We Girls: a Home Story

"We Girls: a Home Story" by A. D. T. Whitney is a fictional work written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the Holabird family, particularly focusing on the lives of the daughters, Ruth, Rosamond, and Barbara, as they navigate the challenges of social standing, familial responsibilities, and their own desires in a small town transitioning into a city. At the start of the story, the Holabird family is preparing for a significant move from the bustle of town to a new house in a more genteel setting called Westover. Through a vivid description of their home life, the author introduces the dynamics between family members, especially the quiet but thoughtful Ruth, who feels a pressing need to contribute to her family's well-being. The opening encapsulates themes of change, identity, and the notion of belonging, as the girls harbor aspirations against a backdrop of societal expectations. As the family prepares to move, they grapple with practical concerns intertwined with their dreams, all portrayed with a mix of humor and sincerity.