The only child not given a starring role is young Catherine each of the others has some sort of adventure. The story focuses on each child in turn, while giving a broader picture of the inner workings of the family.

The children attend Catholic school, and their struggles with learning a second language, getting along with the Québécois children who occasionally toss a scornful “You Yankee!” their way, and trying to conform to the strict standards of the nuns and priests at their schools are nicely depicted. The American Mitchells are still adjusting to life in French Canada. There is nothing left for any extras after paying Miss Thorpe’s wages, and several plot lines focus on the children trying to earn enough money for various crucial things they need or desire. Father is busy working and is seldom home cash flow is definitely an issue in the household which though comfortably middle-class is far from wealthy. Only Joan finds favour in Miss Thorpe’s eyes as she proves herself both willing and very capable in helping with the babies and taking on much of the meal preparation but the younger five are considered much too selfish, rambunctious, noisy, messy and careless by the strict nurse. Their mother has had a hard time with the birth, and is weak and confined to bed, so a strict English nurse, Miss Thorpe, is engaged to care for the babies and help run the household until Mother can recover enough to take on her usual role. Living in a large house in Montreal, shortly after a move from the United States, the six Mitchell children, Joan, Patsy, Peter, Angela, Timmy, and Catherine, ranging in age from fifteen (Joan) to three (Catherine), are joined by twin brothers. I’ve happily re-read this book a few times, though if it disappeared from the shelves I wouldn’t be heartbroken, just mildly regretful.

186 pages.Īn average to good example of the vintage juvenile “domestic drama” genre. Friendly Gables by Hilda van Stockum ~ 1960.

The Borrowed House by Hilda van Stockum