Shelly's Book Blog

I cannot possibly say enough good things about The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, by Jeanne Birdsall. This is one of those books that I couldn't wait to finish because I wanted to know what happens, but at the same time I was sad to finish because that meant my time spent with these wonderful characters was at an end. The Penderwicks are one of those endearing families in literature whose imperfections seem to be the source of their charm. The family consists of Martin, the widowed father who is a college professor and often expresses himself in Latin, his four daughters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty, and the family dog, Hound. The wife and mother, Elizabeth, died tragically from cancer shortly after the youngest daughter, Batty, was born.



They live in an idyllic house in an idyllic neighborhood. There is an unspoiled woodland area within walking distance of their home where the girls have played their whole lives, and they seem well acquainted with all the neighbors on their quiet cul-de-sac -- except for the new single mom who has just moved in with her infant son. I suppose the widowed father + widowed mother/new neighbor set up is a bit predictable, but the author has plenty of excitement to offer her readers that keeps us turning page after page.

For example, Jane, who likes to write stories, and Skye, who is good at math and science, decide to trade homework assignments. Jane writes a play about the Aztecs for Skye, and Skye writes an essay for Jane about how science has helped improve our lives. Unfortunately, Jane's play is chosen to be performed at the school and Skye is chosen to be the lead. There is also a story about Martin beginning to date again, much to the horrow of his eldest daughter, Rosalind. She gathers the sisters together to come up with a plan to save their father by arranging dates with horrible women so that he will give up the idea altogether. The results of both storylines are very funny. I just loved this book and hope that Jeanne Birdsall will write more about these characters!