VIEW FROM THE PIGHOUSE ROOF

by Violet Olsen ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1987

This sequel to The Growing Season continues the story of Marie Carlsen, now 13. The year is 1934; although the Carlsens are lucky enough to be able to keep their farm going, they are not untouched by the hard times. Marie's oldest brother and her favorite sister, Rosie, both have had to leave home. Marie desperately misses Rosie, but rarely hears from her, since she and her husband have taken jobs aa migrant workers. Still, life goes on. Marie makes new friends, graduates from grammar school, is humiliated at a ""box social,"" and becomes caught up in the plight of farmers in her community. By the end, following a devastating tragedy, Marie has grown in ways she never thought possible. Although filled with vivid detail depicting life on a midwestern farm in the early 1930's, the story suffers from intrusive narration and some confusingly drawn characters. Narrative statements such as "". . . Alfred had remembered that she wanted to become an artist"" or "". . .Karen was a delight to everyone who knew her"" often come as a complete surprise or seem unsubstantiated. Moreover, various hints are made about characters and storylines that either prove unfounded or never materialize. Uneven, but will probably hold appeal for fans of The Growing Season.

Pub Date: April 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 192

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S