Freckles (Puffin Classics) [Paperback]

Jean Stratton Porter (Author)

Book Description

Series: Puffin Classics

Freckles, raised in a city orphanage and deprived of love, enters the fairy-tale world of the Limberlost forest in Indiana to protect it from the destruction of civilisation. The author also wrote "A Girl of the Limberlost".

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

American novelist and photographer. Many of Porter's works became best-sellers and are famous for their vibrant depiction of natural life. She began her career as a photographer but later turned to fiction. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (March 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140351442
• ISBN-13: 978-0140351446
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,032,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

183 of 187 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting book; determinism, July 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Freckles (Library of Indiana Classics) (Paperback)

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!

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST book in the world!, February 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Freckles (Library Binding)

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!

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Historical Influence, February 21, 2006

By 

J. Darrington (UT, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Freckles (Library of Indiana Classics) (Paperback)

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.