First published 1968
Emily grows up in the sheltered world of the Cheney family estate in Connecticut. The familiar rhythms of life at the Place shape her early years alongside her sister. Summer brings adventures when cousins arrive at the family home in Keene Valley. These gatherings become Emily's first glimpse beyond the boundaries she has always known. As seasons pass, the small kingdom of her childhood begins to feel less complete. The wider world calls to her with promises of discovery and experience that the Place cannot provide. Emily must decide whether to remain in the safety of family traditions or venture into unknown territory. Her journey becomes one of recognizing that even the most beloved small worlds eventually grow too small. The emotional heart of her story lies in learning that leaving home does not mean abandoning what made it precious.
Genres: fiction, family-life, 20th-century, coming-of-age, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Connecticut, Keene Valley
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
Hardcover · Harper & Row