American Life: A Narrative of Two Years' City and Country Residence in the United States

"American Life" by Mrs. Felton is a personal narrative detailing the author's observations during her two-year residence in the United States, written in the early 19th century. The work combines elements of travel writing and social commentary, providing insights into the American experience from the perspective of an Englishwoman. It reflects her experiences during a significant voyage, the aftermath of arriving in New York, and her encounters with various aspects of American society and culture. The opening of the book begins with the author's emotional reflections as she embarks on her journey from Europe, portraying the mixture of melancholy and anticipation that accompanies such departures. She describes the unfavourable conditions aboard the ship, including seasickness, and introduces fellow passengers, including the unkind captain and his wife, as well as other intriguing individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through her observations, Mrs. Felton crafts an engaging narrative that captures both her struggles at sea and her initial impressions of America, setting the stage for her explorations of life in both urban and rural settings as she acclimates to her new home.