Wives and Widows; or, The Broken Life

"Wives and Widows; or, The Broken Life" by Ann S. Stephens is a 19th-century novel about a young woman's journey through grief and new beginnings. Following the death of her mother, the protagonist finds herself in a world of privilege when her guardian's family takes her in, offering her both affection and complex social challenges. We quickly see themes of loss, the importance of friendship, and the search for where she belongs when she reflects on her painful memories after being welcomed into the home of Mr. Olmsly, her caring guardian, his kind daughter, Miss Olmsly, and a handsome guest, Mr. Lee. It's an introduction to a world where she will be faced with making choices that will affect her sense of loyalty, love, and future.