The Plum Tree

by Mary Ellen Chase

~Novella~

A nurse in a home for aged women finds ways to make three ladies' last day a gracious and satisfying one.

98 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1949

About the author

American educator, teacher, scholar, and author regarded as one of the most important regional literary figures of the early twentieth century.

Mary Ellen Chase received her Ph.D. in English from the University of Minnesota where she served as an assistant professor from 1922 to 1926. She taught at Smith College starting in 1926 until her retirement in 1955.

Chase wrote more than 30 books, many using her cherished Maine heritage as the setting, capturing the unique spirit and chronicling a way of life for generations. Her most famous of these works include Mary Peters, Silas Crockett, Windswept, and Edge of Darkness.

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

A random old book from the library.

It was mildly funny, somewhat entertaining and delightfully short.

I found it neat to read a novella from 1949.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, "small" novel about a life lived with compassion, kindness, and service.

[Lee Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet novella representing a bygone era.

This little gem came into my possession in an unexpected way. I was visiting a friend in Central Maine, and took a trip to the local “General Store” called Hussey’s. Tucked into the upstairs floor in a corner was a section aptly named “The Book Nook”. At first glance, it appeared to simply be a used book area. But upon closer inspection, all the authors were practically forgotten native Mainers, and this was a carefully cultivated opportunity for new generations to have and read a piece of history. I marveled at the collection, many of them turn of the last century, and came upon this slim volume, the dust jacket long since lost, that simply said “The Plum Tree”.

I carefully opened the book, and upon reading the delightfully old fashion first paragraph, I knew I had to have it.

What followed was a delightful tale of a nurse in a home for Aged Ladies who sets about the make the last day for three of the residents a memorable one, before they unknowingly are transferred to the State Hospital, presumably where they can receive greater care. It’s sweet and sad and eloquent.

Perhaps equally fascinating is the story of the author, Mary Ellen Chase. Born in Maine in the 1880’s, she received not just a college degree, but a Masters and a PhD! In the 1920’s! She also was a teacher both in Minnesota and at Smith College in MA.

She and her partner, Eleanor Duckett, another author and teacher at Smith College, lived a long live together in MA. There are moments in the book that feel like they mirror Chase and Duckett, as the nurse and administrator long to travel and share their lives together.

A lovely memento of both a bygone era and of queer history.

[Terry Grande · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but sweet