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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
Sort of an Eight Cousins for the younger set, this is the classic old-fashioned story of thin & nervous city child getting sent to live with country relatives, where she looses her timidity, learns to make applesauce and pats of butter and take care of others, and turns into a sturdy, rosy-cheeked girl. The authorial voice is a bit strong, with plenty of "Reader, let us leave Betsy to her thoughts" comments, and you cynics might find it a bit too heartwarming, but the characters were pleasantly rounded, in form and in content, and on the whole is was a sweet, satisfying, wholesome story. Betsy is nine, but the story could easily be appreciated by the younger set. I still want to find the modern equivalent of this kind of story, where a coddled, nervous child becomes strong and self-assured (and eats as much good food as she pleases). The Putneys, who care for Betsy, guide her but leave her alone. She learns to use her own judgment by being put in situations where she must - everything from how much sugar to add to the applesauce to helping out a neglected boy at school. Betsy panics and feels incapable, but unlike with her Aunt Frances, who rushed to help with any little problem, the Putneys let Betsy figure things out on her own.
What a delightful book. My only regret is that it took me so long to discover it!
I had not heard of this older book before it hit a recommended reading list in homeschool. It’s fantastic. The language is complex but the story is fresh and has such depth of character development, plus a lot of great application for kids who struggle with anxiety. Loved it.
One of my childhood favorites; probably a large part of what caused me to leave my beloved Oregon for college in Vermont.
This book was first published in 1917, and it's fascinating to see the way life is described with the same old battles: technology vs. simple living, co-dependence vs. pluck, overprotective parenting vs. go-run-around-in-the-dirt parenting. Also it's supposed to be for 10-year-old girls, and reads like an ad for Montessori education, but it was such a charming little story that I think Fisher totally sold me.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A definite childhood favorite. Where The Ordinary Princess was the first book that I consciously remember reading, this one came not long after. Bias and all, it's an incredibly cute story about a young girl finding independence and breaking out of the sickly role proposed to her by relatives that felt girls needed to be delicate, and moving onto be a more robust and self-assured person.
I've read this book hundreds of times throughout the years. It is one of the most delightful books I've ever read. My beloved copy is falling apart as a result.