The book I recently finished, "Peterkin", is by an author who, every now and then, reminded me a bit of Edith Nesbit: Mrs. Molesworth. Her full name was Mary Louisa Molesworth, and she did not only write children's books but also adult fiction, the latter under the pen name of Ennis Graham.
Mrs. Molesworth lived from 1839 to 1921; she was married (later legally separated) and had, as far as I know, no children.
"Peterkin" was published in 1902, and we are introduced to the upper middle-class Lesley family with their six children by Giles, the second son, who writes the story from his own perspective as a 12-year-old two years after it happened. Peterkin is his youngest brother; the other three siblings are girls. And it is Peterkin who sets the story off by disappearing one night in November.
Giles' older brother Clement has an idea where the 8-year-old boy may have been gone, and the two boys set out to find him. They are successful, and the story could have ended here, had it not been for Peterkin's discovery of a most mysterious parrot, speaking of a little girl in the house next door to his. The two younger boys' imagination is vivid enough that they take it upon themselves to "rescue the enchanted princess" they think they have stumbled upon, and although all ends well, the story does not lack suspense, and humour.
The writing from a child's perspective is, I think, rather credible; the adults are presented in a manner that makes you believe they would really act that way and their actions would really seem to have those special meanings to the observing children. The children among each other are not always full of brotherly love; they do get cross sometimes, as children do, but when it comes to obstacles, they stick together.
Some of the expressions in the book I had not come across before: To be "as happy as sand-boys", for instance. Nicely enough, the young narrator does not know what it means, either, and frankly admits to it.
So, this was an entertaining and enjoyable read from times long gone; 110 years later, I am glad to have come across this book as a free download from the Kindle store and wouldn't mind finding more by the same author.
Some days i love to enter the world of children through their books, also. This is one i will look into.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know what you think of the book once you've read it, messymimi!
DeleteI like reading children's books too, as perhaps you know by now! I never heard of this one, but as it's a free one I've now downloaded it. When I might get round to actually reading it is another matter... ;) The funny thing was that when I searched for Peterkin I also got a hit for another free children's book by a different author: The Peterkin Papers by Lucretia P. Hale from 1893.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was doing research on this book for my review, I came across The Peterkin Papers, too. Maybe I'll download that one as well.
DeleteI have no problem with reading children’s (teenager’s) books at all, provided they treat the child reader with respect.
ReplyDeleteGood that you had an interesting time at the Fair. You and your booth look splendid, very professional!
Thank you, Friko! That is what I was being paid for - to look and act professional :-) It can make or break the business a company does at a fair, having the right or wrong staff to run the booth.
DeleteI often read children's book - in fact one of the book discussion lists I am on is for the works of Maud Hart Lovelace, the author of the wonderful biographical Betsy-Tacy series. At first I was confused because I'd never heard of Peterkin by Molesworth, but was thinking of The Peterkin Papers with the wonderful character of the Lady from Philadelphia....You would probably enjoy this book, too, Meike!
ReplyDeleteYes, Monica (DawnTreader) has come across The Peterkin Papers as well. I think I'll have a look at the Kindle store right now!
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