Susanna and Sue

"Susanna and Sue" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Susanna Hathaway and her young daughter, Sue, as they arrive at a Shaker community seeking refuge and a new life after Susanna leaves her unhappy marriage. The book explores themes of motherhood, societal expectations, and the search for peace in a world filled with disappointment and temptation. The opening of the novel describes the serene and orderly Shaker Settlement, with its white buildings and well-kept surroundings, contrasting with Susanna’s tumultuous past. As they approach their new home, Susanna feels a mix of hope and fear about her decision, while little Sue embodies youthful curiosity and innocence. The narrative introduces the kind Eldress Abby, who welcomes them, as Susanna grapples with her regrets and hopes for the future. The stage is set for a story that will delve into the complexities of Susanna's past and her quest for tranquility within the Shaker lifestyle, inviting readers to reflect on the choices that define their lives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Kate Douglas Wiggin was an American educator, author and composer. She wrote children's stories, most notably the classic children's novel Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and composed collections of children's songs. She started the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878. With her sister during the 1880s, she also established a training school for kindergarten teachers. Kate Wiggin devoted her adult life to the welfare of children in an era when children were commonly thought of as cheap labor.