
On a bright Cape Cod morning, retired sea captain Ira Ball settles into his well‑worn armchair, his polished coat and silver watch a reminder of a life spent on the water. His wife, Prudence, shuffles potatoes on the stoop, teasing his old‑mariner habits while he fumbles with snuff and a stubborn cane. Their banter, full of gentle ribbing and affectionate concern, paints a vivid picture of a couple whose love has weathered many tides, offering listeners a warm glimpse into the rhythms of a small New England homestead.
Into this tranquil world drifts Sheila, a spirited girl from nearby Big Wreck Cove, whose curiosity and determination stir the sleepy community. As she navigates the expectations of tradition and the lure of new possibilities, her encounters with the Ball family and their neighbors reveal the tight‑knit fabric of Cape Cod life. Listeners will be drawn into the charm of salty breezes, porch conversations, and the quiet heroism of everyday people facing the subtle changes of a new season.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (444K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Janet Kegg and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Release date
2005-01-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1862–1930
Best known for lively Cape Cod novels, this early 20th-century American writer filled his stories with fishermen, lighthouse keepers, village gossip, and the pull of the sea. His books have an easy warmth that makes small-town coastal life feel close and real.
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