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Finishing Becca: A Story about Peggy Shippen and Benedict Arnold
An independent-minded young maid tells the story of social-climber Peggy Shippen and how she influenced Benedict Arnold’s betrayal of the Patriot forces. Revolutionary Philadelphia is brought to life as Becca seeks to find her “missing pieces” while exploring the complicated issues of the war between the impoverished independence men and the decadent British Tories. “This tale of treachery comes alive under [Rinaldi’s] pen.”--Kirkus Reviews
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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807 people want to read
About the author
Ann Rinaldi
69 books987 followersAnn Rinaldi (b. August 27, 1934, in New York City) is a young adult fiction author. She is best known for her historical fiction, including In My Father's House, The Last Silk Dress, An Acquaintance with Darkness, A Break with Charity, and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons. She has written a total of forty novels, eight of which were listed as notable by the ALA. In 2000, Wolf by the Ears was listed as one the best novels of the preceding twenty-five years, and later of the last one hundred years. She is the most prolific writer for the Great Episode series, a series of historical fiction novels set during the American Colonial era. She also writes for the Dear America series.
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 8, 2014
3.75 STARS
I haven't read Rinaldi since my early teens (Time Enough for Drums seemed SO thrilling and romantic at the time!) and I'm not sure if this book just wasn't as good as some of those I read back then, or if I wasn't as wowed because I have read some truly great authors since then and Rinaldi just doesn't quite hold up.
That said, this was still a very enjoyable and fast read that held my interest and she did a fine job of incorporating fact with fiction. At times the theme of Becca needing to find her missing pieces and "finish" herself felt authentic and others it felt forced and even a bit trite. And I felt that we spent rather too much time with backstory and Becca's early days at the Shippen residence (the Benedict Arnold aspect doesn't come in until about 2/3 of the way through). For all that Becca is the protagonist, I never felt that she was fully developed. Peggy Shippen really is the star of the novel, and Rinaldi did a good job of portraying her "hysterics" and spoiled, manipulative nature and her reprehensible behavior, without making her a complete villainess (the Author's Note gives a more complete picture of Peggy). Peggy's father is also three-dimensional, the toll on both his finances and his mental health as he finds it more and more difficult to "stay neutral" in the revolution is touching. I appreciated that Rinaldi gave equal share to both rich and poor, showing how both can be seduced by power and money, and yet both can also have fortitude and morals. I found the differing views of the Patriots and the Loyalists quite interesting, especially as it comes from a teenage girls' perspective (for example, the British soldiers didn't consider "American" girls to be proper ladies; and the American girls purposely dressed in homespun clothes to differentiate themselves from the Loyalists who still wore British finery).
I didn't really know anything about the Benedict Arnold chapter of the American Revolution, except that he was the notorious traitor, and I came away from this book feeling like I understood his story well. I do still want to know why Washington trusted him so completely--if there are any American History scholars out there, please post and let me know, otherwise I will have to keep researching when I have the time.
All in all, an entertaining and educational read (especially with Rinaldi's fine Author's Note explaining fact from fiction and telling "the rest of the story" about the Arnolds) and a great choice for 4th of July!
I haven't read Rinaldi since my early teens (Time Enough for Drums seemed SO thrilling and romantic at the time!) and I'm not sure if this book just wasn't as good as some of those I read back then, or if I wasn't as wowed because I have read some truly great authors since then and Rinaldi just doesn't quite hold up.
That said, this was still a very enjoyable and fast read that held my interest and she did a fine job of incorporating fact with fiction. At times the theme of Becca needing to find her missing pieces and "finish" herself felt authentic and others it felt forced and even a bit trite. And I felt that we spent rather too much time with backstory and Becca's early days at the Shippen residence (the Benedict Arnold aspect doesn't come in until about 2/3 of the way through). For all that Becca is the protagonist, I never felt that she was fully developed. Peggy Shippen really is the star of the novel, and Rinaldi did a good job of portraying her "hysterics" and spoiled, manipulative nature and her reprehensible behavior, without making her a complete villainess (the Author's Note gives a more complete picture of Peggy). Peggy's father is also three-dimensional, the toll on both his finances and his mental health as he finds it more and more difficult to "stay neutral" in the revolution is touching. I appreciated that Rinaldi gave equal share to both rich and poor, showing how both can be seduced by power and money, and yet both can also have fortitude and morals. I found the differing views of the Patriots and the Loyalists quite interesting, especially as it comes from a teenage girls' perspective (for example, the British soldiers didn't consider "American" girls to be proper ladies; and the American girls purposely dressed in homespun clothes to differentiate themselves from the Loyalists who still wore British finery).
