Customer Reviews

Freckles

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I would like to say that I really love Gene Stratton Porter's books. I have read Freckles (the first one I read at age 11), followed by A Girl of the Limberlost, Her Father's Daughter, and The Harvester. Each one was beautifully written, with great detail, beautiful nature, and incredible feeling. I couldn't put any of them down until I finished them. I am excited to try and read some of her other books, the titles of which I discovered here on Amazon.

I need to respond to a few comments made by one customer, who seemed very frustrated by some elements in the book Freckles. She did have some major concerns, but understanding the background of the author and the times she wrote in helps. This customer emphasized the fact that Freckles never believed himself to be a good, noble human being, and that the rich characters looked down on others, and that humble folk always respected the rich people. Those things were the attitudes and behavior of people in the times in which the book was written. That was the way it was quite often, unfortunately. In regards to Freckles always believing bad about himself, he did so because he had no way of knowing who he really was, so he assumed the worst--many people do that. This attitude is called "determinism," which is basically the belief that people cannot rise above their background, heritage, circumstances, or physical conditions--that they are helpless to change their circumstances and lot in life. Determinism was a major concern in the works of many authors of Gene Stratton Porter's time period, especially in Latin-American and generally North American literature of the last few years of 1800's and the early 1900's. These authors were seeking to challenge the set social classes and attitudes, and seeking to forge new identities. I think that this book portrays these attitudes very well.

The test of good literature is whether or not it makes you think about the issues, and what you feel while enjoying all the elements of the text. You don't have to agree with everything you read. I do appreciate reading what others think about the products, and it makes me think as well. I think Gene Stratton Porter does an excellent job in helping us read and think for ourselves. I recommend her books to everyone! Thanks!

This is the best book I have ever read! I am 13 years old, and have read the book twice. Gene Stratton Porter is a great writer, and has wonderful concepts. Freckles is a great roll model for boys and girls alike, and is so humble! He will not let the "Swamp Angel" marry him, because he has only one hand, is an orphan, and has no knowledge of "honerable birth" which he thinks is very important. I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me, that this is a wonderful book. If you liked this book, you will also like "A Girl of the Limberlost" the sequel to "Freckles". From 1 to 10, I give this book an 11!

I think what our friend "the lone dissenter" does not remember or realize is that Stratton-Porter's book, Freckles, and her subsequent book, A Girl of the Limberlost, is a product of her own life and the times in which she lived. It is not disgusting or elitist, but a report and example of how life was in the early 1900s. There were class differences and it was challenging for the 'low-born' people to believe they could rise above that. They didn't have our modern-day notion of arrogance and independence. I believe that Freckles and other books written by Gene Stratton-Porter are valuable as a piece of history as wel as for the literary content and unique storylines.

Suffering from the "unfairness of life" a young man makes choices. Abandoned at birth with only one arm, Freckles chooses to love....and love He does! He finds the world about him the object of his intense love. He finds the people about him worthy of love. Finally, he finds himself not worthy to love one special girl and is surprised in the end with her response. We are led into a magical world where love is not yet tarnished with selfishness. A joy to read again and again and a very special foundation to preteen and teen training in love.

I read this at an impressionable age and fell in love with stalwart Freckles and the Limberlost Swamp and his Angel. Pretty sentimental by today's standards, this book champions saving the forests and wetlands. The descriptions are beautiful and evocative. A great romance.

This is indeed my favorite book. I just read it to my family and they loved it too. It was my third time. Freckles is the type of boy I want my three boys to be, and the examples of courage, loyalty, and love will be in their memory a long time, I'm sure. I read many books to my children, and rate them all 1 through 10. I rarely give a 10 but Freckles is a 10 and a half!

I was truly disappointed in the quality of the book from the Library of Indiana Classics. I wish I had bought a used, original issue instead. The type was smugged or missing in many places throughout the book and quality control is certainly not their priority or objective. "Freckles" is a marvelous story, though, from the early years of the 1900's and makes for a delightful read. Search for a better edition or printing if you treasure your books as I do.

My father was born in 1906, in 1910 his father died, and he was sent to be raised by an Aunt and Uncle. While he was there he was horribly injured, and never returned home. He found and read "Freckles" during this exile, and felt very strong empathy for this loney young man, raised separate from his birth family, maimed ,and sure no woman would ever love him, as he was. He learned many of the important lessons of life from this classic book, honesty, perserverence, hard work and most of all, that there is a wonderful woman waiting somewhere that would judge him, not by his scarred body, but by what is in his heart. It was always his favorite, as it shall always be mine.

After all the violence and mayhem on TV and the movies, it was such a pleasure to read a book from a time that was simplier and more down to earth.

This book is so sweet! The story is classic and very charming. The main character, "Freckles" has an indomitable spirit. I found this story inspiring in that a person could go through so many trials in such a short life and still have such a trust for the rest of the human race. The book has a rather simple story with a few good twists that keep the reader intrigued. My only caution about this book is that it is written in the way a young immigrant would speak. This sometimes makes the reading a little slower, but if you are willing to try it is well worth the effort. I would definitly recommend this book to any young person. "Freckles" is a fresh change to the violence and bloodshed that is so popular today. I first read this book in grade school and I think I enjoyed it as much now as I did then.