As the Revolutionary War progressed, tensions and resentments ran high
with the promise of lasting long after the surrender. Amid this chaos,
the daily lives of citizens and soldiers were changed, often
characterized by the polarizing political beliefs they held. Amid this
disarray, a wealthy merchant, Col. Johnanthan Hamilton, welcomes Captain
John Paul Jones to dinner in his lavish home in Berwick, Maine. While
the two men discuss the war and enjoy their dinner, the colonel's
daughter, Mary is only concerned about a ship sailing away from America
with news of surrender. Named the Ranger, the ship is full of men from
different backgrounds, but Mary is only concerned with one. When he and
Mary first met, Roger Wallingford was a man of loyalist leanings. This
greatly opposed Mary's views, as she and her family are greatly
dedicated to the American cause. However, as the two grew closer, Roger
began to see the error in his thoughts, slowly losing the sympathy he
held for the British as he fell in love with Mary. Now, Roger is doing
his part to be a helpful crew member on the Ranger, but while a traitor
lurks on the ship, seeking turmoil, Roger's newly found allegiance to
America is tested, and his future with Mary is threatened. With settings
of Maine, the Atlantic, France, and England, The Tory Lover provides
detailed insight and description of multiple landscapes and people
during the Revolutionary War. While portraying the opposing ideologies,
high tension, and betrayal expected during the war, Sarah Orne Jewett's
work also depicts a touching romance between star-crossed lovers. With
these exciting elements and the insightful portrayal of historical
figures and settings, The Tory Lover remains to be just as
entertaining to a modern audience as it is educational. This edition of
The Tory Lover by Sarah Orne Jewett features an eye-catching new cover
design and is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With
these accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to
contemporary audiences, restoring The Tory Lover to modern standards
while preserving the original genius and beauty of Sarah Orne Jewett's
work.
