A Girl of the Limberlost (Dover Storybooks for Children) (Paperback)

~ Gene Stratton-Porter (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Set amid Indiana's vast Limberlost Swamp, this treasured children's classic mixes astute observations on nature with the struggles of growing up in the early 20th century. Harassed by her mother and scorned by her peers, Elnora Comstock finds solace in natural beauty — along with friendship, independence, and romance.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486457508
• ISBN-13: 978-0486457505
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #629,811 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An early 20th century gem, December 1, 2007

By	Anne S. - See all my reviews

This novel, published in 1909, stands out from other "Victorian" novels. It was interesting to see what's changed about public high school since then- tuition, daily Bible readings, and what hasn't- snobby girls and the importance of having the "right" clothes. There is definitely an element of realism in this novel which makes it timeless. In the details, it indirectly provides an account of how America was changing at the turn of the last century. The heroine and her mother live on the edge of the Limberlost Swamp, earning their livelihood through farming. All around them, their neighbors have sold their land to oil drilling companies; you know that the agricultural lifestyle will disappear in the area, even though we don't see it happen in the novel.

There are a few subplots in this novel that don't seem to go anywhere, and it makes me wonder if it was initially printed as a serial. The first is the story of Billy, the neglected boy who becomes orphaned and then adopted. The other is the terrifying brief saga of the man who seems to be stalking Elnora in the swamp. Both of the plots seem to build up, and then not really go anywhere. I'm not sure what purpose they have in the novel.

The last part of the novel deals with the love story, which is very sweet and is probably more like a typical novel of the time period. Still, it's an excellent story and does not detract from the rest of the novel.

Dover Publications is marketing this as a "children's book" and although there is nothing offensive in it and it would be fine for children, I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. As far as reading level goes, I would say that if your child can read the Anne of Green Gables series, then she can read this.