Portrait of Sarah

Jewett’s first novel, Deephaven (1877) was a success, propelling Jewett into the world of New England’s literary inner circle. At the center of this elite group were Jewett’s publisher, James T. Fields, and his wife Annie Fields, and it was at their home that Jewett met and became friends with some of the most noted writers, poets, and artists of the day.

In 1882, after the sudden death of James T. Fields, Sarah went on a condolence visit to Mrs. Fields. A typical condolence visit at that time lasting three weeks, Sarah stayed three months and from then on, the two were virtually inseparable—they fell in love.