What a quirky charming book! It felt like a cross between Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and John Steinbeck’s “Tortilla Flat.,” but more wholesome.

Originally published in 1925, this is not a book to read if you’re woke AND uptight. It’s a story that many modern-minded folks would like to see die a quiet literary death. (Conservative Christians will adore it.)

I’m pretty surprised I enjoyed it based on the harsh judgement of women that is central to the story and the presence of “God” throughout the story. But, I truly did. The main characters were so sweet and I absolutely loved the author’s stance on Western medicine/healing and her deep appreciation of nature. Most of the “God” references could be replaced by “Higher Power” so I could deal with it…but, a few places started to cross into icky dogmatic territory. I am able to appreciate vintage books from bygone eras when values were very different than they are today as long as they weren’t written by someone despicable (although I’m pretty sure I’d still learn something of value even if they were). I think I would have liked Ms. Stratton…I have an inkling she was a tiny bit of a renegade for her time. 

Although the writing was not exceptional, the story was engaging and the character development was outstanding…especially Scout, the youngest character who was wise beyond her years and absolutely hysterical. I’ve had many laughs over the last several days thanks to her. 

This story left me wishing our current world was a combination of the more wholesome parts of then and the more socially evolved parts of now. I do believe the world would be a better place if that were the case!