Frances Parkinson Keyes
Frances Parkinson Keyes
A Life of Writing, Family, and Faith
Full Name and Common Aliases
Frances Parkinson Keyes was born on August 21, 1885, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is commonly known as FPK.
Birth and Death Dates
August 21, 1885 - April 3, 1944
Nationality and Profession(s)
American author, novelist, and playwright
Frances Parkinson Keyes was a celebrated American author of novels, short stories, and plays. Her writing career spanned over three decades, during which she produced numerous bestselling books that captivated readers with their rich characters, intricate plots, and themes of love, family, and faith.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a devoutly Catholic household, Keyes was instilled with strong moral values from an early age. Her parents, John Wallace Parkinson and Anna Elizabeth (née Keefe) Parkinson, were both of Irish descent, which would later influence her writing style. Keyes's childhood was marked by a close-knit family life, and she often credited her parents for encouraging her love of reading and writing.
Keyes's early education took place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she attended local schools before moving to the prestigious Miss Porter's Finishing School in Farmington, Connecticut. It was during this time that she began to develop her writing skills, producing short stories and poetry under the guidance of her teachers.
Major Accomplishments
Keyes's writing career gained momentum with the publication of her first novel, _The White Rain_, in 1919. This marked the beginning of a prolific period, during which she produced over 30 novels, numerous short stories, and several plays for the stage. Her works often explored themes of love, family, and faith, appealing to readers seeking more than just entertainment.
Some of Keyes's notable works include:
_Dinner at Antoine's_ (1947) - a novel set in New Orleans that explores issues of morality and social class
_The Love Song_ (1930) - a romantic drama that delves into the complexities of love and relationships
* _The Endless Burden_ (1926) - a novel that grapples with themes of family, duty, and personal sacrifice
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her written works, Keyes was an active supporter of various charitable causes. She worked closely with organizations such as the Catholic Church's St. Vincent de Paul Society, advocating for social justice and compassion towards those in need.
Keyes's own life experience also influenced her writing. Her marriage to Sidney Coe Keyes in 1906 provided a rich source of inspiration for many of her works. The couple had two children together before his untimely death in 1915. This tragic event would later become the subject of several of her writings.
Impact and Legacy
Frances Parkinson Keyes's impact on American literature extends far beyond her own lifetime. Her dedication to exploring themes of faith, family, and love has left a lasting impression on readers and writers alike. Her works continue to be studied in academic circles for their insight into the social and cultural climate of early 20th-century America.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Keyes's writing style, which combined elements of realism with a strong moral compass, resonated with readers seeking more substance from their literature. Her exploration of complex themes and relationships has made her one of the most beloved authors of her time.
In an era marked by social change and cultural upheaval, Keyes's works offer a unique glimpse into the lives and values of ordinary Americans during this period. Her writing continues to inspire readers today, offering timeless lessons on love, family, and faith that transcend generations.
Quotes by Frances Parkinson Keyes
Of all the men I have known, I cannot recall one whose mother did her level best for him when he was little who did not turn out well when he grew up.
I have always been allergic to telephones. As far as I am concerned, they are very seldom time-savers and very often the destroyers of schedules.
Folks with their wits about them knew that advertisements were just a pack of lies – you had only to look at the claims of patent medicines!
Fortunately, any kind of setback has represented a challenge to do better, rather than an acceptance of inferiority on my part.
Taking the way that opens, even if it seems hardly more than a footpath, not infrequently leads to the highways of heart’s desire, if not to fame and fortune.
A half century of living should put a good deal into a person’s face besides a few wrinkles and some unwelcome folds around the chin.
You know how some people are – they always feel they have to do things for other people’s good, no matter what happens to the other people in the process!
The snow, which had fallen quietly at first, was now pelting against the windowpanes, driven by a wicked wind; the storm was rapidly assuming proportions of a blizzard.
A mystic is a spiritual realist, a person for whom the Invisible is a matter of more or less firsthand experience.