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Baby
Larkin's family welcomes Sophie into their home, caring for her and teaching her games and new words. They come to love this baby as their own, all the while knowing that eventually Sophie's mother will return one day to take her from them.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
54 people are currently reading
1,146 people want to read
About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
121books783followersPatricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
June 26, 2022
Ha, I was going to start my review for Patricia MacLachlan’s 1993 novel Baby with So (like I often have the tendency to do), but then decided not to since in the novel, since in Baby main protagonist Larkin’s friend Lalo is depicted by MacLachlan as usually starting all of his sentences that way, and I guess I am just a bit worried some might think I am perhaps trying to specifically imitate this.
But be that as it may, I must say that even with my four star rating for Baby I am and remain just a trifle conflicted regarding who Patricia MacLachlan’s intended audience is actually meant to be. For while my adult self is finding Baby both stylistically and thematically wonderful and MacLachlan’s presented story of twelve year old Larkin’s family taking in and caring for abandoned one year old Sophie while they are all still mourning the recent death of Larkin’s infant brother who only lived for one day not only painful but also at the same time heartwarming and a bit hopeful (and that no one really wants to or tries to talk about this, about the unnamed brother’s death, that Larkin actually feels pretty much emotionally abandoned by both her father and by her mother, and that even young Sophie will of course only remain with the family until her mother returns and therefore that learning to, that letting themselves love her will thus be something dangerous and potentially much traumatic as Sophie is only at best going to be but a transitory resident in Larkin’s family), sorry, but my inner child most definitely did want to stop reading Baby multiple times, and not at all because of writing style issues or that I was finding Baby tedious and dragging but primarily because Baby feels almost too potentially saddening and an emotional sore for younger readers.
And indeed, if I had actually and in fact encountered Baby as a young reader from say the age of nine to eleven or twelve (which is of course patently impossible since in 1993 I was in my late twenties), Patricia MacLachlan’s depicted lack of family and also community communication, with the very many and all encompassing instances of painful silences and that while words are of course powerful and necessary (as is delightfully but also wrenchingly shown and demonstrated by the school librarian), the former, the almost palpable silence and secrecy continuously encountered in Baby and that it is is so absolutely omnipresent and stifling that it almost erases words from existence and leaves only questions but not really any answers until someone (Larkin) actively tries to combat that menacing and oppressing non communication, yes, this would definitely have made Baby much too heavy for me to handle from the age of nine to eleven and certainly not all that textually enjoyable (and that my four star rating for Baby most definitely and therefore has the caveat in place that in my opinion, Patricia MacLachlan’s text for BabyBaby more a novel for teenagers and for adults than for middle grade readers).
But be that as it may, I must say that even with my four star rating for Baby I am and remain just a trifle conflicted regarding who Patricia MacLachlan’s intended audience is actually meant to be. For while my adult self is finding Baby both stylistically and thematically wonderful and MacLachlan’s presented story of twelve year old Larkin’s family taking in and caring for abandoned one year old Sophie while they are all still mourning the recent death of Larkin’s infant brother who only lived for one day not only painful but also at the same time heartwarming and a bit hopeful (and that no one really wants to or tries to talk about this, about the unnamed brother’s death, that Larkin actually feels pretty much emotionally abandoned by both her father and by her mother, and that even young Sophie will of course only remain with the family until her mother returns and therefore that learning to, that letting themselves love her will thus be something dangerous and potentially much traumatic as Sophie is only at best going to be but a transitory resident in Larkin’s family), sorry, but my inner child most definitely did want to stop reading Baby multiple times, and not at all because of writing style issues or that I was finding Baby tedious and dragging but primarily because Baby feels almost too potentially saddening and an emotional sore for younger readers.
And indeed, if I had actually and in fact encountered Baby as a young reader from say the age of nine to eleven or twelve (which is of course patently impossible since in 1993 I was in my late twenties), Patricia MacLachlan’s depicted lack of family and also community communication, with the very many and all encompassing instances of painful silences and that while words are of course powerful and necessary (as is delightfully but also wrenchingly shown and demonstrated by the school librarian), the former, the almost palpable silence and secrecy continuously encountered in Baby and that it is is so absolutely omnipresent and stifling that it almost erases words from existence and leaves only questions but not really any answers until someone (Larkin) actively tries to combat that menacing and oppressing non communication, yes, this would definitely have made Baby much too heavy for me to handle from the age of nine to eleven and certainly not all that textually enjoyable (and that my four star rating for Baby most definitely and therefore has the caveat in place that in my opinion, Patricia MacLachlan’s text for BabyBaby more a novel for teenagers and for adults than for middle grade readers).