I didn't really know anything about the Benedict Arnold chapter of the American Revolution, except that he was the notorious traitor, and I came away from this book feeling like I understood his story well. I do still want to know why Washington trusted him so completely--if there are any American History scholars out there, please post and let me know, otherwise I will have to keep researching when I have the time.
All in all, an entertaining and educational read (especially with Rinaldi's fine Author's Note explaining fact from fiction and telling "the rest of the story" about the Arnolds) and a great choice for 4th of July!
April 2, 2011
I LOVED me some Ann Rinaldi when I was twelve, and I bought this book during that obsession, yet never read it due to my freakish book organization rules. I thought that she did a great job of making history accessible to younger readers, without talking down to them (she gives a glossary of lesser-known historical terms at the end of the book instead). Since the main character is always the same age as the intended reader, it makes it easy for us to understand and relate to a person that could seem completely foreign to a reader separated by two hundred years. Becca's position in the Shippen household makes the book really fascinating as she crosses class boundaries, but I thought the ending fell apart a bit and we end up being told what ultimately happens, instead of witnessing it along with Becca. I didn't enjoy this book as much as other Rinaldi books I've read since she is mostly observing the actions of others, rather than acting herself. Or maybe I'm just older. Still, I wanted to keep reading, despite my knowledge of what would happen.
July 15, 2014
This book has everything I love in Ann Rinaldi's books. History, intrigue, interesting characters, and then her author's note telling you what's true or not. Really great. Will have to reread some others here soon.
August 8, 2020
Book: Finishing Becca
Author: Ann Rinaldi
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I have been Ann’s books for years and I have always enjoyed them. Her books really do age well and are a must read for all ages. They are historical fiction and you don’t realize how much that you are learning until you put the book down. Her books make me want to learn more about the subject, which is the sign of a well done historical fiction book.
This book follows Becca who has been sent to work for Peggy Shippen, who ends up marrying Benedict Arnold. We follow Becca as she follows Peggy from an up and coming society girl to her marriage. We get to see a lot of insights into the American Revolution and the roles the British played into society. I loved getting to see historical figures and how the war effected everyday people. A lot of time historical fiction focuses on the military aspects of war and not the everyday people. In fact, here, we get to see how some people actually benefitted from the British occupation of Philadelphia. That’s something that history doesn’t always tell you: There was in fact people who did benefit from the British.
I enjoyed Becca’s character. She was determined and charmed. Yet, she was relatable. She is a teenage girl whose stepfather is dark and her brother is off fighting in the war. She misses her own father. We see that she wants to be free and have her own life. When she goes to the city, we see that she has found her place and, yet, struggles with the idea of going home. This is all about finding out where you belong and who you are. This is an idea that people are still struggling with it.
Ann’s writing is really engaging and so easy to get into. She has this way of pulling you in and making you want to keep reading. She takes a large event and makes it accessible to all ages. She makes history fun, which is something that many people don’t think of. She allows us to get into history and makes history cool.
Anyway, if you are looking to get into historical fiction, check out this author. I think you will be surprised.
Author: Ann Rinaldi
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I have been Ann’s books for years and I have always enjoyed them. Her books really do age well and are a must read for all ages. They are historical fiction and you don’t realize how much that you are learning until you put the book down. Her books make me want to learn more about the subject, which is the sign of a well done historical fiction book.
This book follows Becca who has been sent to work for Peggy Shippen, who ends up marrying Benedict Arnold. We follow Becca as she follows Peggy from an up and coming society girl to her marriage. We get to see a lot of insights into the American Revolution and the roles the British played into society. I loved getting to see historical figures and how the war effected everyday people. A lot of time historical fiction focuses on the military aspects of war and not the everyday people. In fact, here, we get to see how some people actually benefitted from the British occupation of Philadelphia. That’s something that history doesn’t always tell you: There was in fact people who did benefit from the British.
