prejudices. What sets A Master's Degree apart is McCarter's ability to weave historical events, such as the establishment of public education and the rise of women's suffrage, into the narrative seamlessly. The author's extensive research is evident throughout the book, and the incorporation of these elements adds depth and richness to the story. These historical details not only create an authentic backdrop, but also shed light on the societal barriers that Helen must overcome. McCarter's writing is eloquent and evocative, capturing the essence of the era with vivid descriptions of the Kansas prairie, the struggles of frontier life, and the dreams that push Helen forward. The author's prose is both engaging and poetic, immersing the reader in the story and bringing the characters to life. In terms of character development, A Master's Degree brims with a diverse cast of individuals, each with their own struggles and triumphs. Helen's journey is complemented by an array of relatable and well-rounded supporting characters, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by women in the late 19th century. If there is one criticism to offer, it would be that the pacing of the novel occasionally slows down, particularly during the detailed descriptions of various historical events. However, this flaw does little to detract from the overall quality of the story, and the reader's investment in Helen's journey remains steadfast. A Master's Degree is a captivating historical novel that seeks to capture the spirit of a time when women were fighting for their rights and opportunities. McCarter's meticulous research, beautifully crafted prose, and compelling characters create an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. It is a testament to the perseverance and determination of women throughout history, while also reminding us of the importance of pursuing one's dreams against all odds. First Page: A MASTER'S DEGREE By Margaret Hill McCarter TO THE KANSAS BOYS AND GIRLS WHO HAVE NOT YET EARNED THEIR DEGREES; AND TO THOSE OLDER IN YEARS, EVERYWHERE, "CAPTAINS OVER HUNDREDS," WHO WOULD WIN TO THE LARGER MASTERY. In the old days there were angels who came and took men by the hand and led them away from the city of destruction. We see no white winged angels now. But yet men are led away from threatening destruction: a hand is put into theirs, which leads them gently forth toward a calm and bright land, so that they look no more backward; and the hand may be a little child's. GEORGE ELIOT CONTENTS CHAPTER THE MEETING I. "DEAN FUNNYBONE" II. POTTER'S CLAY III. PIGEON PLACE IV. THE KICKAPOO CORRAL V. THE STORM VI. THE GAME VII. THE DAY OF RECKONING VIII. LOSS, OR GAIN? IX. GAIN, OR LOSS? X. THE THIEF IN THE MOUTH XI. THE SINS OF THE FATHERS XII. THE SILVER PITCHER XIII. THE MAN BELOW THE SMOKE XIV. THE DERELICTS XV. THE MASTERY THE PARTING A MASTER'S DEGREE THE MEETING ... Continue reading book >>

A Master's Degree By: Margaret Hill McCarter (1860-1938)

In A Master's Degree, Margaret Hill McCarter showcases her remarkable talent for storytelling, transporting readers to rural Kansas in the late 1800s. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, this novel explores the journey of Helen, a strong-willed young woman who has aspirations beyond the traditional societal roles assigned to her.

McCarter's portrayal of Helen is both authentic and relatable, capturing the struggles and triumphs of a woman determined to pursue education and forge her own path in a time when such aspirations were largely discouraged. Through Helen's eyes, the reader witnesses the challenges she faces as she defies societal expectations, confronts gender stereotypes, and battles against ingrained prejudices.

What sets A Master's Degree apart is McCarter's ability to weave historical events, such as the establishment of public education and the rise of women's suffrage, into the narrative seamlessly. The author's extensive research is evident throughout the book, and the incorporation of these elements adds depth and richness to the story. These historical details not only create an authentic backdrop, but also shed light on the societal barriers that Helen must overcome.

McCarter's writing is eloquent and evocative, capturing the essence of the era with vivid descriptions of the Kansas prairie, the struggles of frontier life, and the dreams that push Helen forward. The author's prose is both engaging and poetic, immersing the reader in the story and bringing the characters to life.

In terms of character development, A Master's Degree brims with a diverse cast of individuals, each with their own struggles and triumphs. Helen's journey is complemented by an array of relatable and well-rounded supporting characters, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by women in the late 19th century.

If there is one criticism to offer, it would be that the pacing of the novel occasionally slows down, particularly during the detailed descriptions of various historical events. However, this flaw does little to detract from the overall quality of the story, and the reader's investment in Helen's journey remains steadfast.

A Master's Degree is a captivating historical novel that seeks to capture the spirit of a time when women were fighting for their rights and opportunities. McCarter's meticulous research, beautifully crafted prose, and compelling characters create an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. It is a testament to the perseverance and determination of women throughout history, while also reminding us of the importance of pursuing one's dreams against all odds.

First Page:

A MASTER'S DEGREE

By Margaret Hill McCarter

TO THE KANSAS BOYS AND GIRLS WHO HAVE NOT YET EARNED THEIR DEGREES; AND TO THOSE OLDER IN YEARS, EVERYWHERE, "CAPTAINS OVER HUNDREDS," WHO WOULD WIN TO THE LARGER MASTERY.

In the old days there were angels who came and took men by the hand and led them away from the city of destruction. We see no white winged angels now. But yet men are led away from threatening destruction: a hand is put into theirs, which leads them gently forth toward a calm and bright land, so that they look no more backward; and the hand may be a little child's.

GEORGE ELIOT

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

THE MEETING I. "DEAN FUNNYBONE" II. POTTER'S CLAY III. PIGEON PLACE IV. THE KICKAPOO CORRAL V. THE STORM VI. THE GAME VII. THE DAY OF RECKONING VIII. LOSS, OR GAIN? IX. GAIN, OR LOSS? X. THE THIEF IN THE MOUTH XI. THE SINS OF THE FATHERS XII. THE SILVER PITCHER XIII. THE MAN BELOW THE SMOKE XIV. THE DERELICTS XV. THE MASTERY THE PARTING

A MASTER'S DEGREE

THE MEETING

... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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