Comfortable Mrs. Crook, and other sketches

"Comfortable Mrs. Crook, and other sketches" by Ruth Lamb is a collection of stories outlining the life of Mrs. Jemima Crook, a widow who values her independence above all else. The stories explore her interactions within her community, where she maintains a distance from others, and the story highlights her lack of empathy, as shown through the way she treats her neighbors. As the story unfolds, the author contrasts Mrs. Crook's indifference with the kindness of those around her, like her servant Fanny, and hints that Mrs. Crook may feel unsure about the choices she has made in her life.