Fair to Look Upon

** "Fair to Look Upon" by Mary Belle Freeley is a late 19th-century novel that examines the lives of significant women from biblical narratives through a humorous and contemporary lens. The story focuses on a woman who questions her position and influence in a male-centered society, wrestling with relationships and societal expectations of obedience. Early on, a revealing conversation with her future husband showcases her vibrant personality, as she disputes the idea of a wife's complete submission. The narrative playfully portrays the challenges of her upcoming marriage, subtly indicating that she will consider influential biblical women like Eve and Sarah, who resisted submission in different ways. Through witty conversations and a critical viewpoint, the author aims to honor women’s independence, juxtaposing historical expectations with the growing sense of liberty in the late 1800s. **