The Doctor's Sweetheart by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Name: The Doctor's Sweetheart
Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery

This novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her hometown after being away for several years. She reconnects with an old flame and must navigate her feelings for him while also dealing with the societal expectations placed upon her. The story explores themes of love, identity, and the constraints of small-town life.

By Lucy Maud Montgomery · First published 1909 · Genre: Romance, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction · 3,774 words

First lines

Just because I am an old woman outwardly it doesn't follow that I am one inwardly. Hearts don't grow old -- or shouldn't. Mine hasn't, I am thankful to say. It bounded like a girl's with delight when I saw Doctor John and Marcella Barry drive past this afternoon. If the doctor had been my own son I couldn't have felt more real pleasure in his happiness. I'm only an old lady who can do little but sit by her window and knit, but eyes were made for seeing, and I use mine for that purpose. When I see the good and beautiful things -- and a body need never look for the other kind, you know -- the things God planned from the beginning and brought about in spite of the counter plans and schemes of men, I feel such a deep joy that I'm glad, even at seventy-five, to be alive in a world where such things come to pass. And if ever God meant and made two people for each other, those people were Doctor John and Marcella Barry; and that is what I always tell folk who come here commenting on the difference in their ages. "Old enough to be her father," sniffed Mrs. Riddell to me the other day. I didn't say anything to Mrs. Riddell. I just looked at her. I presume my face expressed what I felt pretty clearly. How any woman can live for sixty years in the world, as Mrs. Riddell has, a wife and mother at that, and not get some realization of the beauty and general satisfactoriness of a real and abiding love, is something I cannot understand and never shall be able to.

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What this Textopian page supports

The Doctor's Sweetheart is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lucy Maud Montgomery, dated 1909 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
Date: 1909 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romance, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction
Length: 3,774 words
Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Doctor's Sweetheart by Lucy Maud Montgomery
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Genres

Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Doctor John and Marcella, exploring themes of love, commitment, and societal expectations.
Coming-of-Age — The story follows Marcella's growth from childhood to adulthood, highlighting her emotional and personal development as she navigates love and societal pressures.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and character-driven, focusing on the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters, particularly the old woman narrator.
Drama — The narrative includes significant emotional conflicts and societal challenges, particularly regarding age differences and family expectations.