Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) was an American abolitionist and author, best known for Uncle Tom's Cabin which depicted life for African-Americans under slavery, reached millions as a novel and play, and energized anti-slavery forces in the American North. The Minister's Wooing is a historical romance set in 18th-century New England; the novel satirizes the Calvinism Stowe had grown up with.
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Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) was an American abolitionist and author, best known for Uncle Tom's Cabin which depicted life for African-Americans under slavery, reached millions as a novel and play, and energized anti-slavery forces in the American North. The Minister's Wooing is a historical romance set in 18th-century New England; the novel satirizes the Calvinism Stowe had grown up with.
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I had only known Harriet Beecher Stowe from Uncle Tom's Cabin. She is still the true abolitionist at heart, but her aim this time is to free people's minds and hearts from the hopelessness of Calvinism. It is, of course, written in a style that is quite archaic and foreign to readers of this century, but the story is beautiful. The description of life in Newport, Rhode Island in the 18th century is beguiling, to say the least. This book is a glimpse of everyday life, at what hour meals were eaten, when to retire for the night, preparations for a wedding, descriptions of clothing. These homely details are coupled with discussions of theology and the freedom of an individual to conduct a quest for God on his or her own terms. The love story in this case serves as a vehicle to unmask a rigid, unyielding theological system that takes the joy out of life. There is the interesting addition of Aaron Burr as the villain in a subplot. It takes a little effort to stick with the story at times, but seeing life in this place and in this time is rewarding.