The Wall Between

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27471

Title

The Wall Between

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set against a crumbling stone wall dividing two New Hampshire farms, this novel explores a century-old feud between the Howe and Webster families. Through the evolving relationship between Martin Howe and Lucy Webster, the story examines themes of inherited hatred, the power of love to dismantle ancient barriers, and the possibility of reconciliation between estranged neighbors.

Summary up to 500 words

In Sara Ware Bassett's *The Wall Between*, a generations-old feud separates the Howe and Webster families in New Hampshire, symbolized by a crumbling stone wall that neither side has repaired. The conflict is personified by Ellen Webster, an elderly matriarch who fiercely guards her property against Martin Howe, the younger guardian of the opposing farm. Ellen fears that upon her death, her land will fall to Martin, compelling him to rebuild the barrier and perpetuate the enmity. Her niece, Lucy, arrives at the Webster home, sparking a romance with Martin that threatens to dissolve the family's long-standing hostility. Martin struggles with his pride and duty, torn between his love for Lucy and the ancestral obligation to maintain the wall. His sisters worry about his erratic behavior as he becomes increasingly obsessed with the girl. The tension escalates when Lucy flees the area following a misunderstanding and is subsequently injured in an accident. Martin and his sister Jane rush to her side, where she reveals her deep affection for him. Overcome with joy and a desire to honor Ellen Webster's memory, Martin decides to rebuild the wall but leaves a gate for his sisters and Lucy. The narrative concludes with the couple preparing for marriage, suggesting that love has finally triumphed over generations of stubbornness and spite, transforming a symbol of division into one of reconciliation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27471.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27471.epub

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Categories

• Romance
• Fiction