Sarah, Plain and Tall Genre

Family Drama, Historical Fiction

Family Drama

Sarah, Plain and Tall is a story that revolves around family. Anna and Caleb Witting have lived without a mother in their lives for a long while—ever since Caleb's birth—and they're excited when they learn that their father has placed an ad in the newspaper for a new wife. When a woman named Sarah comes to them, the story focuses on her getting to know the Witting family, and reveals how the characters slowly forge a connection in order to create a new family. As the story unfolds, Anna and Caleb fret about whether Sarah will stay. Spoiler alert: she does.

Historical Fiction

The story takes place in the 1800s and shows what life was like for the farmers in the Midwest as they settled the land and grew crops during this time period. Through the observations and lives of the characters, readers get an intimate look at life in the late 1800s and how people lived before they had cars or the Internet or even refrigerators. On top of that, there are so few women in the Midwest during this time period that the farmers have to place newspaper ads for wives to come from other states… which is exactly how Sarah comes to the Witting family.

Another reason Sarah comes to stay? Women in this time were expected to be wives and mothers, and Sarah needs to get on this, quick. For more on why, hop on over to her page in the "Characters" section.