The Portion of Labor is a novel written by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman and published in 1901. The story is set in the small town of Dunnet Landing, Maine, and follows the lives of several women who are struggling to make ends meet. The main character is Joanna, a hardworking and independent woman who runs a boarding house to support herself and her daughter. Joanna is also a talented seamstress and takes on extra work to make ends meet. The novel explores themes of gender roles, class divisions, and the struggles of working-class women in the early 20th century. The women in the story face challenges such as poverty, illness, and social stigma, but they also find strength and support in their friendships with each other. As the story unfolds, Joanna's life becomes intertwined with those of her boarders, including a young teacher, a wealthy widow, and a troubled young woman. The novel explores their relationships and the ways in which they support each other through difficult times. Overall, The Portion of Labor is a poignant and insightful novel that provides a window into the lives of working-class women in early 20th century America. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of women who faced adversity with grace and determination.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.