A Rivermouth Romance

"A Rivermouth Romance" by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a humorous novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the quaint coastal town of Rivermouth, exploring themes of love, marriage, and societal expectations through the misadventures of its main characters. The book likely touches on the follies of romantic aspirations and the complexities of domestic life during this period. The narrative follows Margaret Callaghan, a devoted servant who secretly marries a young sailor, Larry O'Rourke, only to find herself entangled in a chaotic and tumultuous married life. Despite her initial hopes for a brighter future, she faces disappointment as Larry struggles with alcoholism and a lack of responsibility. The couple's romance evolves amidst Margaret's longing for a stable life and the town's gossip about their relationship. As O'Rourke's wild behavior leads to unexpected consequences—including a stint in prison—Margaret must navigate her feelings and the realities of their marriage, ultimately reflecting on love, regret, and the passage of time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Bailey Aldrich was an American writer, poet, critic, and editor. He is notable for his long editorship of The Atlantic Monthly, during which he published writers including Charles W. Chesnutt. He was also known for his semi-autobiographical book The Story of a Bad Boy, which established the "bad boy's book" subgenre in nineteenth-century American literature, and for his poetry.