Understood Betsy
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4.8 • 8 Ratings
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- $0.99
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- $0.99
Publisher Description
Dorothy Canfield Fisher's exceptional children's novel Understood Betsy returns in this new edition, complete with all of the original illustrations.
First published in 1916, Understood Betsy depicts the tale of Elizabeth Ann. An orphan, she is raised in the city by her great-aunt Harriet and her cousin Frances. Although the pair are capable in caring for young Elizabeth, their existence is a sheltered one.
To Elizabeth's surprise, her mother's family - who live in rural Vermont - find her and offer her a place in their country home. Although Harriet has reservations about the manner in which the Putneys raise children, she duly packs Elizabeth off to stay there.
Much of the novel regards Elizabeth's adapting to the countryside - many of the duties which are taken care of for her in the city are expected of her there. However the beauty of the country, and the practical things she learns during her upbringing, are ultimately to her benefit.
A classic of the early 20th century, as well as being entertaining for children, Understood Betsy holds significance for illustrating the distinctions between city and country life in the early 20th century USA.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fisher's beloved novel, first published in 1917, makes a smooth transition to audio in the latest from Chinaberry. Orphaned as a baby, nine-year-old Elizabeth Ann is taken in by her kindhearted great-aunt Harriet and cousin Frances, who aim to raise her in a loving, proper and cultured home in the early 1900s. Pale, thin, nervous Elizabeth Ann experiences a new kind of upheaval when Aunt Harriet becomes seriously ill. The situation requires that Elizabeth Ann be sent from her city home to "those horrid Putney cousins" (in Aunt Harriet's opinion) who live on a farm in Vermont. The change in scenery and attitude does Elizabeth Ann a world of good; in the country air where she is expected to do chores and where she can romp around and play with the animals, Elizabeth Ann becomes Betsy, a robust and happy girl. Her transformation is the heart of what remains a warm family tale, despite a few dated references. Reynolds gives a solid if sometimes precious-sounding performance, adopting a careful, pleasant storytelling tempo. Ages 6-11.