July 9, 2017
4-4.5 stars. Oh my goodness that was so sad!! As I was reading it I felt like that was me writing the story! :) I LOVE writing stories like that even though they get me every time! It was sweet but sad.
August 8, 2023
3.5 stars
Note to self: be careful which books you read before needing to see people; particularly right before teaching a piano lesson. Trying to keep back any tears from spilling out and landing all over your flushed face is difficult. Quick recovered composures, though desired, are not always plausible. In the future, any and all touching stories should just be avoided before and leading up to such times.
If you're looking for a sentimental story that moves you, here's a good one. It's raw, as the family deals with an unspoken tragedy, it's sweet, moving and ... wordy.
Ages: 10 - 15
Cleanliness: mentions whiskey. A boy and girl hold hands a couple of times - not romantic. We hear a couple fighting. "D*mmit" is said. A girl is mad at her parents a number of times as she works through a tragedy - the family is reconciled. The lesson: that it's often hard to talk about difficult things but those conversations should be had and are healing.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell !
Note to self: be careful which books you read before needing to see people; particularly right before teaching a piano lesson. Trying to keep back any tears from spilling out and landing all over your flushed face is difficult. Quick recovered composures, though desired, are not always plausible. In the future, any and all touching stories should just be avoided before and leading up to such times.
If you're looking for a sentimental story that moves you, here's a good one. It's raw, as the family deals with an unspoken tragedy, it's sweet, moving and ... wordy.
Ages: 10 - 15
Cleanliness: mentions whiskey. A boy and girl hold hands a couple of times - not romantic. We hear a couple fighting. "D*mmit" is said. A girl is mad at her parents a number of times as she works through a tragedy - the family is reconciled. The lesson: that it's often hard to talk about difficult things but those conversations should be had and are healing.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell !
July 25, 2008
A lovely novella with surprising depth of characters and beautiful wording that can be read in about one sitting. The author is able to evoke vivid characters and much emotion with her uncomplicated but well-chosen words. I really love her style. I've left off a star for reasons that are not necessarily the book's fault, but because I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have thought as the jacket description was misleading--or, rather, left off what was the major theme of the book which was that, while Larkin's family accepts Sophie into their midst, all the while knowing they probably will not be able to keep her, they are also dealing with the death of their own baby boy (Larkin's brother) who lived only for one day six months prior. So, it is really a book about loss and mourning as much as it is a book about love and excitement of Sophie in their midst.
June 8, 2019
One of my favorite books ever. My son's lovely middle-school teacher, Dan, used to read it to his kids each year, and each year he'd cry over it. It's a beautiful, sad, uplifting, genius piece of writing.
February 12, 2021
140 pages et j’ai quand même trouvé le moyen de pleurer.
(j’ai adoré, c’était atypique et hyper émouvant)
(j’ai adoré, c’était atypique et hyper émouvant)
June 23, 2012
Another candidate for read aloud next year, although it's not going to make the cut, see why below.
1) Absolutely GORGEOUS writing. Sometimes almost painfully beautiful. MacLachlan is a very, very good writer.
2) A very well-crafted, poignant, uplifting yet agonizing at times, story.
3) Do you ever wonder why some books are marketed toward children that are perhaps not really for children? Of course I know that many children have to deal with unfortunate or difficult situations in their lives, as do we all. However, maybe they are too young to have to deal with such things in their reading material? As in, life itself is so hard let's read something that takes us away from it? I mean, is it just the size of the book (132 large print pages), or that the main character is a child, that makes publishers target certain books to children? I can see how some children may benefit from reading this book if they've been through something that would make it speak to them. Otherwise, I think it would be wisest to leave such hard things to wait until they are a bit older. 12? 14?
And that's not because it's got anything objectionable in it, not at all. In fact, kids need more books written as beautifully as this one...such beautiful language. But it was painful. Of course it was also healing and lifting. But I think it might disturb an innocent younger child who has hitherto led a blissfully non-conflicted life.
4) That said, that doesn't mean YOU shouldn't read it. As I mentioned, several times, it was beautiful and moving and worthy.
5) I would absolutely suggest it to my 13 yo, although it's not up his alley, but I would wait for a while and let my 10 yo little lady grow up a bit before handing it to her. It's worthy of a great discussion. I would read it with them for sure.
--
One quote because it fits where I live, too, and I though friends here may appreciate it:
"There are three things to remember about spring on the island. ...One, it comes after winter. Two, it comes after winter. Three it comes after winter and you think it's still winter."
