One of Gene Stratton-Porter's most famous novels, originally published in 1909. A story of a young girl who triumphed against adversity and poverty to achieve lasting happiness.Elnora Comstock is a young woman who lives with her mother at the edge of the Limberlost swamp in Indiana around the turn of the century. Though naturally gifted and intelligent, Elnora is resented by her mother who blames her pregnancy for her inability to pull her husband from a mire of quicksand, where he died. Elnora has grown up never knowing ...
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One of Gene Stratton-Porter's most famous novels, originally published in 1909. A story of a young girl who triumphed against adversity and poverty to achieve lasting happiness.Elnora Comstock is a young woman who lives with her mother at the edge of the Limberlost swamp in Indiana around the turn of the century. Though naturally gifted and intelligent, Elnora is resented by her mother who blames her pregnancy for her inability to pull her husband from a mire of quicksand, where he died. Elnora has grown up never knowing her father or even her mother's love, but she is determined to make something of herself. Though straitened by her mother's refusal to sell land or cut trees, Elnora finds a way to pay her way through the city high school and get the education that will change her future. Along the way, old secrets about her father come to light and Elnora's mother must face the truth she never knew.I loved A Girl of the Limberlost so much growing up. I wanted to be Elnora and lose myself in the Limberlost as she did. (It's also easy for a teenage reader having conflict with her parents to admire the much-persecuted heroine of this tale.) I have been afraid to reread it because I felt it could not hold up to my older and wiser scrutiny, but I finally did. My hesitation was for good reason; I could see the weaknesses and sentimentality of the story a bit more clearly now. But there were other things that still rang true and moved me.This will always be an important novel to me and one I will share with my children. Sometimes it's the moment of life when you read a book that matters more than the literary merits of the work itself. A Girl of the Limberlost is that for me.
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Gene Stratton Porter was a well-known naturalist and Christian author in the late 1800s to the early1900s, writing Laddie, Freckles, The Magic Garden and others. Her novels focus on a protagonist placed in circumstances that try their character, Christian and personal values, and their resolve in advancing them.
Girl of the Limberlost was probably her most autobiographical work, along with Laddie. Mrs. Porter grew up on a farm in southern Indiana with a strong family. She had an early interest in the natural world around her, just like her protagonist, and lived as an adult near the real Limberlost Swamp. Feminists will like her insistence that women be given opportunities commensurate with their interests and abilities.
My favorite novel of hers is Laddie, apparently a tribute to her real-life brother. The Magic Garden actually has a magical feel to it, about a "poor little rich girl" befriended by a kindly old gentleman with an enchanting garden.
Her books are a treasure and linger in my soul long after they return to the shelf.
grammargal
Apr 14, 2012
It'll Take You Back
A friend waxed enthusiastic about this book from her childhood, so I bought it, too. You'll enjoy it.
Buddy54
Sep 3, 2009
Very satisfied.
I bought this book as a gift. I had read another addition that I own. I was very happy to find this new addition online at such a great price. My friend is very satisfied with it.
kayf
Oct 8, 2008
Mom's favorite
Many years ago my mother tried to convince me that this was her favorite book, but I was resistant, thinking it was some trite old fashioned book. . While taking my mom on a trip to see her favorite niece (Mom was over 80 by then), I decided to read the book rather than listen to so much of their "good old days" conversation. I was quickly lost in the world of butterflys and grief and a young girl coming of self. I have read it every year since then and have given so many copies away to friends that I currently don't even have a copyof my own. It's a wonderful book, the story of a delightful girl who finds her calling in the nature around her and delights the town she lives in with her simplicity and talent.
