Neaera (1859)

Adventures at Smiths Bridge is a humorous look at the Bruce family, who lived in rural North Carolina during the late 1940s. Elizabeth, the main character, was a tomboy who enjoyed living on a river. Her brother, Tony, was both companion and thorn in her side. Her attempts at keeping him straight usually ended in a fight. Roland, her father, had a wonderful sense of humor, which made up for his strict dicipline. Frances, her mother, was stuck in their country store every day, seldom going anywhere. The store became their living room with many colorful locals coming by to talk. Life on the farm, though hard at times, was enjoyable, the family working in blueberries and tobacco. Although they had few modern conveniences, the Bruce children’s carefree childhood was full of interesting and amusing events. Elizabeth appreciated nature and loved the simple life. She was the female version of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.