Rating: 
Summary: Hmmm...
Review: After having read both the positive and negative reviews, as well as the book itself, I'm afraid I must agree with the critics. This might have been a good book, had it not been written in such a sickeningly sentimental, melodramatic style. I like the underlying themes, however--striving for Christian perfection, not compromising one's faith, trusting in Christ alone for salvation--and, while I find the elder Dinsmores' treatment of Elsie absolutely horrible, I do believe that today's children are far too rebellious and rude, partly as a result of bad parenting. I wouldn't go so far as to say that 21st-century parents should go back to the mid-18th-century way of parenting (at least not as presented in this book), but there are some _very_ serious flaws in modern parenting styles, whether one is a Christian or not.I intend to read Book 2 in the Elsie Dinsmore series, as well as the alternative books mentioned in some reviews, but I cannot recommend this particular volume. It's just too sugary-sweet to be taken seriously.
Rating: 
Summary: good book
Review: Elsie Dinsmore is a good book to read. She is a little girl who lives in the 1850-60's, that time period. She eagerly awaits the day when her papa comes home, but is extremely disappointed when he does arrive, and doesn't like her. Elsie's grandfather had told Horace (her father) that Elsie wasn't a very good girl, so she isn't loved. Elsie's father is not a drunk, as some might think, but he is VERY harsh with her. Even after she wins his love, he is very strict, and isn't very indulgent; he is very careful about what she eats, wears, the kind of parties she goes to, etc. Elsie IS sometimes a 'goody two-shoes', but she's ok. I really like this book, and have the first five! It is really good.
Rating: 
Summary: Elsie Not-So-Perfect Dinsmore
Review: Elsie Dinsmore, the story of the 'perfect' little Southern girl growing up just a few years prior to the Civil War, is really not so perfect, as the reader will soon perceive while reading this old classic. But, to contradict the category of the book, I personally consider this book not to be sufficiently classic-material. In this book, Miss Finley tends to play too much with religion and spiritual beliefs. Thus, this novel may turn off some readers, easily. Miss Finley speaks out about certain delicate issues which are meant not to be tampered with, including religion and principle. First of all, Elsie, the meek, wealthy, adoreable, squeaky-clean and devout Christian girl, is anti-Catholicism, not to mention all other religions which incline to contradict her own. Big mistake by Finley! Secondly, what Elsie sees as principle, may be considered assinine illusions by many. She blames everything on herself, although she is always innocent, accepts evil from others, never ceases to 'turn the other cheek' to every insult or punch someone shoots at her, expects too much from some and not enough from others. Although she may have worthy ideals, she almost seems hypocritical, for she does not really defend these beliefs and ideals. And, she goes overboard with the 'obey your parents' issue. Not to encourage juvenile delinquency, but Elsie acts like a total idiot in regard to this very important issue. Her father is too demanding, too obstinate and too strict - such as he won't allow any sitting on the floor, any sluggish disobedience, inquiries as to anything that he has already warned against but did not explain his reasons, any cake, sweets, meat or juice 'for fear of her health' and the prevention of dyspepsia, any fancy frilled clothes or objects which would possibly nourish vanity, and countless other things, all for which the consequence is a swift whipping. Elsie considersher father's word as being law and does anything to please him.She takes everything too seriously. And she has flaws. And her immense fear for her cruel,irritable father is just so sickening. This book, although well-written with many excellent points and qualities, abandons the real meaning of childhood innocense and clean clean. Children have the right to be frivolous, to be innocent, to be fun-loving and silly. They are supposed to be imperfect. This book totally ignores this, and make the heroine out to be some religious freak who has no real important priorities. Elsie worships her father, who really behaves very unfatherly and stupidly. This shows her own foolishness. And although there is great truth in, " Children must fear their parents", her fear surpasses this well-intentioned saying. Since parents do have total authority over their child's life, children should have great respect, but love, and regard for their them. They should not fear their parents in Elsie's way, though, which could be easily replaced by the word, 'dread'. Although seemingly angelic and perfect, Elsie really needs some help in straightening out her priorities. She really is a stinky character.
Rating:
Summary: Good look at Christian thinking in the 1800's
Review: Elsie Dinsmore, which I have read many times, and own the entire series, is a good book for anyone who is interested in the thinking of male and female roles during the 1800's. While Elsie is almost too perfect for anyone to relate to, she is not a "flat" character. Especially in the later books, Elsie handles her own affairs, consulting with the men in the house, but it is made clear that she manages her wealth by herself which is differernt from many female characters of the time period whose fortune is managed by only the men in the books. This book could be given to any child without worry that there is inappropriate subject matter, and could be a start to discussing how gender roles have changed over the years.
