Our Village

Mary Russell Mitford's 'Our Village' is a collection of literary sketches depicting rural life in Three Mile Cross, a small village in the south of England, where the author lived. Mitford's striking descriptions of country scenery and manners are written on the spot with resolute fidelity to the place and its people. Her portrayal of villagers may seem brighter than usual, but Mitford captures their little frailties and many virtues with a hearty love of her subject. The sketches evoke an intense and thankful conviction that, in every condition of life, goodness and happiness can be found by those who seek them, especially in the fresh air, shade, and sunshine of nature.