1) Absolutely GORGEOUS writing. Sometimes almost painfully beautiful. MacLachlan is a very, very good writer.
2) A very well-crafted, poignant, uplifting yet agonizing at times, story.
3) Do you ever wonder why some books are marketed toward children that are perhaps not really for children? Of course I know that many children have to deal with unfortunate or difficult situations in their lives, as do we all. However, maybe they are too young to have to deal with such things in their reading material? As in, life itself is so hard let's read something that takes us away from it? I mean, is it just the size of the book (132 large print pages), or that the main character is a child, that makes publishers target certain books to children? I can see how some children may benefit from reading this book if they've been through something that would make it speak to them. Otherwise, I think it would be wisest to leave such hard things to wait until they are a bit older. 12? 14?
And that's not because it's got anything objectionable in it, not at all. In fact, kids need more books written as beautifully as this one...such beautiful language. But it was painful. Of course it was also healing and lifting. But I think it might disturb an innocent younger child who has hitherto led a blissfully non-conflicted life.
4) That said, that doesn't mean YOU shouldn't read it. As I mentioned, several times, it was beautiful and moving and worthy.
5) I would absolutely suggest it to my 13 yo, although it's not up his alley, but I would wait for a while and let my 10 yo little lady grow up a bit before handing it to her. It's worthy of a great discussion. I would read it with them for sure.
--
One quote because it fits where I live, too, and I though friends here may appreciate it:
"There are three things to remember about spring on the island. ...One, it comes after winter. Two, it comes after winter. Three it comes after winter and you think it's still winter."
December 21, 2022
ENGLISH: The English language is special: it makes possible to read half a novel without learning the sex of the narrator. Even if we know the Christian name, it may not help, since there are quite a few epicene names, like Leslie, Evelyn, or Larkin. Sometimes the author takes advantage of this to mislead the reader, as Paul Jennings does in one of his stories. In the case of this book, I don't know if Patricia MacLachlan did it on purpose, or perhaps it was an unexpected result.
A family that has just lost a just-born child finds a baby (Sophie) in a basket on their doorstep. The father warns Larkin not to love her, for her mother may come back and take her away; but, as Larkin says soon after: too late.
ESPAÑOL: La lengua inglesa es muy especial, porque en ella es posible leer la mitad de una novela sin enterarse del sexo del narrador. Incluso aunque sepamos su nombre, es posible que no ayude, puesto que existen unos cuantos nombres epicenos, como Leslie, Evelyn o Larkin. A veces, esto lo aprovecha el autor para despistar al lector, como hace Paul Jennings en uno de sus cuentos. En el caso de este libro, no sé si Patricia MacLachlan lo hizo con intención, o si fue un resultado inesperado por su parte.
Una familia que acaba de perder un niño recién nacido encuentra un bebé (Sophie) en una cestita en la puerta de su casa. El padre previene a Larkin que no debe tomarle cariño, porque su madre puede volver a buscarla; pero, como dice Larkin poco después, es demasiado tarde.
A family that has just lost a just-born child finds a baby (Sophie) in a basket on their doorstep. The father warns Larkin not to love her, for her mother may come back and take her away; but, as Larkin says soon after: too late.
ESPAÑOL: La lengua inglesa es muy especial, porque en ella es posible leer la mitad de una novela sin enterarse del sexo del narrador. Incluso aunque sepamos su nombre, es posible que no ayude, puesto que existen unos cuantos nombres epicenos, como Leslie, Evelyn o Larkin. A veces, esto lo aprovecha el autor para despistar al lector, como hace Paul Jennings en uno de sus cuentos. En el caso de este libro, no sé si Patricia MacLachlan lo hizo con intención, o si fue un resultado inesperado por su parte.
Una familia que acaba de perder un niño recién nacido encuentra un bebé (Sophie) en una cestita en la puerta de su casa. El padre previene a Larkin que no debe tomarle cariño, porque su madre puede volver a buscarla; pero, como dice Larkin poco después, es demasiado tarde.
October 2, 2019
What a sad story. Imagine your family is entrusted with the care of a baby, barely one year old, because her mother cannot raise her at the time. You’re supposed to not fall in love with the baby, right? You’re supposed to just take care of the baby on behalf of her mother for a while, before she comes back and take her child back with her. That’s what happened to Larkin’s family in this book, when her family was given baby Sophie to take care when her mother couldn’t .