Rating: 
Summary: Sad with Review
Review: First, let me say something. I was saddend and greived with some of the reviews. I am not a huge Elsie fan, but one review really hurt me. It said that Elise's father was a drunk. Not so! He had good morals, but really did'nt know how to raise a child. He was probably frightend at the task. He may of been harsh with her, but not abusive.
And another thing. The reason Elise craved her father's attention is because no one loved her, except a few adults who were charmed with her. But she did not see them often, and she craved love. And when her father would not give it to her, she was heartbroken.
If you would like to know more about Elsie as a little girl, I would suggest Martha Finly's "Mildred Keith", #2-3, and also book 6. They are about Elsie's cousin Mildren visiting her at her birth home.
I hope this has helped you!
Rating:
Summary: A series of books with characters never-to-be-forgotten.
Review: I am 66 years old and was given the first two vols. to read by my grandaughter Julianna. I read the first to appease her and, then, could not put them down. I have read eight now and thank God that he gave Martha Finley the talent to put down on paper the appropriate scripture and characters that show us God's will for us. I got down on my knees and sobbed my heart out to the Lord, all the while apologizing for my own rebelliousness. I have 31 grandchildren and hope all will read the Elsie books (girls and boys alike). Yes, there are people in the world who believe in doing God's will and these books will never be out of date.
Rating:
Summary: A lovely Christian book
Review: I am a huge fan of the Elsie Disnmore collection. This the first book in a complete set. This book brought me closer to Jesus and God's love. Elsie's troubles hit me like I was Elsie. The book is written wonderfully and has great detail. I especially enjoy the bible verses in the beginning of each chapter. Once I start the book, I cannot put it down until I finish.
Rating:
Summary: almost named my daughter Elsie!
Review: I am a mom of 2 young preschoolers. I own the entire series of 28, but I haven't finished reading all the books yet. I had heard of Elsie Dinsmore before reading it, as it has been referenced even in Anne of Green Gables. I love historical novels. Elsie is an 8 yrs old motherless rich girl who tries really hard to please God & her family. She is a love-starved girl who tries her best to obey & her family in order to win the affection of the Dinsmores - her grandfather, his wife, aunts & uncles (all children as well) and most of all her father. I agree with other reviews that at times Elsie was "too much sweetness", but I think that was done for emphasis on her contrast to the rest of the Dinsmore clan. She was not like the other younger Dinsmores, being sweet only to gain favor. Mr. Dinsmore (her father) is a good man, though in this book he treats her very unfairly, and he reflects how people are quick to judge others and accept other people's prejudices. At times the reading does get a little sappy (the end), but I like sappy. The racial issues are dated - as it was written in the late 1800's, and the reader sees it(slavery) in the viewpoint of a young rich girl in slavery south...which is who Elsie is. Having bits of reality added to the overall effect of the book. At one point, she tries to save a wrongly accused slave boy. It would be nicer if she was some champion for slaves, but as a female & a child, she had no place in society to do that sort of thing. It was sweet to see how she clung onto her nanny's love. I would strongly recommend reading book 1, as it shows Elsie's stong Christian convictions. She stood firm, despite parental & emotional turmoil. She may be very conservative, but being conservative is better than being wrong with God. She was not just a "Sunday" Christian, she was an every minute Christian, and she did it with quiet strength and gentleness.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: I can't believe I missed the Elsie Dinsmore series as a child. I loved reading them as an adult. It is not surprising this was a best seller of its time. I can't wait to buy the Elsie Dinsmore Doll! Kathy
Rating:
Summary: An absolute GEM!!
Review: I didn't realize just how precious this book was when I bought it. Telling the children, we'd just read the first one to try it out, I have decided to get every one I can possibly get my hands on. They are the most beautiful books I have ever read. I certainly don't think they are over the top. On the contrary. I believe the author's intention was to provide an excellent role model, but more importantly, to lead children to Jesus in EVERY situation. This she has done perfectly. Elsie is an adorable character, it is set in beautiful surroundings and provides us with a look into 18th century living. My children of varing ages(and I!!) just can't get enough. I thoroughly recommend this book to every person of every age.
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