Rough-Hewn

"Rough-Hewn" by Dorothy Canfield Fisher is a story set in Union Hill that looks into the different worlds of rich and poor families through the eyes of a young boy named Neale Crittenden. As a ten-year-old, Neale's life is full of simple joys, like playing shinny with his buddies, and his new shinny stick stands for his youthful happiness. However, the story also shows the growing tensions in Neale's family, revealing a quietness between him and his parents that suggests deeper issues. This beginning sets the stage for a journey where themes of innocence, class differences, and understanding who you are come into play as Neale grows up. The vivid details of Neale's life mark the start of important experiences that will shape who he becomes.