Is A Piece of the World a 'New England' novel? To what extent do the characters and the setting take into account their New England roots?

Is A Piece of the World a "New England" novel? To what extent do the characters and the setting take into account their New England roots?

I believe the setting is an integral part of the novel, so, in that respect it is a "New England" novel. Just as Olive Kittredge fit in her setting, this has the feel of New England...in a somewhat stereotypical way.

The setting made the story believable. When you look at the painting you can image the setting

Yes, I believe so. The setting is a huge part of the story - from the farm, to her family's seafaring history, to the way that people spend their summers vacationing there, to the harsh winters. The setting is definitely integral to the story.

When i read this novel, the temperature drastically changed in my neck of the words and turned very cold. I felt that cold in "A Piece of the World" too. The New England seasons were perfectly portrayed. I also liked the fact that Christina and Al's home stayed the same - no major improvements and very frugal in every way.

Oh,definitely! I live in Vermont and go to the Maine shore throughout the year--it is just like the book. Harsh winters, bone chilling dampness, gray days with a sudden golden day bringing hope in the dead of winter, heart lifting spring, glorious endless summer and magnificent vibrant fall. Hardscrabble existence and houses that just last and last with increasing character with each passing year--people that reflect the life and surroundings--yup--definitely New England and nothing stereotypical about it for the natives whose families go back generations.

I agree with everyone else. It's definitely a New England novel. The setting almost acts as a character in the novel. If the setting where elsehwere, I think it would be a drastically different book.

The book is definitely a New England novel. I was immersed in the setting as I read and the characters made more sense to me because I could appreciate how they were affected by their surroundings.

I don't know New England terribly well and find this question difficult to answer, but I do think this is a book where the setting and the main character are closely intertwined thematically. When I read Katherinep's comment above, I really felt the connection between the landscape and the character:"Harsh winters, bone chilling dampness, gray days with a sudden golden day bringing hope in the dead of winter, heart lifting spring, glorious endless summer and magnificent vibrant fall." To me that could describe Christina's life - grey and challenging, yet somehow remarkable and inspiring.

When I think of New England, I think of tough, proud people, not afraid of hard work. They want to be seen as strong and independent. Because of this, friendships do not come easily, but the few you have will be loyal forever. There was also a lot of repeat pattern and routine. The setting was a major part of the book.