Larkin and her family weren’t supposed to fall in love with baby Sophie, but Sophie came into their lives like a blessing, and everyone was affected by the growing love they have toward this little cutie baby. The presence of Sophie also reminded Larkin and her family of the loss of her little brother, who was alive only for one day after his birth. This is why Mama � Larkin’s mom � was so attached to baby Sophie; the little baby reminded her of her own deceased child, the child that wasn’t even given a name, the baby brother that Larkin didn’t even have the chance to see. What Mama felt about her baby son, now poured out onto Sophie, as if she had been Mama’s own child, which she wasn’t, and that what made the story even sadder�
And throughout the story, with Larkin and Lalo � her best friend � going to school, learning poetry from the teacher building her life around teaching words to students, the book also reminded readers of the power of words � the power that can soothe a heartbroken, wretched soul; the power that expresses exactly what human beings feel, and gives solace to all the anger, tears and heartbreak. With words to give to the deceased baby boy, a name, Mama and Papa finally found their solace.
The scene in which Sophie’s mom came back to take her � which we all know would happen at some point � really wrecked me and made me cry like a baby (no pun intended). I was soaked in this profound sadness of a family who had grown so attached to a baby they have been taking care of for so long, now seeing her coming back to her real mother. Raising Sophie, for Larkin’s family, wasn’t just a job entrusted in them; it was also an experience of Mama to be a mother to a little baby � the experience that was taken away from her with her baby son’s death. It was also an experience of Byrd � Larkin’s grandmother � to be the grandmother of a little baby all over again. It was also an experience of Papa to teach a baby how to play rock, paper, scissors; an experience of a whole family to find peace and love in taking care of and growing love to a little baby.
In the end, Sophie did come back to them, like what Byrd had speculated, so not all was lost. Such a beautiful but bittersweet ending to a beautiful but bittersweet story�
Larkin and her family weren’t supposed to fall in love with baby Sophie, but Sophie came into their lives like a blessing, and everyone was affected by the growing love they have toward this little cutie baby. The presence of Sophie also reminded Larkin and her family of the loss of her little brother, who was alive only for one day after his birth. This is why Mama � Larkin’s mom � was so attached to baby Sophie; the little baby reminded her of her own deceased child, the child that wasn’t even given a name, the baby brother that Larkin didn’t even have the chance to see. What Mama felt about her baby son, now poured out onto Sophie, as if she had been Mama’s own child, which she wasn’t, and that what made the story even sadder�
And throughout the story, with Larkin and Lalo � her best friend � going to school, learning poetry from the teacher building her life around teaching words to students, the book also reminded readers of the power of words � the power that can soothe a heartbroken, wretched soul; the power that expresses exactly what human beings feel, and gives solace to all the anger, tears and heartbreak. With words to give to the deceased baby boy, a name, Mama and Papa finally found their solace.
The scene in which Sophie’s mom came back to take her � which we all know would happen at some point � really wrecked me and made me cry like a baby (no pun intended). I was soaked in this profound sadness of a family who had grown so attached to a baby they have been taking care of for so long, now seeing her coming back to her real mother. Raising Sophie, for Larkin’s family, wasn’t just a job entrusted in them; it was also an experience of Mama to be a mother to a little baby � the experience that was taken away from her with her baby son’s death. It was also an experience of Byrd � Larkin’s grandmother � to be the grandmother of a little baby all over again. It was also an experience of Papa to teach a baby how to play rock, paper, scissors; an experience of a whole family to find peace and love in taking care of and growing love to a little baby.
In the end, Sophie did come back to them, like what Byrd had speculated, so not all was lost. Such a beautiful but bittersweet ending to a beautiful but bittersweet story�
June 29, 2021
Larkin and her family care for a foundling left behind by one of the island's summer residents.
This story feels like it could easily have been a subplot on the "Road to Avonlea" television series. Set on a small unnamed island on the east coast of either the United States or Canada, Larkin's family takes in a baby left at their home along with a letter asking them to care for her until her mother can return.
The father is against keeping the child, but he is outvoted by the mother and the grandmother. The family is still grieving the loss of an infant six months previously, and the father is afraid that his wife will become attached to the child whom she will also inevitably lose.
The family cares for and quickly grows to love baby Sophie, but occasional letters from Sophie's mother remind them that Sophie's time with them is only temporary. Sophie spends the winter and spring with the family before Sophie's mother returns to reclaim her child. The family is able to weather the loss, which helps them openly acknowledge the loss of their infant son and finally grieve.
The story is told from Larkin's point of view interspersed with Sophie's nebulous memories of Larkin's family. There is an epilogue set a decade later in which Larkin brings Sophie back to the island to attend the grandmother's funeral.