I enjoyed Becca’s character. She was determined and charmed. Yet, she was relatable. She is a teenage girl whose stepfather is dark and her brother is off fighting in the war. She misses her own father. We see that she wants to be free and have her own life. When she goes to the city, we see that she has found her place and, yet, struggles with the idea of going home. This is all about finding out where you belong and who you are. This is an idea that people are still struggling with it.
Ann’s writing is really engaging and so easy to get into. She has this way of pulling you in and making you want to keep reading. She takes a large event and makes it accessible to all ages. She makes history fun, which is something that many people don’t think of. She allows us to get into history and makes history cool.
Anyway, if you are looking to get into historical fiction, check out this author. I think you will be surprised.
August 18, 2016
This was uneven. It started out OK, about Becca who lives on a farm outside Philadelphia in 1776 and is sent to become a servant for spoiled-brat Peggy Shippen. Once she's in the Shippen house, though, Becca slowly disappears and it becomes clear that the author has used her as a tool to show us Peggy Shippen's nasty behavior. Passages become spottily described, and it's hard to keep track of who is on the Patriots' side, who is on the British side, who is spying for whom, and who is a double agent -- or not. That makes it sound like it's gripping stuff about spies, but really it's only confusing. Events are described a haphazard way, whatever was going on at Valley Forge just dissipates without any kind of resolution, and then Benedict Arnold shows up. As soon as he arrives on the scene, pretty much all pretense of Becca as a main character disappears, and the author's fascination with B. Arnold's complex personality takes over. The action stops and the novel turns into a historical recitation of events. In the final chapter, we learn in a conversation with her cow that Becca has gotten married, and then we get a list of all the things she's learned.
If you do pick this up, stop about 1/3 of the way through, and you'll have read the better part of the book.
If you do pick this up, stop about 1/3 of the way through, and you'll have read the better part of the book.
December 4, 2019
This book’s pacing is all kinds of messed up, but there’s still something very enjoyable in the way Ann Rinaldi writes about history. Her period details are spot on, but never overwhelm the action, and she hardly ever info dumps. She writes for a young audience, but never talks down to them. I didn’t read enough of her books in middle school, but I really wish I had.
I thought our narrator Becca Syng was realistic enough to be relatable, introspective enough to be interesting, and likeable enough for me to care about her getting wrapped up (albeit very loosely) in the Arnolds’ treachery. I enjoyed the characterization of Peggy Shippen, but wish John Andrè had more of a presence. The few Alexander Hamilton cameos were fun, as well.
As other reviewers have said, this book really starts to fall apart in its ending, because all of the spy action happens off page and has to be told to Becca (and us) through other minor characters. Becca’s story is wrapped up in just a few pages and it’s jolting after such a slow, quiet build-up. From what I understand this isn’t one of Rinaldi’s strongest books, and since I did still enjoy it, I’m interested in reading more of her early 90s YA historical fiction.
I thought our narrator Becca Syng was realistic enough to be relatable, introspective enough to be interesting, and likeable enough for me to care about her getting wrapped up (albeit very loosely) in the Arnolds’ treachery. I enjoyed the characterization of Peggy Shippen, but wish John Andrè had more of a presence. The few Alexander Hamilton cameos were fun, as well.
As other reviewers have said, this book really starts to fall apart in its ending, because all of the spy action happens off page and has to be told to Becca (and us) through other minor characters. Becca’s story is wrapped up in just a few pages and it’s jolting after such a slow, quiet build-up. From what I understand this isn’t one of Rinaldi’s strongest books, and since I did still enjoy it, I’m interested in reading more of her early 90s YA historical fiction.
April 8, 2011
Finishing Becca takes place during the American Revolution in Philadelphia. The title refers to how Becca's mother sends Becca to be a maid in the Shippen household to help her find her missing peices and become a finished woman. While in the household she becomes aquianted with General Benedict Arnold.
From elementary school I know who the traitor Benedict Arnold is. But while I knew we betrayed the American to the British, I wasn't sure the details of the event. By the end of the book I can't send a know every detail of Benedict Arnold, but understand his story quite a bit more.
This isn't a time period I frequent, and being where I found the book I was a little hesitant. But it wound up being a pleasant surprise. I wound be more than willing to read more of her books, or even reread the book I was assigned to read back in 8th grade (In My Father's House was the book after a quick google search.)
