The Girl Scouts of the Round Table

In Short

This novel follows a group of adolescent Girl Scouts in the town of Westhaven as they navigate the transition from childhood to young adulthood. Seeking to deepen their commitment to service, the girls form a "Round Table," drawing inspiration from Arthurian legends to guide their daily actions. The narrative balances their internal anxieties and personal growth with the external drama of family mysteries, career aspirations, and the quiet struggles of village life. It endures as a gentle, earnest exploration of character, friendship, and the quiet heroism of everyday life.

The Story

The story begins on a winter day when Tory Drew, a spirited girl living with her uncle in the small town of Westhaven, finds herself restless and lonely. Seeking inspiration, she turns to Tennyson’s Idylls of the King and develops a vision for her Girl Scout Troop: they will organize their meetings around a "Round Table," treating their community service as a modern quest for the Holy Grail.

As the story progresses, the girls’ idealistic plans are met with the complex realities of life. Tory struggles with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, particularly when comparing her own path to that of her friend Kara, who is recovering from a long illness, and the reserved but loyal Edith Linder. The girls face various challenges: the sudden, dramatic fire at a local factory, which highlights their capacity for bravery; the tension between personal ambitions and the expectations of their families; and a lingering mystery regarding Kara’s unknown parentage, which brings an enigmatic man named Mr. Moore into their lives.

As they navigate these events, the girls’ relationships shift. Tory, once prone to dramatic outbursts, learns the value of dignity and practical action. Her friend Dorothy McClain grapples with the restlessness of her brothers and her own desire for independence, while others like the studious Louise Miller find quiet fulfillment in nature studies.

The arc of the story is one of maturing through service. The "Round Table" becomes a symbol not of fantasy, but of accountability; the girls eventually embroider their banners with the actual services they have performed, grounding their noble aspirations in tangible deeds. The mystery of Kara’s past is eventually addressed, though Kara herself remains focused on her own recovery and future, rejecting the romanticized notions others try to project onto her.

By the end, the girls reach a turning point. A wedding between their Troop Captain, Sheila Mason, and an artist friend of Tory’s father serves as a catalyst for reflection. The characters begin to look beyond the confines of their village toward their individual futures. While the friends feel the bittersweet sting of growing apart, they maintain their foundational bond. The story concludes with a sense of quiet triumph; they have not reached a state of perfect knighthood, but they have learned to define their own lives, finding strength in their independence and their commitment to one another.

How It Unfolds

The winter vision Tory seeks comfort in the library and finds inspiration in Arthurian lore, leading her to propose the Round Table concept to her fellow Scouts. She hopes to transform their meetings into a ceremony that will give their service deeper meaning and resolve.

The call to service The girls organize an elaborate Christmas ceremony to launch their new initiative, yet soon find that their lofty ideals struggle against the frustrations of everyday life. They face boredom and personal disconnect, realizing their "knighthood" requires more than just costumes and banners.

The test of fire The narrative shifts to the urgent reality of a factory fire, where the girls must put their pledge into practice. Their bravery in the face of disaster proves that their commitment to service is not merely performative, but deeply rooted in their character.

The mystery of origins The investigation into Kara’s background brings tension to the group, as they must decide how much to reveal to their friend. This subplot challenges their maturity and highlights their differing approaches to emotional truth and personal identity.

The final gathering The story closes with a spring meeting where the girls replace their symbolic banners with records of actual service. As they confront the prospect of life after their time together, they settle into a mature, reflective outlook on their individual futures.

The People

Tory Drew is the heart of the story, an imaginative and occasionally volatile girl who craves purpose. Her journey is one of moving from seeking external validation to finding a grounded sense of self. She begins the book wanting to be a knight, but ends it by accepting the necessity of self-reliance.

Kara, Tory’s dear friend, serves as a grounded foil to the other girls. Though she is the subject of much romantic speculation regarding her mysterious past, she possesses a practical, stoic nature that allows her to focus on her own recovery and career rather than the fantasies of her peers.

Dorothy McClain provides the group with steady, affectionate support. She is the anchor for her brothers and friends, often absorbing the emotional strain of those around her. Her growth is marked by her ability to move from a state of worry to a quiet, confident independence.

Edith Linder represents the quiet, often overlooked strength of the group. Initially viewed by some as an outsider, her bravery during the factory fire cements her status as a core member, proving that true nobility often lies in silent, effective action rather than public display.

In Its Own Voice

"I might as well confess I have wondered what the Quest of the Holy Grail may mean in one’s ordinary, everyday life?"

Tory questions the applicability of their noble, chivalric themes to the mundane realities of their daily existence.

"I don’t consider it wise to make rash compacts."

As the girls contemplate the future and the prospect of growing apart, Tory cautions against pinning their futures to rigid, impulsive promises.

What It's Really About

The book explores the tension between romantic idealism and the practical demands of growing up. It asks whether the grand, heroic spirit of legend can survive in a modern, often humdrum world. Through the lens of the Girl Scouts, the narrative argues that "chivalry" is not a relic of the past, but a necessary framework for moral responsibility. The characters grapple with the question of whether they are defined by their lineage and circumstances—as in the mystery of Kara’s parentage—or by the choices they make and the help they offer to others.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy turn-of-the-century juvenile fiction will find this a charming and sincere portrait of female friendship. It captures the specific, heightened intensity of teenage intimacy, where every disagreement feels monumental and every shared secret is a bond. The prose is earnest and warm, reflecting a time when the "good turn" was a central pillar of youth development.

However, a modern reader should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes within the text. The characters often express traditional, sometimes rigid, views on social class and gender roles, which are clearly artifacts of 1921. There is also a certain level of dramatic, sometimes overwrought, language that defines the era's literature. If you can appreciate the historical context, the book offers a rewarding look at a group of young women trying to navigate their transition into the adult world. It remains a poignant reminder of the importance of having a supportive, if occasionally imperfect, circle of friends when facing the uncertainties of the future. It is a slow, thoughtful read that lingers on the quiet beauty of a forest walk or the emotional weight of a simple conversation.