Molly Make-Believe

Molly Make-Believe was originally published in 1910, marking a significant early success for American author Eleanor Hallowell Abbott. The novella follows Carl, a man confined to his bed by rheumatism, who commissions a professional letter-writing service to provide him with affection and companionship, leading to a whimsical and heartfelt romance. The work is representative of the sentimental and lighthearted literary style that defined early twentieth-century American popular fiction, characterized by its focus on emotional interiority and the gentle subversion of social conventions.

The narrative resonated deeply with contemporary readers, benefiting from a cultural moment that valued cozy, optimistic storytelling. Abbott’s work was noted for its witty prose and original premise, which helped solidify her reputation as a prominent contributor to the popular magazines of the era. The Kessinger Publishing edition serves as a modern archival reprint, ensuring that this turn-of-the-century classic remains accessible to contemporary readers interested in the development of American romantic fiction and the evolution of the domestic novel.