Sarah Orne Jewett (1849 – 1909) grew up in South Berwick, Maine, where many of her stories are set. She was first published in The Atlantic at age nineteen and gained appreciation for her place and character driven narratives.

Her most enduring works include The Country of Pointed Firs, an 1896 collection of loosely linked fictional vignettes, and the 1884 novel A Country Doctor. The fictionalized settings and characters are drawn from Jewett’s life and experiences in southern Maine.

Jewett was praised for featuring independent women and focusing on their personal lives and passions. She was a mentor to Willa Cather, who respected the wisdom she shared about writing. Here is a sampling of wise quotes by Sarah Orne Jewett from her novels and other sources. Read More→