Tiverton Tales

"Tiverton Tales" by Alice Brown is a collection of linked short stories that capture the essence of life in a small New England town during the late 1800s. The narratives center on the lives and relationships of the townspeople, with a particular focus on how they navigate domestic life, family, and their personal dreams. The stories introduce us to characters whose lives intertwine with their surroundings, and highlight the small but significant moments that shape their destinies. For example, one tale features Della Smith, who is determined to find joy and excitement in her somewhat ordinary life. She takes it upon herself to fashion a croquet ground using discarded household items like her mother’s old bed, showing her playful character. Such attempts illustrate both the charm and the underlying struggles of rural living, painting a nostalgic portrait of a community grappling with change and the search for contentment.