A steamboat whistle splits the air one evening, and with it, all is changed for fifteen-year-old Tilly Pruitt and her family. They've been living in a muddy little Mississippi River town in Illinois, fearing the approach of the Civil War. Except for Tilly's twin brother, Noah, who has been marching and drilling with the other boys in town-all of them ready to solider, some for the North and some for the South. When the steamboat whistle blows and the Rob Roy from New Orleans docks at the landing, two remarkable figures ...
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A steamboat whistle splits the air one evening, and with it, all is changed for fifteen-year-old Tilly Pruitt and her family. They've been living in a muddy little Mississippi River town in Illinois, fearing the approach of the Civil War. Except for Tilly's twin brother, Noah, who has been marching and drilling with the other boys in town-all of them ready to solider, some for the North and some for the South. When the steamboat whistle blows and the Rob Roy from New Orleans docks at the landing, two remarkable figures come ashore: a commanding and glamorous young lady and her darker, silent servant. Who are these two fascinating strangers? And could the servant be a slave? When Tilly's mother invites them both to room and board at her house, the whole world shifts for the Pruitts. And for their visitors as well. Within a masterful tale of mystery and the female Civil War experience, Richard Peck has spun a breathtaking portrait of the lifelong impact one person can have on another. Unexpected and enlightening, this is a novel of countless riches.
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The year is 1861. Tilly Pruitt lives in Illinois with her brother Noah, her sister Cass and their mother. With their father gone, they are struggling to make ends meet. Then a stranger from New Orleans steps off a steamboat headed to St Louis. Delphine and her companion Calinda are like nothing the small town of Grand Tower has ever seen. They cannot continue their journey to St. Louis, so Mrs. Pruitt takes them in as paying boarders. Rumors begin to fly around town immediately. Residents wonder if the darker woman, Calinda, is a slave, or if the two women are spies for the south. And why is the Pruitt family harboring southerners? Little do they all know the deep effect they will all have on each others lives and futures.
This story is told as a flashback, as Tilly's grandchildren come for a visit in 1916. The children learn the story of their dad's family, and a family secret or two.
This is just a lovely story. It has such vibrant descriptions and memorable characters. I just happened to find this book at the local thriftshop and picked it up. I'm glad I did. It was a very enjoyable read.
Richard Peck has written many books for children, including A Year Down Yonder, which won the Newberry Medal in 2001. This is the first book I've read by him. I plan to read more! Wonderful story!
Cairolibrarian
May 8, 2007
The Civil War changes lives in a small town
Thie exciting, enthralling tale of Pruitt family of southern Illinois fearing and surviving the Civil War may well be the best novel to date written by Richard Peck. Twins Tilly and her brother Noah are forever changed with the arrival of a beautiful girl with her dark slave. Or is she a slave? Mysteries abound around these mesmerizing women. Noah is wounded fighting for the North. The fear of families for their soldiers is very real.
