The Day of Their Wedding

Two young people, Lorenzo and Althea, wish to get married; the only trouble is that they belong to a Shaker community and must run away to doo. This simple and touching novel, published originally in 1895, tells of their short escape as they encounter the brave new world they hope to belong to. By the end of the day, however—despite their deep love and desire—they choose to return to their community, not certain whether or not they want to be part of the modern world.

Howells writes brilliantly in this short work, without exaggerating or diminishing his characters or their beliefs. This is a lovely tale, as fresh now as it was at the end of the 19th century.