Customer Reviews

January 1905

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I picked this up because it reminded me of pictures of my grandmother and her sister. My daughter loved it. It gives a glimpse of a time in place in American history that is not a part of the traditional history curriculum.

"January 1905," written by Katharine Boling, is a window into the life of two 11-year-old girls during the Industrial Revolution. The writing shows what life was like at the turn of the previous century, and what it meant for a girl to work in the textile mills.

The opening page compels the reader with its description of the mill whistle:
"The mill whistle begins like a woman sobbing before changing to a long wail." Kind of makes a gal happy to be in school these days, don't you think?

The real crux of this book is that the main characters, Pauline and Arlene are twins, and they hate each other. Pauline labors from dawn to dusk alongside the other members of her family at the local cotton mill, wishing like she could stay home with her sister.

Arlene does get to stay home, but she takes care of all the housework and cooking, dreaming of working at the mill one day and earning money and respect. Each girl is sure that the other one has an easier life, but then they get a chance to see how hard the other one works.

Boling describes the life of children working in the mills, the accidents that can happen, as well as the long hours. She also aptly describes all the work that needs to be done in a household, not to mention what happens when the work doesn't get finished. The jealousy that each girl harbors for the other is shown in the thoughts each think, as well as their actions toward one another.

From Pauline:

"What about me, Mama? I am tired to the very insides of my bones, and my foot has turned blue on the top. And you fret over Arlene."

From Arlene:

"P is for perfect - Pauline. A is for awkward - Arlene."

What happens at the end of the book is a sweet acceptance of two girls who acknowledge their differences and their likenesses. They realize how hard each one works, and neither have a choice in the matter due to their family's financial status. What they ultimately do is find joy in the small things and with each other.

Pick up a copy of Katharine Boling's "January 1905" - it's a compelling work of historical fiction.