This book tackles loss, grief, and love for those one is destined to lose. It features the poem "Dirge Without Music" by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
As I read, I couldn't help reflecting upon how lucky Sophie was. Unlike most non-fiction foundling stories, this one has a happy ending. The child is well cared for and loved. The mother is able to reunite with her child after a relatively short time, and if her mother had never returned, she would have been adopted by her foster family. In reality, most foundling were sent to institutions where they were often raised in deplorable conditions devoid of love, and mothers rarely returned for their children even when they left notes stating their intention to do so along with identifying tokens.
Sophie's mother was temporarily overwhelmed by her caretaking responsibilities for a seriously ill family member rather than struggling with poverty, lack of resources, lack of support, unemployment, and the stigma of illegitimacy like the majority of women forced to abandon their infants. The invention of reliable contraception, the implementation of social welfare, and the legalization of abortion temporarily eliminated the need for foundling homes in the mid-20th Century, but, unfortunately, the rise in poverty, the increased barriers to contraception and abortion, and the reduction in welfare benefits necessitated the creation of safe haven laws, safe surrender laws, and baby boxes in the late 20th Century.
This story feels like it could easily have been a subplot on the "Road to Avonlea" television series. Set on a small unnamed island on the east coast of either the United States or Canada, Larkin's family takes in a baby left at their home along with a letter asking them to care for her until her mother can return.
The father is against keeping the child, but he is outvoted by the mother and the grandmother. The family is still grieving the loss of an infant six months previously, and the father is afraid that his wife will become attached to the child whom she will also inevitably lose.
The family cares for and quickly grows to love baby Sophie, but occasional letters from Sophie's mother remind them that Sophie's time with them is only temporary. Sophie spends the winter and spring with the family before Sophie's mother returns to reclaim her child. The family is able to weather the loss, which helps them openly acknowledge the loss of their infant son and finally grieve.
The story is told from Larkin's point of view interspersed with Sophie's nebulous memories of Larkin's family. There is an epilogue set a decade later in which Larkin brings Sophie back to the island to attend the grandmother's funeral.
This book tackles loss, grief, and love for those one is destined to lose. It features the poem "Dirge Without Music" by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
As I read, I couldn't help reflecting upon how lucky Sophie was. Unlike most non-fiction foundling stories, this one has a happy ending. The child is well cared for and loved. The mother is able to reunite with her child after a relatively short time, and if her mother had never returned, she would have been adopted by her foster family. In reality, most foundling were sent to institutions where they were often raised in deplorable conditions devoid of love, and mothers rarely returned for their children even when they left notes stating their intention to do so along with identifying tokens.
Sophie's mother was temporarily overwhelmed by her caretaking responsibilities for a seriously ill family member rather than struggling with poverty, lack of resources, lack of support, unemployment, and the stigma of illegitimacy like the majority of women forced to abandon their infants. The invention of reliable contraception, the implementation of social welfare, and the legalization of abortion temporarily eliminated the need for foundling homes in the mid-20th Century, but, unfortunately, the rise in poverty, the increased barriers to contraception and abortion, and the reduction in welfare benefits necessitated the creation of safe haven laws, safe surrender laws, and baby boxes in the late 20th Century.
October 9, 2021
Bring tissues. Don't worry, I can wait while you do.
This was such a beautiful book on loss, loving again, and impacting someone's life. I'm hoping to write a post about this book, so I won't say much more (else I'll get into spoilers.)
I will add that for sensitive readers there is one swear word and mention of whiskey. Other than that, my family and I really enjoyed this book. Warning, it may make you cry.
This was such a beautiful book on loss, loving again, and impacting someone's life. I'm hoping to write a post about this book, so I won't say much more (else I'll get into spoilers.)
I will add that for sensitive readers there is one swear word and mention of whiskey. Other than that, my family and I really enjoyed this book. Warning, it may make you cry.
September 1, 2018
Haven't met a book by this author that I haven't liked and this was no exception. This was a rather heartbreaking, but sweet book. I didn't want Sophie to leave. *Cries* Definitely worth the time. I loved the emphasis on how important words are.
Read
July 9, 2023Poignant is the right word for this book. Painfully affecting, but simultaneously soothing. To the point; apt. Beautifully written. Not a children’s book.
November 1, 2019
I found myself a little bored to begin with, but this is such a spare little book that I thought I'd just keep on. (I've been reading all my very short books in the hopes of getting rid of my excess reading material.) However, once Baby arrives, it picks up. Besides seeming a little boring to start with, by the end the story doesn't seem plausible to me, but after the first 1/3, it becomes an enjoyable and very touching story about birth, death, and the combination of beauty and loss that comprise everything between, including rebirth in its various forms.
