The Story of Waitstill Baxter

"The Story of Waitstill Baxter" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a tale set in 19th-century New Hampshire, focusing on Waitstill Baxter's journey as she juggles family responsibilities, societal pressures, and her personal longings within her rural community. The story opens with glimpses of the Saco River and the nearby villages of Edgewood and Riverboro, setting the scene as she encounters her world. The novel introduces Waitstill as a young girl witnessing a procession, while hinting at her difficult upbringing under her father, Deacon Baxter. As she grows, the narrative explores her bond with her younger sister, Patience. The novel highlights their experiences in their oppressive home. The sisters' personalities shape the story, showing their desires as they cope with their father's strict control of their lives.