“The Path of a Star” by Sara Jeannette Duncan is a compelling novel that explores the journey of a young woman pursuing her dreams amidst societal and personal challenges. The story centers on the protagonist’s ambition to build a successful artistic career, navigating the complexities of social expectations and personal sacrifice. As she strives for professional success, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, balancing her artistic aspirations with the demands of her family dynamics and the relationships she forms along the way. Romance plays a significant role in her life, influencing her choices and adding depth to her experiences. The novel delves into the theme of independence, portraying the protagonist's struggle to assert her identity and carve out a space for herself in a world that often imposes restrictive norms on women. Through the lens of the protagonist's journey, Duncan offers a nuanced exploration of feminism, highlighting the protagonist’s efforts to overcome obstacles and define her own success and happiness. The novel ultimately portrays the protagonist's triumphs and struggles as she navigates the complexities of achieving her dreams while remaining true to herself.
"Sara Jeannette Duncan Canadian writer and journalist Sara Jeannette Duncan also wrote under the pen names Mrs. Everard Cotes and Garth Grafton. After receiving her initial training as a teacher in a regular school, she had an early interest in poetry. Following her brief tenure as a teacher, she worked as a travel writer for Canadian newspapers and as a columnist for the Toronto Globe. She later became the current literature section editor at the Washington Post, where she continued to write. She eventually traveled to India, where she wed an Anglo-Indian civil servant and split her time between England and India. She produced 22 fiction pieces, several of which have global settings and themes. Her books received conflicting reviews and are hardly read now. On the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, she was designated as a National Historic Person in 2016. Sarah Janet Duncan was born on December 22, 1861, at 96 West Street, Brantford, Canada West (now Ontario). Her parents were wealthy Scottish immigrants, Charles Duncan, a dry goods and furniture manufacturer, and Jane (née Bell), an Irish-born Canadian woman."
