
By the Sea: 1887
Written in 1887, 'By the Sea' by Heman White Chaplin is a novel set in a seaside village in Massachusetts that explores the intertwined lives of two families. The story follows James Parsons, a jovial fisherman, and Captain Joseph Pelham, a retired sea captain, as they navigate tragedy and the battle for guardianship of young Joe Pelham after the death of his mother. The narrative highlights themes of community, loss, and the impact of maritime life on personal identities, ultimately reflecting on how past choices shape present lives.














