Clara Louise Burnham 
Instead of the Thorn 
A Novel

Clara Louise Burnham’s novel, ‘Instead of the Thorn, ‘ transports readers to the early 20th century as it delves into themes of family, sacrifice, and societal expectations. Written in a descriptive and emotive style, Burnham vividly captures the inner turmoil of her characters as they navigate love and duty. Set in a New England town, the novel’s rich historical detail immerses readers in a bygone era while exploring timeless moral dilemmas. Burnham’s adept use of dialogue and narrative structure adds depth to her characters and their relationships, making ‘Instead of the Thorn’ a compelling and thought-provoking read. As a pioneering female author in the early 1900s, Burnham’s own experiences and observations undoubtedly influenced the themes and characters in the novel. Her nuanced understanding of human emotions and societal constraints shines through in this poignant tale. I recommend ‘Instead of the Thorn’ to readers interested in exploring the complexities of family dynamics, love, and duty against the backdrop of a changing society.