Between Whiles (ePub)

Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885) was an American writer and activist whose literary contributions have been recognized for both their emotional depth and engagement with social issues of her time. Born Helen Maria Fiske in Amherst, Massachusetts, she was first enveloped in the world of letters through her father, who encouraged her education. Marrying Edward Bissell Hunt in 1852, she faced tragedy with the loss of both her husband and two children, which deeply influenced her works. After their deaths, she embarked on a prolific writing career. Her reputation as a writer was established with her poetry and later, with her novels and essays. Jackson's intimate understanding of loss and her empathetic reflections on human and social conditions won her national acclaim. Notably, her novel 'Ramona' (1884) highlighted the plight of Native Americans, positioning her as an influential advocate for their rights. 'Between Whiles' (1887), another addition to her bibliography, further showcased her storytelling prowess, posthumously sharing with readers vignettes that capture her discerning observations of life's diverse intermissions. She is often commemorated for her evocative narratives, versatility, and commitment to justice-qualities that make her a distinct and cherished figure in American literary history.