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That Old-Time Child, Roberta   By:

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That Old-Time Child, Roberta by Sophie Fox Sea is a captivating and emotionally-charged novel that explores the depths of human resilience and the power of love. Set in the early 1900s, this narrative depicts the life of a young orphan, Roberta, who finds herself at the mercy of an indifferent world.

The story begins with Roberta's tragic background as a child abandoned by her family and left to fend for herself. However, despite her challenging circumstances, Roberta's unwavering spirit and determination shine through, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist. The author does an excellent job of immersing the reader in Roberta's world, enabling us to understand her struggles and triumphs on a visceral level.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the way in which Sophie Fox Sea crafts her characters. Each individual feels multi-dimensional, with their own unique motivations and flaws. From the compassionate caretaker who takes Roberta under her wing, to the conniving antagonist who seeks to exploit her vulnerabilities, the cast of characters adds depth and richness to the narrative. The interactions between these characters provide moments of heartache, joy, and everything in between, ensuring that readers become invested in their stories.

The prose in That Old-Time Child, Roberta is beautifully written, evoking a vivid sense of time and place. The historical background is seamlessly integrated into the plot, offering a rich tapestry against which the characters' lives unfold. Sophie Fox Sea's attention to detail is evident throughout, whether she is describing the crumbling streets of a bustling city or the serene beauty of a countryside escape. Such descriptions paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind, further enhancing the immersive reading experience.

Furthermore, the novel delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for love and acceptance. The emotional journey that Roberta undertakes resonates deeply with the reader, as it explores universal human experiences such as self-discovery, healing, and the overcoming of past traumas. The nuances and complexities of these themes are skillfully explored without becoming overly didactic or heavy-handed.

However, one aspect that may prove challenging for some readers is the occasional use of dialect, which can make the dialogue feel slightly stilted and difficult to follow. While this may detract from an otherwise seamless reading experience, it also adds a layer of authenticity to the characters' voices and serves as a testament to the author's attention to detail.

Overall, That Old-Time Child, Roberta by Sophie Fox Sea is a poignant and engaging novel that delves into the human condition through the eyes of a resilient young girl. Sophie Fox Sea's meticulous storytelling, well-developed characters, and evocative prose make this a book that lingers with you long after you've finished reading. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that love and determination can carry us through even the most challenging of circumstances.

First Page:

THAT OLD TIME CHILD, ROBERTA

Her Home Life on the Farm

by

SOPHIE FOX SEA

Louisville Printed by John P. Morton and Company

1892

[Illustration: "Must I look so when I die? Boo oo!" "I'll cross my heart, Lil Missus, 'twuz dem drefful men dat sed 'Boo oo!'"]

TO MY REVERED AND BELOVED FRIEND, Mrs. Preston Pope, I DEDICATE THIS CHILD'S STORY. IT WAS SHE WHOSE LOVE OF CHILDREN FIRST SUGGESTED IT, AND WHOSE WORDS OF KIND APPRECIATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT HAVE BEEN TO ME "AS APPLES OF GOLD IN PICTURES OF SILVER."

Roberta Marsden, or Lil Missus, as the negroes called her, for the opening of my story dates back several years before the Civil War began, lived on a country place in Kentucky. She was a beautiful child, and despite a few foibles that all flesh is heir to, such a really lovable one that she was fairly worshiped by mother, aunt and uncle, and every one of the negroes, from old Caleb, the testy and ancient coachman, to the veriest pickaninny, who thought it a great feat to catch hold with grimy fingers to the fluttering strings of the little girl's white apron when she came among them at Christmas and on other occasions to distribute sweets and more substantial tokens.

It was a great wonder that the child was not utterly spoiled. But it seemed that her nature reflected the love lavished on her as a mirror the face that looks into it... Continue reading book >>




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