I Remember Laura: Laura Ingalls Wilder by Stephen W. Hines
Summary (from the publisher): A scrapbook collection by the editor of Little House in the Ozarks features stories, letters, interviews, and recollections of Laura Ingalls Wilder in her youth and adult years, and includes rare photos and Ma's famous pickle recipe.
Review: This collection seeks to shed life on best selling author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Through newspaper articles, memoirs of those that new her, interviews, recipes, and more, this book helps further illuminate the life of the author who first brought attention and fame to her own life through her beloved series Little House On the Prairie.
The author clearly spent considerable time collecting and seeking out remembrances of Laura, including reaching out to those living who might have memories of her, including family, friends, and relatives. The book is neatly organized into chapters by subject matter and each section includes a note from the author to provide context and background. Although I have read the full series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, books by her daughter, her autobiography, and other books, I do still think this book can stand on its own even if you have read no other texts. Any reader could browse through this collection for a deeper understanding of the author and her life.
The sections I enjoyed the most included the personal memoirs of a close childhood friend, Neva Whaley Harding. Her descriptions of how difficult life was on the homestead and how detrimental it proved for her mother's mental health gave a greater perspective and respect for the Ingalls family. I also loved the interview summaries the author included from former neighbors and friends, who mostly knew Laura as an older woman. She is consistently presented as quiet, ladylike, friendly and a down to earth presence. The inclusion of recipes from people who knew Laura likewise gave a unique perspective on typical meals of the time period. I liked that the author evidently attempted to fix each dish and included notes about how they turned out and suggested alterations.
This book does not attempt to be and should not be mistaken for a true biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder but a sort of memory book to accompany a biography and her best selling books. I was surprised there is no index or references included. Although the author attributes each piece to the original publisher or author throughout the pieces, it did seem surprisingly not to have a formal list of sources included.
Stars: 4
Related Titles:
Comments
Post a Comment