Oh, and I really appreciated the use of poetry in this book, especially an Edna St. Vincent Millay poem I don't remember reading or hearing about before, "Dirge Without Music." And the teacher, Ms. Minifred, who says, "All the world can be found in poetry. All you need to see and hear. All the moments, good and bad, joyous and sad."
Oh, and I really appreciated the use of poetry in this book, especially an Edna St. Vincent Millay poem I don't remember reading or hearing about before, "Dirge Without Music." And the teacher, Ms. Minifred, who says, "All the world can be found in poetry. All you need to see and hear. All the moments, good and bad, joyous and sad."
December 27, 2023
Crying in da club
March 24, 2023
This book wrecked me. It’s beautiful and a little too close to home as a former foster parent. The depiction is spot on. But the grief of this story caused many tears to fall down my face. I’m still feeling it.
July 7, 2022
Do all adults in kids books really have to act irresponsibly?
Because it's starting to get on my nerves.
Larkin's parents are seriously neglecting their daughter and gush over the random baby. They are so terrible at communication that at this point, poeple have to actually look them in the eyes and hammer it home by repeating stupidly "use words". I swear I'm not joking, they are THAT dense.
Larkin's teacher is out of touch with reality and has zero work ethic, and yet is presented as inspirational somehow. She dismisses kids out of her classroom after telling them about a traumatic event in her past, leaving them to fend on their own because... POETRY? Yeah, its was supposed to be a poetry lesson: traumatize kids, read a sad poem about death with almost no warning, flirt with your crush before their eyes and that's it class is dismissed, that was poetry for you. Heammmm great!
Sophie's mom doesn't have a believable excuse for leaving her baby and certainly gives no sound basis for other poeple to believe she's going to be a decent parent now.
What on earth is the legal status of this ridiculous situation?
PLOT: ridiculous, can only exist in a world without law, without social services, without real adults anywhere
CHARACTERS: apparently we're supposed to like them?
STYLE: unbearable repetitions: "words. " "words?" "words." + equally unbearable inserts of poetry in the mix, just enough to make it a book about nothing, where the author basically wants the reader to know: "Patricia MacLachlan likes to read poems apparently"
MESSAGE: could you lay it on even thicker, do you think?
What a waste of my time.
Because it's starting to get on my nerves.
Larkin's parents are seriously neglecting their daughter and gush over the random baby. They are so terrible at communication that at this point, poeple have to actually look them in the eyes and hammer it home by repeating stupidly "use words". I swear I'm not joking, they are THAT dense.
Larkin's teacher is out of touch with reality and has zero work ethic, and yet is presented as inspirational somehow. She dismisses kids out of her classroom after telling them about a traumatic event in her past, leaving them to fend on their own because... POETRY? Yeah, its was supposed to be a poetry lesson: traumatize kids, read a sad poem about death with almost no warning, flirt with your crush before their eyes and that's it class is dismissed, that was poetry for you. Heammmm great!
Sophie's mom doesn't have a believable excuse for leaving her baby and certainly gives no sound basis for other poeple to believe she's going to be a decent parent now.
What on earth is the legal status of this ridiculous situation?
PLOT: ridiculous, can only exist in a world without law, without social services, without real adults anywhere
CHARACTERS: apparently we're supposed to like them?
STYLE: unbearable repetitions: "words. " "words?" "words." + equally unbearable inserts of poetry in the mix, just enough to make it a book about nothing, where the author basically wants the reader to know: "Patricia MacLachlan likes to read poems apparently"
MESSAGE: could you lay it on even thicker, do you think?
What a waste of my time.
April 26, 2012
This book is really well written, thoughtful, and tender.
Why am I giving it a 2-star rating? Details. As a mother of a 2 year old little girl, there were just too many details here that bugged me. This book takes place from late summer to spring; the baby is between a year old and a year and a half old (or so) during the course of the story. Baby starts talking "in sentences", and refers to herself as "I". This seems extremely advanced (most children don't start speaking in sentences until closer to 2; or calling themselves "I" until around 3 or 4!). Also, near the beginning, when abandoned by her mother, baby is quickly lulled back to sleep the first night by the father dancing. When she eventually leaves this family who has taken her in, she doesn't seem distraught at all. Separation issues are never really mentioned, which I find bothersome. Then there is the fact that 10 years later, this little girl remembers specifics about her time with this family. She remembers the names of clouds that the father taught her. I find this very hard to believe.
A lot of the time small details in books are easily overlooked. When the subject at hand is close to you personally it can be hard to overlook inconsistencies.
