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Summary: A moving tale of the Pilgrims
Review: "Constance" has been around now for thirty years, andit still remains the best children's novel about the Pilgrims.Although I now know the Pilgrims as a group weren't all that important (compared to the Puritans who followed them a decade later in much larger numbers), "Constance" is full of the feeling of what those first years in New England were like. A great romantic tale of our nation's past, told in a moving, clear style, "Constance" is a wonderful story.
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Summary: The Best Book I Have Ever Read!
Review: Constance is a wonderful book. I am 12 years old and I was recomended it by my mother who read it when she was my age and she still remembers what happens in it. It is the story of a fifteen year old girl, Constance, and her father, stepmother and step-siblings on their journey on the Mayflower. They travel into a harsh land and have to work harder than they ever imagined. It is in the form of Constance's diary and shares all her thoughts and feelings about men, chores, and her family as she grows up. It is a wonderful book for preteen-teen girls!
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Summary: You don't have to be young to love this book
Review: I first heard of about "Constance: A Story of Early Plymouth" in ninth grade from my friend. She implored me to read it. I was hesitant at first. I was a fairly advanced reader for my age, and this book had clearly been written for a younger audience. I trusted my friend's judgement, however. We had read "Anna Karenina" together the year before, so I knew that she had good taste in books. On a whim, I decided to read it. Once I had picked "Constance" up, I could not put it down.It was simply an enchanting, romantic story. Far from feeling to old to appreciate it, my maturity seemed almost a benefit. Constanc's boyfriends were the perfect romantic men. They reminded me of very simple versions of Mr. Darcy. This book appeals not only to fifth and sixth graders, but to adolescent girls as well. Any girl who likes pre-20th century romance novels will adore "Constance." The one thing I dislike about Constance is her shallow character. She is not exactly the feminist ideal of a woman. She is foolish and dependent.If one ignores this flaw, however, the book is thouroughly enjoyable. And you don't even have to be ten to like it!
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Summary: You don't have to be young to love this book
Review: I first heard of about "Constance: A Story of Early Plymouth" in ninth grade from my friend. She implored me to read it. I was hesitant at first. I was a fairly advanced reader for my age, and this book had clearly been written for a younger audience. I trusted my friend's judgement, however. We had read "Anna Karenina" together the year before, so I knew that she had good taste in books. On a whim, I decided to read it. Once I had picked "Constance" up, I could not put it down.It was simply an enchanting, romantic story. Far from feeling to old to appreciate it, my maturity seemed almost a benefit. Constanc's boyfriends were the perfect romantic men. They reminded me of very simple versions of Mr. Darcy. This book appeals not only to fifth and sixth graders, but to adolescent girls as well. Any girl who likes pre-20th century romance novels will adore "Constance." The one thing I dislike about Constance is her shallow character. She is not exactly the feminist ideal of a woman. She is foolish and dependent.If one ignores this flaw, however, the book is thouroughly enjoyable. And you don't even have to be ten to like it!
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Summary: My very favorite book
Review: I first read Constance last year when my 6th grade teacher recommended it. I adored it- the weekend I read it, Constance was my constant companion! I just finished reading it again and it was even better the second time through! I really feel like I bonded with Constance, and now I am doing as much research as I can on her. She was a real person, and as it says in the book, all the characters but one really existed. Through her diary, Constance tells of her journey across the Atlantic from London to Massachusetts, and gives wonderful details about the building and founding of Plymouth Colony. Through Constance I felt the pain of "the sickness" that claimed many lives during their first winter, became tangled in her complex love triangle, and felt outraged at the two men who tried to destroy Plymouth's peace. Constance was detailed, well written, interesting, exciting, and romantic. I would recommend this book to anyone, but I almost don't want to share it at all, since I feel like it's "my book"! This book found a very special place in my heart, and I wish I could thank Patricia Clapp for the many hours of contentment, excitement, and utter bliss she has given me! Constance is an exceptional read!
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Summary: A childhood favorite
Review: I first read this book in the fourth grade when we were studying the Pilgrims. Since then I have read it 6 or 7 more times. There are many accounts of early Plymouth, but few are aimed towards the young adult market. ONe of the best things about his book is that it is told through the eyes of (actually the diary entries of) a young woman, Constance Hopkins. For once we hear the classic tale of the Pilgrim, but with a different spin. Through Constance's eyes we learn of life on the Mayflower, the great illness that struck the Pilgrims when they first arrived at Plymouth, their first encounters with the Indians, and more. Not only that, but it is a coming of age tale that all young girls can relate to. This book is a mixture of history, adventure, and romance - all of which combine to make a wonderful book.
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Summary: Historical-Fiction At It's Best
Review: I first read this book when I was in the 5th grade, which wasfive years ago, and I still love reading this book. As one of thebiggest fans of historical-fiction novels, ranging from books written by Ann Rinaldi, Karen Cushman, Michael Shaara, Charles Dickens and Nathaniel Hawthorne, I would have to say this is my favorite. The setting is one of history's most fascinating time periods: colonial America, and is narrarated by an intelligent young woman. The hardships of colonial life are written in detail, and you feel as though you are with Constance and her family the whole time you read the book. You experince everything from the trip on the Mayflower from England, to building a town and encountering Native Americans for the first time. I would recommend this book to any reader!
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Summary: Read this book over and over as a kid
Review: I loved this book when I was a young girl and am ordering it now to see if it is still as good as I remember. Recollection gives it 5 stars anyway.
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Summary: LET'S PRETEND THAT'S A 4 AND A HALF
Review: I loved this book! Patricia Clapp brings a character to life.A character named Constance Hopkins. So, Con and her family are pilgrims just stepping off the Mayflower to start life in America. They, along with their shipmates, found Plymoth. So anyways, they go through sickness, famines, droughts, and all kinds of stuff! Well, Con is kind of a guy magnet. A "Mayflower Boy," & the two hired men are in love with her! She humors them for a while, and accidently causes feuds. They fight over her!Then, when new-comers arrive, she truly finds love, which is torn between two handsome Constance-crazy young men, Stephen Deane, and Nicholas Snow. Who will she choose? I can tell you one thing...her descision was perfect, even though I felt bad for the other guy. The reason my title says 4 1/2, is because it doesn't seem realistic that like 5 guys could be in love with her. Also, every book is way cute with just a couple romance scenes, but this one is peppered with them, and almost makes it annoying. But, I enjoyed it anyways! Read this book!
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Summary: from a 13 year old
Review: I loved this book. I think anyone would like this book. It is a good book for all ages.
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