Polly Oliver's Problem By: Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin (1856-1923)
Polly Oliver's Problem by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a charming and heartwarming coming-of-age story that captures the essence of identity, truth, and self-discovery. Set in the late 19th century, the book follows the journey of Polly Oliver, a young, spirited girl with a burning desire to escape societal conventions and pursue a life she truly desires. The author's writing style effortlessly transports readers to a time when traditions and expectations strictly defined a person's role in society. Wiggin brilliantly portrays the struggles and dilemmas faced by young women of that era, as they yearned for independence and a chance to follow their dreams. Polly, the main character, is portrayed with depth and authenticity. Her determination and courage in breaking free from societal constraints are inspiring and relatable. As Polly disguises herself as a boy to successfully evade these expectations and fulfill her own ambitions, readers are drawn into her world, sharing her trials, triumphs, and moments of self-discovery. The author beautifully explores themes of gender roles and societal expectations, inviting readers to question the limitations imposed on individuals based on their gender. Polly's journey challenges these notions and encourages readers to embrace their true identity and pursue their passions, regardless of what society dictates. Wiggin's storytelling is both captivating and enlightening, as she skillfully weaves humor and emotion throughout the narrative. The development of Polly's character, as she navigates the complexities of her secret identity and grapples with her own doubts and fears, is masterfully executed. Additionally, the supporting characters in the book are vividly portrayed and add depth to the story. From Polly's loving and supportive mother to the eccentric and endearing inhabitants of the small village she finds refuge in, each character contributes to the richness and authenticity of the world Wiggin has created. The book's pacing is steady yet engaging, with the plot unfolding smoothly, keeping readers engrossed till the very end. While the story delves into serious themes, it also offers moments of lightheartedness and joy, making it a delightful and enjoyable read. Overall, Polly Oliver's Problem is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the timeless themes of identity, truth, and the pursuit of happiness. Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin's enchanting storytelling and compelling characters make for an unforgettable reading experience. Whether young or old, readers will find themselves rooting for Polly as she faces her challenges head-on, inspiring us all to embrace who we truly are. First Page: POLLY OLIVER'S PROBLEM by KATE DOUGLAS WIGGIN With a Biographical Sketch, Portrait, and Illustrations Boston, New York, and Chicago Houghton, Mifflin & Company The Riverside Press, Cambridge 1896 [Frontispiece: Portrait of Mrs. Wiggin] KATE DOUGLAS WIGGIN. It is an advantage for an author to have known many places and different sorts of people, though the most vivid impressions are commonly those received in childhood and youth. Mrs. Wiggin, as she is known in literature, was Kate Douglas Smith; she was born in Philadelphia, and spent her young womanhood in California, but when a very young child she removed to Hollis in the State of Maine, and since her maturity has usually made her summer home there; her earliest recollections thus belong to the place, and she draws inspiration for her character and scene painting very largely from this New England neighborhood. Hollis is a quiet, secluded place, a picturesque but almost deserted village if the few houses so widely scattered can be termed a village located among the undulating hills that lie along the lower reaches of the Saco River. Here she plans to do almost all her actual writing the story itself is begun long before and she resorts to the place with pent up energy. A quaint old house of colonial date and style, set in the midst of extensive grounds and shaded by graceful old trees, this is "Quillcote," the summer home of Mrs... Continue reading book >>

Polly Oliver's Problem By: Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin (1856-1923)

Polly Oliver's Problem by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a charming and heartwarming coming-of-age story that captures the essence of identity, truth, and self-discovery. Set in the late 19th century, the book follows the journey of Polly Oliver, a young, spirited girl with a burning desire to escape societal conventions and pursue a life she truly desires.

The author's writing style effortlessly transports readers to a time when traditions and expectations strictly defined a person's role in society. Wiggin brilliantly portrays the struggles and dilemmas faced by young women of that era, as they yearned for independence and a chance to follow their dreams.

Polly, the main character, is portrayed with depth and authenticity. Her determination and courage in breaking free from societal constraints are inspiring and relatable. As Polly disguises herself as a boy to successfully evade these expectations and fulfill her own ambitions, readers are drawn into her world, sharing her trials, triumphs, and moments of self-discovery.

The author beautifully explores themes of gender roles and societal expectations, inviting readers to question the limitations imposed on individuals based on their gender. Polly's journey challenges these notions and encourages readers to embrace their true identity and pursue their passions, regardless of what society dictates.

Wiggin's storytelling is both captivating and enlightening, as she skillfully weaves humor and emotion throughout the narrative. The development of Polly's character, as she navigates the complexities of her secret identity and grapples with her own doubts and fears, is masterfully executed.

Additionally, the supporting characters in the book are vividly portrayed and add depth to the story. From Polly's loving and supportive mother to the eccentric and endearing inhabitants of the small village she finds refuge in, each character contributes to the richness and authenticity of the world Wiggin has created.

The book's pacing is steady yet engaging, with the plot unfolding smoothly, keeping readers engrossed till the very end. While the story delves into serious themes, it also offers moments of lightheartedness and joy, making it a delightful and enjoyable read.

Overall, Polly Oliver's Problem is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the timeless themes of identity, truth, and the pursuit of happiness. Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin's enchanting storytelling and compelling characters make for an unforgettable reading experience. Whether young or old, readers will find themselves rooting for Polly as she faces her challenges head-on, inspiring us all to embrace who we truly are.

First Page:

POLLY OLIVER'S PROBLEM

KATE DOUGLAS WIGGIN

With a Biographical Sketch, Portrait, and Illustrations

Boston, New York, and Chicago Houghton, Mifflin & Company The Riverside Press, Cambridge

1896

[Frontispiece: Portrait of Mrs. Wiggin]

KATE DOUGLAS WIGGIN.

It is an advantage for an author to have known many places and different sorts of people, though the most vivid impressions are commonly those received in childhood and youth. Mrs. Wiggin, as she is known in literature, was Kate Douglas Smith; she was born in Philadelphia, and spent her young womanhood in California, but when a very young child she removed to Hollis in the State of Maine, and since her maturity has usually made her summer home there; her earliest recollections thus belong to the place, and she draws inspiration for her character and scene painting very largely from this New England neighborhood.

Hollis is a quiet, secluded place, a picturesque but almost deserted village if the few houses so widely scattered can be termed a village located among the undulating hills that lie along the lower reaches of the Saco River. Here she plans to do almost all her actual writing the story itself is begun long before and she resorts to the place with pent up energy.

A quaint old house of colonial date and style, set in the midst of extensive grounds and shaded by graceful old trees, this is "Quillcote," the summer home of Mrs... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
Wikipedia – Polly Oliver's Problem

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