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Summary: A Story of the Heart
Review: Freckles (and A Girl of the Limberlost) remains to be my favorite storybook. Perhaps it is its beautiful simplicity, or maybe it's just me, the girl who never grew up. :) This book touched my very soul, I encourage everyone to read it!
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Summary: Children's classic, emphasizing honesty, loyalty & character
Review: Gene Stratton-Porter's first novel is an exciting adventure
in itself, and adds great depth to her main character, an
orphaned boy in search of meaning for his life. The boy,
Freckles, exemplifies the best of character in his
encounters with the good, bad and ugly of society. He is
a model for all children in his determination and
perseverance, respect for his elders and employer, and
general moral integrity. Gene Statton-Porter has written
a textbook for children and a teaching tool for parents,
well disguised as a vividly written outdoor adventure and
(ultimately) touching account of one young man's search for
honest and true love.
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Summary: THis is a great book that you can really get into!
Review: I am a 12 year old girl. I thought this book was perfect. IT is about a young boy who moves to the woods to work at the limberlost. THere, he meets a girl. He enjoys being around her a lot. But a bad gang comes and tries to steal trees. Freckles must stop them. With a little help, he can! Read this book anyone my age would love it. It's one of those really good ones you can get into!
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Summary: 40 years later, I STILL love this book!
Review: I first read "Freckles" when I was 12 (it was my Mom's favorite when she was a child, and my Dad bought me a copy for my 12th birthday).To this day, I re-read it whenever I feel stressed and need a lift. It's a wonderful evocation of a simpler, more wholesome time. Freckles is a character that is both strong and vulnerable, and you just can't help but love him. Although some of the language is archaic now, the book is full of "nuggets" of pure enchantment (the "Mother Duncan, do kisses wash off?" speech comes to mind). This book is a treasure-- don't miss it!
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Summary: 40 years later, I STILL love this book!
Review: I first read "Freckles" when I was 12 (it was my Mom's favorite when she was a child, and my Dad bought me a copy for my 12th birthday).To this day, I re-read it whenever I feel stressed and need a lift. It's a wonderful evocation of a simpler, more wholesome time. Freckles is a character that is both strong and vulnerable, and you just can't help but love him. Although some of the language is archaic now, the book is full of "nuggets" of pure enchantment (the "Mother Duncan, do kisses wash off?" speech comes to mind). This book is a treasure-- don't miss it!
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Summary: One of my all time favorite books from my childhood 'til now
Review: I first read this book when I was about 10 years old, and have read it many times since. It is frankly romantic, a story of pluck and determination, a tribute to all the virtues that are seldom held up as valuable today. All of the characters are well wrought, but it is Freckles himself, with his fine character and his self doubts that so intrigued me. To this day, I am drawn to red haired men...as a result of reading Freckles in my formative youth!.
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Summary: Riveting book; determinism
Review: I would like to say that I really love Gene Stratton Porter's books. I have read Freckles (the first one I read at age 11), followed by A Girl of the Limberlost, Her Father's Daughter, and The Harvester. Each one was beautifully written, with great detail, beautiful nature, and incredible feeling. I couldn't put any of them down until I finished them. I am excited to try and read some of her other books, the titles of which I discovered here on Amazon.I need to respond to a few comments made by one customer, who seemed very frustrated by some elements in the book Freckles. She did have some major concerns, but understanding the background of the author and the times she wrote in helps. This customer emphasized the fact that Freckles never believed himself to be a good, noble human being, and that the rich characters looked down on others, and that humble folk always respected the rich people. Those things were the attitudes and behavior of people in the times in which the book was written. That was the way it was quite often, unfortunately. In regards to Freckles always believing bad about himself, he did so because he had no way of knowing who he really was, so he assumed the worst--many people do that. This attitude is called "determinism," which is basically the belief that people cannot rise above their background, heritage, circumstances, or physical conditions--that they are helpless to change their circumstances and lot in life. Determinism was a major concern in the works of many authors of Gene Stratton Porter's time period, especially in Latin-American and generally North American literature of the last few years of 1800's and the early 1900's. These authors were seeking to challenge the set social classes and attitudes, and seeking to forge new identities. I think that this book portrays these attitudes very well. The test of good literature is whether or not it makes you think about the issues, and what you feel while enjoying all the elements of the text. You don't have to agree with everything you read. I do appreciate reading what others think about the products, and it makes me think as well. I think Gene Stratton Porter does an excellent job in helping us read and think for ourselves. I recommend her books to everyone! Thanks!
