The Woodpecker is a novel by Elizabeth Madox Roberts, set in rural Kentucky in the early twentieth century. The story follows the life of a young girl, Mary, who is growing up in a small farming community. Mary is a bright and imaginative child, and she loves to explore the woods and fields around her home. She is also a talented musician, and she dreams of one day becoming a professional musician. When Mary's father dies, her family is left in a difficult financial situation. Mary's mother is forced to take in boarders to make ends meet, and Mary is left to care for her younger siblings. Despite the hardships, Mary finds solace in the natural world around her, and she discovers a special bond with a woodpecker that visits her family's farm. As Mary grows older, she is faced with difficult choices about her future. She must decide whether to pursue her dream of becoming a musician, or to stay home and help her family. Ultimately, Mary chooses to stay home and help her family, but she never forgets her dream. The Woodpecker is a beautiful story of family, friendship, and the power of dreams.
By Elizabeth Madox Roberts · First published 1922 · Genre: Southern Gothic, Realism, Fiction