Little Homespun by Ruth Ogden (1940)

Name: Little Homespun
Author: Ruth Ogden

The narrative unfolds in a picturesque Virginia setting, where a young boy named Brevet-Captain, affectionately called Brevet, lives with his grandmother, Mrs. Ellis. The story begins on a bright June morning, highlighting the warmth and charm of their homestead by the Potomac River. Brevet, a spirited child with a penchant for military play, is excitedly preparing for a day with Captain Joe, a former soldier and beloved family friend. As the plot progresses, Brevet's adventures with Captain Joe lead him to Arlington, a significant historical site that serves as a national cemetery. The story interweaves themes of friendship, family, and the legacy of the Civil War, as Brevet learns about bravery and sacrifice through his interactions with Joe and the history surrounding Arlington. The narrative takes a poignant turn with the introduction of Courage, a young woman who has recently lost her mentor, Miss Julia. Courage grapples with her grief but ultimately decides to honor Miss Julia's legacy by caring for a group of city children, including the Bennetts, who are also introduced in the story. The Bennetts, four siblings, are initially disheartened by the loss of their summer plans but find solace in Courage's determination to create a joyful summer experience for them. As the children bond over shared experiences, the story explores themes of resilience and the importance of community. Courage's journey of self-discovery and her growing connection with the Bennetts and Brevet highlight the transformative power of love and friendship. The climax of the story occurs during a storm that threatens Brevet's safety while he is on the island that Joe built for him. Joe's heroic actions to save Brevet from drowning lead to his own paralysis, prompting a heartfelt exploration of sacrifice and the bonds that tie them together. The aftermath of the storm brings revelations about family connections, particularly between Mammy, a caretaker, and Sylvia, a girl from the orphanage, suggesting a deeper familial bond that transcends their pasts. In the end, the narrative culminates in a celebration of new beginnings as Courage decides to marry Harry Ellis, Brevet's uncle, and return to Virginia to live with the community she has come to love. The story closes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the enduring nature of love, friendship, and the importance of home, as the characters look forward to a future filled with promise and connection.

By Ruth Ogden · First published 1940 · Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 11 chapters · 32,278 words

First lines

JUNE morning, clear and cool as October, and everything far and near fairly revelling in the early summer sunshine. The Potomac, blue as the sky above it, sparkling and dancing, the new young leaves on the oak trees shimmering and shining with the marvellous green of springtime, and the dear old Virginia homestead, overhanging the river, never looking more homelike and attractive in all its quiet life. The reason for this did not lie all in the sunshine either. Just outside the door, on the wide gallery, a darling old lady sat knitting, for as _darling_ means "dearly beloved," no other word could so truly describe her. Everybody worshipped her and regarded her -- as well they might -- with unspeakable devotion; for darling old ladies, as you very well know, do not grow on every bush -- quite to the contrary -- a great many old ladies (bless their tired old hearts! ) grow fretful and nervous and fussy, and are hard to please, not to say cranky. But who would blame them for this for a minute? Just as likely as not you and I will be cranky enough ourselves, when we have borne the burden of fourscore years, and are pretty well worn out in mind and spirit and body. But here was an old lady who was not worn out. Her hair was white with "the incomparable whiteness of aged hair," and there were the indelible marks of age on the sweet, earnest face, but this dear old lady was "sunny. " She had had her own full share of sorrows and worries, and she had taken them all very much to heart -- as people must whose hearts are big enough to take things to at all -- and as tender as hearts really ought to be. But somehow or other, she had learned the secret of not being overcome by the worries and the sorrows, and so, sitting there knitting that peerless June morning, she and the sunshine together seemed to glorify everything about them.

What this Textopian page supports

Little Homespun is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ruth Ogden, dated 1940 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Ruth Ogden
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction, Family Saga
Length: 32,278 words
Structure: 11 chapters, 432 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres

Fiction — The book presents a narrative that explores human experiences and relationships.
Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character development and thematic depth.
Coming-of-Age — The plot likely involves personal growth and self-discovery.
Historical Fiction — The setting may reflect a specific time period, influencing the characters' lives.