28 Books -- Day 23

[bluecastle]

A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-32 by Joan W. Blos (1979)

 

While a fictional diary, this is still a very powerful look at a period in American history we don't always hear all that much about.
 

 

"Sunday, October 17, 1830

 

I, Catherine Cabot Hall, aged 13 years, 7 months, 8 days, of Meredith in the State of New Hampshire, do begin this book.

 

It was given to me yesterday, my father returning from Boston, Massachusetts, where he had gone to obtain provisions for the months ahead."  (from the first entry)

 

I'm a sucker for characters whose language is not of my time.

 

excerpts like: "Today I carried my writing book home -- Father had said he wished to see it, and Teacher Holt had granted permission exactly on that account. Now neither I nor M. can find it, looking with care throughout the house and in unlikely places." (page 17) just give me a thrill at the way language used to be used.

 

And Catherine is such a teenager, despite the time period. Worries about a new step-mother, about school, about boys, a little sister, and community gatherings. But, also given the time period there are brushes with death, and an escaped slave.

 

I always think of this as a "pioneer" book, although it's really hardscrabble New England and not the windy prairies that provide the backdrop ... and the hardships.

 

One advantage of a book in diary format is the strong voice of the narrator, and this is a wonderful example.

 

I think it's time to go on a little visit to Meredith, New Hampshire... circa 1830...