'Annie Kilburn' Summary

After eleven years in Rome, Annie Kilburn returns to her hometown, a bustling industrial center in New England. She is shocked to discover a world unrecognizable from the one she left behind. The social fabric of her childhood has been disrupted by rapid industrialization and the influx of immigrants. Annie attempts to reintegrate into her community but finds herself a stranger in a changed world. She seeks solace and purpose through working with the poor and sick, especially the children, and develops a deep connection with Mr. Peck, a dedicated minister who shares her compassionate spirit. As Annie embraces her new life, she grapples with questions of personal identity, faith, and the nature of love, all against the backdrop of a society grappling with its own transformation. Through her journey, Annie Kilburn explores the complexities of social change, the importance of compassion, and the search for meaning and connection in a rapidly evolving world.