Gentle Julia [Paperback]

Booth Tarkington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008

Oh, the responsibilities of a lady who is almost officially the prettiest person in a town, thinks Julia. The burdens are often heavier than the world suspects -- and there are moments she finds the position so trying she would resign, if she could.

Worse was the pestering of her family! Julia was a warm-hearted, appreciative girl, naturally unable to close her eyes to sterling merit wherever it appeared . . . and it was not without warrant that she complained of her relatives. The whole family, including the children, regaled themselves with her private affairs as a substitute for theater-going!

Two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Booth Tarkington (1869-1946) wrote with understanding and humor of American middle-class life -- especially the travails and triumphs of the youth of this country.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

An American novelist and dramatist. Booth Tarkington was born in Indianapolis. He was one of the most popular American novelists of his time, with The Two Vanrevels and Mary's Neck appearing on the annual best-seller lists nine times. In 2001, his book The Magnificent Ambersons was named as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century by the editorial board of the American Modern Library. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Aegypan (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606640577
• ISBN-13: 978-1606640579
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Tarkington Romance, January 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Gentle Julia (Library Binding)

A story about the most sought after young woman, Julia, and her meddling nephew and niece. The story's primary focus, despite the title, is actually from the niece, Florence, who is 13.

Florence sees something in the town's uncouth loser, named Noble Dill and wants Gentle Julia to marry him. He is one of many wanting Julia's hand in marriage. Her other suitors have more class and wit but have their quirks about them. Julia likes Dill; however like most romances, it is on again off again....

The kids, whose antics and fate interweave trouble for Julia and Dill. Not as funny as Penrod, Tarkington does have some humor here as the kids in their innocent dealings cause turmoil.

The book was a bit uneven and I was left wondering what Julia ever saw in Dill (he is a nice guy but definitely was "geeky"). At the end of the book, the reader is left wondering what will become of their relationship... probably Dill still wanting to marry her and Julia playing games, so nothing was really resolved. The children's antics though were humorous and their were some memorable characters and interesting statements made about relationships (one I remember stating that all the poets say how great they are but in reality they are a lot of work and heartache) .