Mariella; of Out-West

by Ella Higginson, Laura Laffrado (Introduction)

Originally published by Pacific Northwest author, Ella Higginson, in 1902 by Macmillan, "Mariella" is a pioneer coming-of-age story whose titular character is full of wit and charm.

Set in a fictional Puget Sound village in the 1880s, the novel follows Mariella's struggle as a young woman torn between two potential futures for herself, as demonstrated by two suitors. One, a poor, hard-working pioneer farmer whom Mariella has loved her whole life, and the other, a well-traveled and educated gentleman whom captures Mariella's curiosity and desire to grow beyond her hometown.

The novel was very well received during it's initial publication for it's memorable characters and depiction of pioneer life on the West Coast (and all the social dynamics that comes with it!).

Having been out of print and hard to come by for many years, Chuckanut Editions is thrilled to offer both a deluxe limited-edition, cloth-bound hardcover edition of the book, as well as a trade paperback edition.

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Ella Rhoads Higginson (1862-1940) was an American author of award-winning fiction, poetry, and essays. She was influential for the international attention her writing drew to the then little-known Pacific Northwest region of the United States. She helped establish the first public reading room and library in Bellingham and served on the library’s board. In 1912 she served as campaign manager for Republican candidate Frances C. Axtell, who became the first female member of the Washington state legislature.