This book is for young readers who surely wouldn't be bothered by the things I have mentioned here. That said, I would recommend this book to younger readers 8-12 and even older. Just not to nit picky adults!
Why am I giving it a 2-star rating? Details. As a mother of a 2 year old little girl, there were just too many details here that bugged me. This book takes place from late summer to spring; the baby is between a year old and a year and a half old (or so) during the course of the story. Baby starts talking "in sentences", and refers to herself as "I". This seems extremely advanced (most children don't start speaking in sentences until closer to 2; or calling themselves "I" until around 3 or 4!). Also, near the beginning, when abandoned by her mother, baby is quickly lulled back to sleep the first night by the father dancing. When she eventually leaves this family who has taken her in, she doesn't seem distraught at all. Separation issues are never really mentioned, which I find bothersome. Then there is the fact that 10 years later, this little girl remembers specifics about her time with this family. She remembers the names of clouds that the father taught her. I find this very hard to believe.
A lot of the time small details in books are easily overlooked. When the subject at hand is close to you personally it can be hard to overlook inconsistencies.
This book is for young readers who surely wouldn't be bothered by the things I have mentioned here. That said, I would recommend this book to younger readers 8-12 and even older. Just not to nit picky adults!
December 28, 2021
Sarah, Plain and Tall was one of my favourite books to read aloud to my kids. We read Skylark together too, but then the kids somehow grew up before we got around to the rest of the series. For some silly reason, I tend to only read "grown-up books" now.
Because it's a busy time of year and because I haven't made my ŷ goal, I decided to read something short, sweet, and simple. I've always wanted to read more of this author's books, so I chose one of her standalones.
Well, Baby certainly was short, sweet, and simple. It was also poignant and profound, and reading it required tissues. It's an ode to the strength of the human spirit and to the healing power or words.
Speaking of words, Ms. MacLachlan weaves a spell with hers. The setting was palpable, and even the side characters sparkled, especially 70-year-old Byrd, who sewed glittery bits onto her long-johns because she craved some glamour and excitement on the island even after the tourists departed on the last ferry, taking summer with them (but, more importantly, leaving behind a little would-be passenger called Sophie who both is and isn't the baby in the title).
Because it's a busy time of year and because I haven't made my ŷ goal, I decided to read something short, sweet, and simple. I've always wanted to read more of this author's books, so I chose one of her standalones.
Well, Baby certainly was short, sweet, and simple. It was also poignant and profound, and reading it required tissues. It's an ode to the strength of the human spirit and to the healing power or words.
Speaking of words, Ms. MacLachlan weaves a spell with hers. The setting was palpable, and even the side characters sparkled, especially 70-year-old Byrd, who sewed glittery bits onto her long-johns because she craved some glamour and excitement on the island even after the tourists departed on the last ferry, taking summer with them (but, more importantly, leaving behind a little would-be passenger called Sophie who both is and isn't the baby in the title).
August 10, 2014
Having loved Sarah, Plain and Tall, I was eager to read this book. Again, the author handles deep, life-changing issues in a masterly, compassionate way. The main theme in Baby is the need for communication: the power of words, and the deadly, stultifying power of silence and denial. It's hard to put into words your pain and loss; some people don't want to speak of traumatic events because it makes them more real. But not speaking of something terrible that has really happened only adds to the weight of the "elephant in the room". Naming and claiming your pain can help ease it.
The story is told from the young daughter's viewpoint, but Maclachlan is able to show us the adults' feelings and thoughts through her skillful portrayal of posture, movement and reaction. You can almost feel the tension and sadness in some scenes, where what is not said cries aloud.
It's hard to give a synopsis of this book without spoilers cropping up, so I will leave it to you to read what's up there under the title.
The story is told from the young daughter's viewpoint, but Maclachlan is able to show us the adults' feelings and thoughts through her skillful portrayal of posture, movement and reaction. You can almost feel the tension and sadness in some scenes, where what is not said cries aloud.
It's hard to give a synopsis of this book without spoilers cropping up, so I will leave it to you to read what's up there under the title.
January 22, 2021
A lovely story about gathering in and letting go, and about the healing power of words - putting poetry into context: the right words at the right time. I love that the author uses Edna St. Vincent Millay's poetry as a medium for healing. The children here speak more or less like real children, although I was surprised by Sophie's ability to speak in sentences at about 18 months (yes, I know, your son was speaking in sentences at 4 months and toilet trained at 5 months, but he was a freak and you're deluded) but then Sophie seems to be more of a symbol here than a real child. This book was less predictable than cyclically inevitable, the way children seem to prefer things, or at least I did as a child, and that works perfectly. A lot was left out here (like Julia failing to include in her note the real reason she is leaving her baby) but it makes sense for the time in which the story is set (1950s?) and the lack of information doesn't hurt the plot. 4 1/2 stars.
