Unusual novel, beautifully written. This story is told through the first person voice of Aimee, a farm girl turned factory worker turned loner in 19th-century New England. Aimee's story unfolds in layers over several alternating time periods. Aimee, just like her name, is originally beloved, but ends up alienating her family due to her individuality and desire to live outside of normal conventions. Her tale of growing up and growing away from her roots beautifully rendered. ( )