The book of Martha

"The Book of Martha" by the Hon. Mrs. Dowdall is a story set in the early 1900's about Martha, a woman looking back at her life, particularly in contrast to her friend Ruth. She dives into themes of being your own person, doing what you need to do, and the everyday struggles of running a home while also looking at modern challenges. The story begins with Martha talking about Ruth, who has taken over much of Martha's life since getting married. Martha feels she wants to be in charge of her own story. It is about her dealing with managing a household with servants, businesses, and family. Martha's annoyance with her cook, Ruth, and the different business people shows how crazy household work can be, making the domestic life into something funny, but also deeply felt. The beginning sets the stage to understand Martha's issues in her home and her journey to be free in a world with many rules.