First I will begin by saying that the endpapers for this book is one of my favorites. Then I will tell you how much I adore this little book by Eleanor Graham. Graham tells the story of the five Dunnet children who are left to care for themselves when their parents leave to be with Mrs. Dunnet's dying mother. What should be a short trip turns into an extended absence as the parents' plane goes missing. The children are soon turned out of their home and take up residence in a kind farmer's unused barn. The oldest girl and boy assume parental roles as they try to provide for the most basic necessities of life. The children face further challenges as 'well-meaning' neighbors seek to split them up for proper placement and search for any justification to make this happen.I still read quite a bit of children's literature for my own pleasure (especially the classics I didn't get to while growing up) but I am always aware that no matter how much I enjoy it, I am judging the work from an adult perspective. But while reading Graham's book, I felt like a kid again reading with that giddiness that comes from finding a really good adventure. It reminded me of when I was young and I would come up with all these 'what if' scenarios. A recurring one was what would I do if for some reason I was left alone. Would I be able to cope and take care of myself? How would I do it? The Dunnets did it. Although it was harder than imaginable and just as frightening as a child would think it could be, they created a makeshift home in this barn. Graham's story constantly reminded me what it was like to be a kid and I think that is what allowed me to read the story with so much childlike wonder.
I am grateful to Persephone for publishing this book as it really should be included in the canon of classic children's literature...not only because it is a good read but because there just seems something right about the founding editor of Puffin having this book in print.
10 comments:
It was such a lovely story, and I plan on giving it to my small cousin in due course - I think she would love the adventurous ideal
I didn't realise that Eleanor Graham was the founding editor of Puffin - how apt!
This sounds like one of my very favourite Enid Blyton books: The Secret Island (love, love, love that book).
It is a beautiful endpaper and complements your background very well!
Oh I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much too! I think it's an utterly charming book, but as you say quite scary! All the details of how they survive and cook etc seem so realistic don't they? Have you ever read The Key of Rose Cottage by Margaret Baker? It's a similar story in that children have to fend for themselves only cracks me up every time with the sweet humour. Sadly out of print but should be easy to find cheaply on ABE I think if you want to give it a try!
This sounds fantastic! I remain a big fan of children's literature, but it's true that most of the time I have trouble leaving my adult's perspective behind. I love books that manage to get me to do that.
I've wonderdd about reading this book before and after your lovely review there's another book to add to my books to read list.
I adored this when I read it - it was one of my first Persephones actually. Such a charming story that so beautifully depicts childhood and also 1930's modes of speech! Don't you just want to make a hay box now?
Oh Stacy, this sounds wonderful! When I'm drawing up my wish-list from the catalogue I wonder about the titles drawn around children. I'll wonder no more...and you're right about the endpapers, gorgeous!
Like Paperback Reader, I immediately thought of The Secret Island when reading your review. Books about children looking after themselves and building their own world were always the best.
I've been very attracted to this particular Persephone because of the premise but was hesitant to purchase because I was afraid it might not stand up to my expectations, as I've never heard anybody else talk about it before. Thanks for the nudge. It sounds wonderful!
What a lovely review! I think I read this book as a child, but now can't remember it very well at all. You've made me want to read it again! I too love reading children's books still. Oh, and those endpapers are lovely!
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