"The Allen House; Or, Twenty Years Ago and Now" by T. S. Arthur is, at its core, a character study that shows how life can change over the course of just a few decades. Following those who reside within the Allen House over the course of twenty years, the book is meant as a showcase of the passage of time for a Boston family. Starting in childhood and the first attempts at finding one's path in life and moving through into stability and responsibility of adulthood, this book is both a window into the past and a relatable tale for modern readers.