Illustrated by Lynley Dodd
From the inside front flap: "The world of Druscilla was small, snug and virtually self-contained; remote from our twentieth century and yet, in some ways, sending out strangely familiar echoes. Druscilla lived in a village in Taranaki, New Zealand, during the 1880s and 1890s. The village was not old, for the country had only recently been colonised. But it held many of the qualities of a settled, English way of life, along with other exciting and novel additions. The ladies still meet for tea; the nurse mothered the youngest in a big family and protected the rest; church and school were the centre of most activities. Yet the exotic forest was near at hand and Druscilla might see a host of Maoris, 'like Moses leading the Children of Israel to the Promised Land,' on their way to a tangi. But chiefly this book is the story of Druscilla herself, spirited, sensitive and eloquent, a fascinated observer of the grownup world flowing around her."
This is a delightful little book, only 91 pages long. It tells the story of Druscilla, a little girl from the age of 8 till she leaves school. The story is based on the author's sister and her memories of growing up in Taranaki in the late 19th Century.
The book is written in diary form and since it is so short, there are big gaps and jumps in her development. The stories are funny and sweet, and really enjoyable to read. I read this book with my 11-year-old daughter.
The illustrations are by Lynley Dodd and are wonderful. The book is worth owning just for the pictures. They really are sweet.
Druscilla reminds me a little of Anne of Green Gables. She has red hair (and hates it), is always getting into trouble, and has no filter!
There are a few misgivings I have about this book.
Druscilla is quite irreverent towards everything including spiritual matters. Going to church and school is a central part of Druscilla's life so spiritual terminology was commonplace. It may just be the author's style, trying to keep the book light and funny, and also Druscilla's innocence and her inability to fully understand these things. But when you are dealing with subjects such as heaven, hell, the Devil, and sin... everything is treated in a light-humoured way. It did put me off really enjoying the book.
She also has an enemy at school called Queenie Lynn. They remain enemies and there are no lessons for children reading the book to learn from this.
There are a few instances where Druscilla gets away with no punishment for deliberate acts of "naughtiness".
Also, Druscilla's brother tries to scare her sister with stories of the Maori stealing and eating her and her sisters. Thankfully, her father dispels these false accusations through his friendship with Tikitawara. Druscilla also has a friendship with him.
Aside from that, in the last chapter, May White, their long-time nurse gets married. The description of the marriage ceremony and Druscilla's thoughts on marriage were wonderful and a beautiful way to end the book.
If you see a copy of this book in a second-hand sale or shop, grab it, because it is a lovely book, but read it first to see if you like it before handing it over to your kids.
I recommend the book for boys and girls aged 8 and over.