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Summary: First 'real' book I ever read...
Review: I'm 46....but, I read Freckles in the 5th grade, I think! I was 10 then, and found his world fascinating... so much so, that I 'saved' the book for my children to read. I haven't re-read it in all of 36 years, but will never forget it. A bonafide treasure...
Rating:
Summary: First 'real' book I ever read...
Review: I'm 46....but, I read Freckles in the 5th grade, I think! I was 10 then, and found his world fascinating... so much so, that I 'saved' the book for my children to read. I haven't re-read it in all of 36 years, but will never forget it. A bonafide treasure...
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Summary: LOVE BLOOMS IN THE LIMBERLOST
Review: Is there really a geographic region in the Midwest called the Limberlost? Or did it once exist but has long since been deforested? Either way, it has certainly been preserved with stunning vividness in the mind/memory of Gene Stratton Porter--Indiana's sylvan advocate. This book presents the case for natural conservation, by praising the wild beauty of a swampy forest area called the Limberlost, where grow fabulous trees which are highly sought-after by makers of fine furniture. Porter devotes much narrative detail to the wildlife--flora and fauna--of this almost mystical region. The hero of this saccharine novel commands our instant sympathy and gradually impresses the characters he meets. Raised in an orphan Home without love or any sense of self-worth, he knows nothing about his past or why he arrived there as a baby with one hand torn off. Yet he proves cheerful, honest and reliable, with a beautiful Irish voice to match is red hair and bountiful freckles. D! ! etermined to distance himself from continued abuse and neglect, at 19 he strikes off on his own, finally staggering into the logging camp of McLean, where he convinces the strict but fair Scotsman to hire him as a Guard. Freckles grows to love the Limberlost, as he protects the trees from lumber thieves and other desperate criminals who seek social oblivion in its murky depths. He learns to appreciate the natural beauty of this unique ecosystem, and to overcome his initial terror of strange animal sounds. Soon he has tamed many of the Limberlost birds, calling them his Swamp Chickens. The boss is impressed with his dedication, loyalty and honesty, as Freckles walks that 7-mile line twice daily, checking for cut wires or stumps--mute evidence of sylvan rape, since many criminals prowl about, seeking illegal profit from the Boss' prized property. This sentinmental tale set in the early 20th century offers contrasting characters, from vicious brutes to folks almost too! ! -good-to--be-true. Decent people recognize the innate goodn! ess and ingenuous soul of this love-starved youth. The Boss considers him a son; the kindly Duncans offer maternal love and warm respect; the Bird Woman appreciates his knowledge of Limberlost animals for her wildlife photographs. And then there is the Angel, a 16 year old Irish-American girl of stunning beauty, quick wit, gritty determination and the ability to charm all she meets. Freckles frankly idolizes this princesss-goddess, who delights in his private creation of a "room" in the forest "Cathedral" and encourages him to develop his voice. But he is painfully aware that he is beneath her in every way (low birth, mamimed body). He has no right to hope---he may only worship from afar. I enjoyed this novel more than its famous sequel, GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST, which I read first, where we meet again Freckles, the Angel (as adults) and the Bird Woman, who also is never named. But I prefer FRECKLES because the storyline is more intense, spaced out f! ! or a year, instead of letting 3 years pass suddenly; GIRL seemed to be two stories under one title, while FRECKLES is definitely one complete tale. Despite an abundance of natural history and the syrupy style, FRECKLES is a charmer, with surprise plot twists. Just when things are going along smoothly for the hero, fate throws him a nasty curve. Will McLean win his wager about not losing even one tree to thieves? Will Freckles overcome his shame of his dark past? Just as he delights in the growth and antics of Little Chicken, so we rejoice as he matures into full manhood, willing to sacrifice even his life for his precious Angel, who considers him her Knight. Porter may be trying to remind us not to judge people by externals, but to let their actions reveal their true nobility. An enjoyable book which will touch the heart of readers of all ages.
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