In a year where the telephone comes to town, new wind machines cool the air and inventions like automobiles are heard of but yet to be seen, Calpurnia discovers her Grandaddy: a cantankerous figure who spends his days studying plants and insects. He opens up a whole new world of science and nature, but in 1899 an eleven year old girl needs to learn to cook and sew and knit.
I enjoyed this book immensely. The insights into the workings of an eleven year old mind and the relationship with her grandfather are truly convincing. Her six brothers stand out as completely formed characters and the interaction between them was delightful.
This is Jacqueline Kelly's first novel. I hope she writes many more.
Hi Sue,
ReplyDeleteAlways satisfying when one gains insight and the story stays with you. Glad you enjoyed this.
Glad you loved this as much as I did, even if it took you a while to get around to reading it. :)
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing better than a good book!
ReplyDeleteWow, I'll keep this book in mind as a gift for my niece.
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