wanxitoc372

This is the book wherein we read of Laura and Almanzo and their growing romance. Almanzo drives Laura back and forth (12 miles each way) to a 2-month school in a small settlement, and Laura is miserable in the position of teacher and boarder at the home of a seriously mentally-unstable woman. Second only to the discomfort of that situation is the fact that she's uncomfortable with the idea that perhaps the whispers of her students are true and that Almanzo really IS trying to be Laura's "beau." After all the trips through 20-to-40-below-zero weather, Laura tries to tell Almanzo that the sleigh rides are over--but of course, he doesn't give up, and Laura's feelings finally get the better of her. In the end, we have a sweet and innocent retelling of their engagement and wedding. By today's standards it might seem like a very prim version of a romance; but for readers who know what real love is about, this tale is the epitome of sweetness combined with depth. A wonderful "unofficial" end to the series (if you don't count the add-on book of "The First Four Years," which is a bit more tragic and dark, but also worthwhile). Hurray for Laura Ingalls (Wilder)!

2023-07-01 07:12