A novel of life on the rocky coast of Maine, set among fishing families in the early nineteenth century. It follows Mara, a quiet and thoughtful child raised on a small island, and Moses, a boy rescued and brought up beside her. Their friendship deepens as they grow, while the sea, the weather and strict local religion shape their lives. Stowe gives a loving and detailed picture of New England village customs, speech and faith, and of the tension between duty and longing. It is among her gentler regional works.