SOURCE: “‘Valuable Only for Its Truth’: An Appraisal” in Caroline M. Kirkland, Twayne, 1972, pp. 130-37.

In the following essay, Osborne provides a general assessment of Kirkland's work. Praising her for the realism of A New Home, Osborne argues that her later work is a “disappointment” to modern readers, as it lacks much of the uninhibited honesty that made A New Home such a success.

… My life has been one of much sorrow and it would be painful to me to have it dragged before the public. I would rather be known by my writings only—except to my friends—who can do as they like after my death—If I knew which of my writings are most characteristic, I would make the selection—but I do not—I have thought some of my articles from the Union were as good as any I ever wrote.

—Mrs. Kirkland to...