Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman - The Wind in the Rose Bush

Freeman's life and writing reflect a blend of personal struggle and feminist ideals. Raised in a strict Congregationalist household, she began writing as a teenager, achieving early success with supernatural-infused stories. Following the deaths of her parents, she turned to writing for income, producing notable works like "A New England Nun" and "Pembroke." Her characters often challenged societal norms, particularly regarding women's rights. Despite a troubled marriage, Freeman became a celebrated author, receiving the William Dean Howells Medal before her death in 1930.