Barbara Newhall Follett: The Literary Scene of the 1920s

Early Dreams Up in Smoke

In 1923, Barbara Newhall Follett, aged 9, watched her family home burn to the ground, taking with it the manuscript of her 40,000-word fantasy novel—a labor of love that represented her budding talent as a writer. Undeterred, she reconstructed her masterpiece, “The House Without Windows,” which would later earn her acclaim as a child prodigy in the literary world.

Nurtured Talent

Born into a family passionate about literature, Follett’s parents provided her with the tools and encouragement to nurture her talent from a young age. With her own typewriter, she delved into a world of imagination, crafting stories and exploring the realms of fantasy with remarkable skill for her age.

A Literary Sensation

Published at the age of 12, “The House Without Windows” captivated readers with its vivid descriptions and imaginative narrative. Despite skepticism from some quarters about her youth, critics praised the novel as a work of artistry beyond her years, launching Follett into the spotlight as a rising literary star.

Tragedy Strikes

However, tragedy soon overshadowed Follett’s early success. Her father’s infidelity shattered their family, leaving her mother and sister reliant on Follett’s writing to support them. Struggling with personal turmoil and financial pressure, Follett’s life took a turbulent turn, marked by failed relationships and unfulfilling jobs.

Vanishing Act

In 1939, amidst marital discord and personal anguish, Follett disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a troubled marriage and a life fraught with disappointment. Despite extensive efforts to locate her, including speculation of suicide, her fate remained a mystery.

A Haunting Parallel

Decades later, the discovery of human remains near a property associated with Follett raised haunting questions about her disappearance. Drawing parallels to another woman who vanished under similar circumstances, speculation arose that Follett’s fate may have been tragically intertwined with that of Else Whittemore.

Unraveling the Mystery

Author Daniel Mills’s investigation into Follett’s disappearance uncovered compelling evidence linking her to the discovered remains. While conclusive proof remains elusive, theories suggest that Follett’s story may have ended amidst the wooded solitude she once found solace in.

Legacy and Enigma

Despite the passage of time, Barbara Newhall Follett remains a figure shrouded in mystery—an enigmatic blend of childhood brilliance and adult turmoil. Her literary legacy endures, a testament to a talent cut short by circumstances beyond her control.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The mentalfloss