“Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm,”
by Kate Douglas Wiggin.
Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 182 pages, 1903, Grades 5-7.
Classic literature stands the test of time because of its timelessness. Something in the story speaks to generation after generation because the books address enduring values that enrich human existence.
In children’s literature, one such book is “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.” Written by Kate Douglas Wiggin in 1903, readers meet 11-year-old Rebecca Rowenna Randall on her journey to live with two spinster aunts, Miss Miranda and Miss Jane Sawyer.
The elderly sisters have always lived an isolated, peaceful life. Their sister, Aurelia Randall, now widowed, has seven children and struggles to keep her family out of poverty. Her second daughter Rebecca, a dreamy visionary, names the broken-down homestead Sunnybrook Farm.
Due to her financial destitution, Aurelia sends Rebecca to live with the aunts and get an education. Rebecca is excited about the new world opening before her but wonders if the aunts will like her. She soon finds out.
The driver stops the stagecoach near a brick house belonging to Rebecca’s two aunts in the town of Riverboro, Maine. Rebecca, remembering her mother’s admonitions to be well mannered and behaved in front of the two elderly ladies, tries to make a pleasant appearance. But she soon starts daydreaming and imagining new worlds and beautiful vistas in nature.
Aunt Miranda has no use for such trifling and foolish ideas and tries to make Rebecca act like a hard-working young lady, changing her fanciful disposition to that of cold New England practicality. Miranda particularly dislikes Rebecca’s dead father and insults his memory in front of the child. The bitter old woman states that he did nothing but daydream, have seven children and die destitute. Now she is left to bring up Rebecca because of her father’s irresponsibility.
Eleven-year-old Rebecca stands up to the aunt and tells her that she loved her father and thought that Miranda showed meanness when hurling these accusations at the dead man. The tug of war begins. Aunt Jane tries to placate the two and act as an intermediary.
As the years pass, Rebecca continues her education, thanks to the aunts’ money, and grows into a compelling young woman. She is independent and gifted in writing and poetry. Her Aunt Miranda doesn’t understand why Rebecca wants to learn and write so avidly. But Rebecca’s talents are undeniable and a number of people mentor her on her journey to maturity. After she graduates from high school, she is offered several excellent teaching positions. But then tragedy once again strikes her family. She must choose between her own desires and the needs of her afflicted family. What does she decide?
What does Rebecca finally do? Is she able to use her gifts to help others and herself? How does she teach her mother and Aunt Miranda important life lessons? What about Rebecca Rowenna Randall in 1903 still proves to be compelling to modern day readers? To find out, go to the library and check out this outstanding classic novel, “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” by Kate Douglas Wiggin.
Rebecca’s growth into a mature young woman is a fascinating story. However, this is not an action adventure novel. It is a novel about interior emotional development. It has been particularly popular with girls since it was published in 1903. I can’t recommend this novel highly enough for students looking for this kind of a plot. I really liked the story and think you will as well. Enjoy.
