A Bookful of Girls

In Short

This collection of six linked stories follows a group of bright, earnest girls standing on the threshold of adulthood. Whether they are crossing the Atlantic, attending art school, or tending to household duties, these characters grapple with the friction between their own dreams and the social expectations of their time. The book captures the specific, fleeting intensity of being "betwixt and between"—no longer children, but not yet fully independent. It endures because it treats the small, internal crises of young women with genuine dignity and sharp, observant humor.

The Story

The collection opens with "Blythe Halliday's Voyage," where the irrepressible Blythe and her mother travel to Europe. Aboard the Lorelei, Blythe encounters a young Italian girl in the steerage class. Driven by a mix of youthful optimism and deep compassion, Blythe rallies the ship’s passengers to help the child, proving that faith in others can navigate even the most rigid social barriers.

Subsequent stories shift focus to the domestic and creative lives of other girls. In "Artful Madge," a promising art student at a local school accidentally loses a cherished miniature, only to have it returned by a stern, elderly gentleman who is surprised by her guileless, funny letter of request. Madge learns that her "artful" nature is actually a source of integrity. Similarly, "The Ideas of Polly" follows a young woman whose wit and independence are tested when her brother, Dan, falls ill. Determined to save him, she defies her aunt’s dismal predictions and organizes their move to the health-giving climate of Colorado. Polly’s refusal to accept charity, even when it would make her own life easier, highlights her stubborn, principled character.

The narrative continues with "Nannie's Theatre Party," where a young girl attempts to introduce her sheltered, elderly neighbor, Miss Becky, to the wonders of a play. Despite the cultural divide and Miss Becky’s confusion over the theatrical conventions, the outing blossoms into a moment of genuine connection between the generations. In "Olivia's Sun-Dial," a young woman with a passion for gardening faces a choice: buy a prized sun-dial for her own sanctuary or use the funds to help a local family in need. She chooses the latter, recognizing that the health of her neighbors is more vital than her own aesthetic desires.

Finally, "Bagging a Grandfather" concludes the arc with a young woman named Di, who has long been estranged from her difficult grandfather. After an accidental encounter at an art gallery where they share a silent, shared realization about an old man in a painting, Di senses his secret regret. The book closes not with a grand resolution, but with the quiet, hopeful acknowledgment of a bridge built across years of misunderstanding, suggesting that the maturity these girls seek is rooted in their ability to see beyond themselves.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins Blythe Halliday sets sail on the Lorelei, where her energetic nature immediately draws her into the lives of fellow passengers. She becomes determined to rescue a young immigrant girl from the hardships of the steerage, proving that even a young girl’s persistence can alter the course of others' lives.

The artistic pursuit Madge Burtwell balances the rigors of an art school with the practical realities of a middle-class home. Her world is defined by the camaraderie of the studio and a humorous, written correspondence with a stranger, which eventually teaches her the value of her own character.

The call of duty Polly Fitch faces the encroaching tragedy of her brother’s illness with a mixture of Puritan resolve and fierce love. Her journey to Colorado is a testament to her strength, as she rejects the pity of her community to forge a path of her own making.

The crossing of paths Nannie, Olivia, and Di navigate the smaller, more private challenges of community service and family reconciliation. Each girl must decide whether to pursue a personal desire—such as a play, a garden ornament, or a long-held grudge—or to act on behalf of someone else's well-being.

The final realization The stories culminate in acts of quiet grace, where the characters move past the "betwixt and between" stage of youth. They emerge as young women who have learned that their greatest strength lies in empathy, humor, and the courage to change their own minds.

The People

Blythe Halliday is the embodiment of "implicit and energetic faith," a girl whose optimism acts as a catalyst for kindness. She wants to see the world improved and refuses to accept that a child should suffer in the steerage.

Madge Burtwell is a talented, frank, and occasionally tactless art student. She is defined by her "clear eyes" and "guileless" nature, which allow her to navigate the professional world of art and the domestic world of her family with a unique, self-deprecating humor.

Polly Fitch is the quintessential daughter of the "Puritan ancestors." Driven by a fierce pride and a refusal to be a recipient of charity, she is protective of her brother, Dan. Her journey is one of learning to balance her fierce independence with the realities of caring for others.

Olivia is a gardener of both plants and people. She begins the story focused on the beauty of her own "flowery kingdom" but ultimately discovers that her true fulfillment comes from "transplanting" her resources to help a family in crisis.

Di is a young woman who carries the weight of a family rift. Her growth is marked by her ability to look at her grandfather, not as a source of judgment, but as a person capable of sorrow, eventually finding the empathy to move past years of estrangement.

In Its Own Voice

Describing the scene on the deck of the Lorelei as the ship moves toward the horizon, the narrator captures the girls' sense of unlimited potential:

And all the while during their voyage through the air, which was prolonged for another half-hour, the two good comrades were weaving romances about the little girl; and with a curious confidence, as if, forsooth, they could conjure up what fortunes they would out of that vast horizon toward which the good ship was bearing them on.

Reflecting on the unique, iron-willed pride of the young heroine in Colorado, the author writes:

Polly blushed to think that she had thought of Dan in such a connection for a single instant.

What It's Really About

The book explores the tension between personal ambition and collective responsibility. At its heart, it is a study of how young women define their identities through their relationships with others. The author argues that true maturity is not found in grand achievements, but in the small, often difficult decisions to prioritize empathy over aesthetic or personal gain. It asks whether one can maintain a sense of self while meeting the needs of family and community. The characters’ "artful" or "harebrained" schemes are actually manifestations of a growing moral maturity, suggesting that the transition to adulthood is defined by the ability to see the humanity in those around them.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives that eschew high-stakes melodrama in favor of psychological nuance will find much to admire here. The book feels like a warm, observant look at the internal landscape of its subjects, capturing the way a girl’s sense of self is often tied to her capacity for kindness. It is a gentle, thoughtful read that offers a refreshing look at the transition from childhood to independence without the cynicism often found in modern coming-of-age stories.

However, the reader should be prepared for the specific conventions of the era. The prose reflects the manners and social hierarchies of the early 1900s, and the dialogue occasionally employs the dialect typical of the period, which may feel dated to some. The characters are sometimes bound by the rigid social expectations of their class, which might frustrate those looking for more contemporary themes of rebellion. Yet, these elements provide a fascinating glimpse into the period’s attitudes toward gender, class, and duty. Ultimately, you will stay with the book for the sincerity of its characters and the persistent, quiet humor that runs through their lives. It is a book about the dignity of being young, and it leaves the reader with a renewed sense of the value of small, deliberate acts of goodness.