February 10, 2018
“I understood. I did. I knew that what she meant was what Papa had said. Sophie was not ours. Someday she would go away. Another thing to miss.
‘Why is it important?� I asked her.
I asked her for me, but mostly for Lalo, who was holding Sophie as if he would never let her go.
‘It is important, Larkin, because we are giving Sophie something to take away with her when she goes.�
‘What?� asked Lalo. ‘What will she take with her?�
Sophie looked at Lalo and put her fingers up to his lips to feel them move.
‘Us,� said Byrd firmly.�
A book about Safe Families, before it even began. 💔
‘Why is it important?� I asked her.
I asked her for me, but mostly for Lalo, who was holding Sophie as if he would never let her go.
‘It is important, Larkin, because we are giving Sophie something to take away with her when she goes.�
‘What?� asked Lalo. ‘What will she take with her?�
Sophie looked at Lalo and put her fingers up to his lips to feel them move.
‘Us,� said Byrd firmly.�
A book about Safe Families, before it even began. 💔
October 19, 2012
I just fell in love with this book. It's a precious little gem. The book is very poetic. I was hooked up by the language from the moment I started it and I could have read it again the moment I had finished it.
The style reminded me of Jostein Gaarder, who's one of my favourite authors.
The style reminded me of Jostein Gaarder, who's one of my favourite authors.
May 7, 2014
I am falling in love with Patricia MacLachlan. This is a wonderful little book. Deceptively simple and quiet language; MacLachan says so much because of the words she DOESN'T use.
September 27, 2016
*sniff. A bit of a tear jerker, not that I cried, but I almost did.
July 12, 2024
I'll admit coming in, I'm probably a bit prejudiced ... I adored the Sarah Plain and Tall series by this author. This had a very similar feel, in the simple way the story is told, the connection to the characters, the feelings it evokes. I had cleaned out a bookshelf recently and found a physical copy of the book. There is no audio (it is in Kindle). One thing I note in audiobooks, is if a song is "sung" in the book, does the narrator sing it, or patter speak it? Here, I guess we won't know. There were several songs.
There were many things I loved about this story. I found myself making quite a few notes, little things that could be topics of discussion (no plaid dress, the power of words/poetry, "I never fall" "You haven't fallen yet", "It doesn't get any better than excellent", BABY ... double meaning. Memories. What is right ...)
1st person (Larkin's POV)/ Past tense ... there was a little portion in italics before the different sections (four of them: Summer's End, Winter, Spring, Summer-10 Years Later), which were 3rd person. A wispy memory feel ... very effective. 17 chapters. Quick read ... even NOT in audio format.
I think there was a movie made, but I'm not sure it would do it justice (although the movie version of Sarah Plain and Tall did ...)
There were many things I loved about this story. I found myself making quite a few notes, little things that could be topics of discussion (no plaid dress, the power of words/poetry, "I never fall" "You haven't fallen yet", "It doesn't get any better than excellent", BABY ... double meaning. Memories. What is right ...)
1st person (Larkin's POV)/ Past tense ... there was a little portion in italics before the different sections (four of them: Summer's End, Winter, Spring, Summer-10 Years Later), which were 3rd person. A wispy memory feel ... very effective. 17 chapters. Quick read ... even NOT in audio format.
I think there was a movie made, but I'm not sure it would do it justice (although the movie version of Sarah Plain and Tall did ...)
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March 1, 2021I read this in fifth grade. My German teacher recommended this to me, I think it was one of her favourite books and it even made her sob. So I read it and presented this book in front of the class. Sadly I cannot remember much from it ... I've been wanting to read this again ever since. Longest book on my mentally to-be-read pile.
February 25, 2020
My experience with MacLachan is underwhelming. Just a little dry. I read Sarah Plain and Tall, felt the same way, but decided to give the author another chance. The stories are sweet, but do little for me.
August 5, 2021
What a sweet and heartfelt little book. I had read the Sarah, Plain and Tall Saga to my daughter when she was younger. I recently found this at my library in storage and hadn’t seen it or read it, so decided to give it a try. I needed a reading reset after reading a Really Bad Book. This is written in a format that would appeal to young chapter book readers, but the subject material is heavy, deep and real. Loss, grief, family bonds, love, poetry, it has it all. It makes you think, brings up feelings of sadness and hope. I would recommend to almost anybody.
July 14, 2021
Trent rated this 9/10. ☺️
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