"Stepping Westward" by M. E. Francis is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative appears to explore rural life, focusing on the experiences of various characters in a quaint English setting, with particular emphasis on themes of love, social roles, and the intricacies of village relationships. The opening portion introduces Sol Bowditch, a hedger who recently settled in this area, and Sally Roberts, a young and independent carrier’s cart
driver, setting the stage for a narrative revolving around their interactions and developing relationship. At the start of the novel, we observe Sol Bowditch laboring diligently on a hedge, while the autumn countryside bursts with color around him. He encounters Tranter Sally—both a charming and somewhat unconventional character—as she drives her aging horse and cart. Their initial exchange hints at a budding camaraderie, underscored by his offer of assistance when Sally's horse encounters a problem. As they share pleasantries, we witness Sally’s mix of independence and vulnerability, as well as Sol's firm resolve to protect her, indicating the potential for romantic development amid the backdrop of their rural community. This opening section sets a compelling tone for a story rich in character-driven exploration and vividly described settings. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Tranter Sally -- Lwonesome Lizzie -- Jess Domeny on strike -- Jarge's little 'ooman -- Ann-Car'line -- One another's burdens -- How Ned Blanchard emigrated -- Farmer Barnes' dilemma -- The missus's chair -- The rules o' the house -- Lady Lucy -- A prisoner of war -- Through the Cottage window -- April Fools.
Credits
This etext was transcribed by Les Bowler
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 79.2 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