From elementary school I know who the traitor Benedict Arnold is. But while I knew we betrayed the American to the British, I wasn't sure the details of the event. By the end of the book I can't send a know every detail of Benedict Arnold, but understand his story quite a bit more.
This isn't a time period I frequent, and being where I found the book I was a little hesitant. But it wound up being a pleasant surprise. I wound be more than willing to read more of her books, or even reread the book I was assigned to read back in 8th grade (In My Father's House was the book after a quick google search.)
January 3, 2017
I wanted to like this book, I bought it at a used bookstore on a whim because my name is similar to the title and I'm from PA. However, something about the style was just so offputting. It didn't flow for me, I was never engaged, it was just a total slog. Becca's thoughts were very heavy-handed, I feel. You know, her doomsday pronouncements and all. Like, Peggy thought it would be like ____ and it was. It didn't feel like the voice of a rather immature young girl. I wasn't invested in Becca, her mother, Peggy, the revolution, the British, anything. This was drier than some nonfiction history books I've read. The constant dithering over class, the absence of good pacing, I just could not deal with this book and I have nothing positive to say.
October 20, 2015
am I in love with this novel? Yes indeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed ...
It's simply an amzaing historical novel ... Omi bought me the book and I wasn't encouraged to read it as it deals with one of the issues that I hate the most "THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION" (it's not the occasion to tell u how much I hate their talks about their fight for independence when they occupy others ) But I picked the book and started reading it just cos Omi asked me to do so ( she did it really kindly ) ... and there is the surprise !!!! fascinating language , beautiful discription , and an amazing style of linking events together ...
Becca no one is ever finished dear ...
It's simply an amzaing historical novel ... Omi bought me the book and I wasn't encouraged to read it as it deals with one of the issues that I hate the most "THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION" (it's not the occasion to tell u how much I hate their talks about their fight for independence when they occupy others ) But I picked the book and started reading it just cos Omi asked me to do so ( she did it really kindly ) ... and there is the surprise !!!! fascinating language , beautiful discription , and an amazing style of linking events together ...
Becca no one is ever finished dear ...
November 18, 2018
Another good Ann Rinaldi. As I said before, Rinaldi writes above average historical fiction aimed at what used to be called "juvenile" but now labeled "young adult." Though written with that age group in mind, Rinaldi's books are interesting, informative, and enjoyable for adults.
Also, Rinaldi doesn't take excessive liberties with the history she includes. At the end of each book, she includes a substantial paged author's note in which she explains and substantiates her choice of viewpoints, tells the reader what is fiction and what is not. That's some good reader support material that gives credence to her story.
Also, Rinaldi doesn't take excessive liberties with the history she includes. At the end of each book, she includes a substantial paged author's note in which she explains and substantiates her choice of viewpoints, tells the reader what is fiction and what is not. That's some good reader support material that gives credence to her story.
June 20, 2020
I loved it; I've always loved reading about Benedict Arnold, since he's a very interesting character in history, and I was pleased to find a novel about the story. I loved Becca. She was hilarious, and certainly long-suffering with Peggy. It was very exciting; I could only put it down to get some sleep. I'm glad that I read it.
"Old Washington said any woman who got herself in such a state surely must be innocent. Which just goes to show you what a passel of fools all men are, Opal, generals or not." (One of my favorite Becca lines).
"Old Washington said any woman who got herself in such a state surely must be innocent. Which just goes to show you what a passel of fools all men are, Opal, generals or not." (One of my favorite Becca lines).
January 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this historical fiction. The perspective of the made-up servant added to the foreboding and painted the scene. It was interesting that Benedict Arnold didn't come into the picture until more than halfway through the book but I guess she wanted to say that his story happened long before he met Peggy Shippen. Great details that helped you feel you were there.
August 9, 2008
Seen by a young lady of good breeding and family who desires to be something/someone who she is not. Coming of age during the American Revolutionary War.
Also what it was like to be an indentured servant and help out one's family.
Great book, research and insight.
Also what it was like to be an indentured servant and help out one's family.
Great book, research and insight.
March 10, 2019
Read this entire review here: YA BOOK REVIEW: FINISHING BECCA – A GIRL SEARCHING FOR HER MISSING PIECES
Review by Clarissa Hadge
Overall Rating = 4.5; Romance Rating = 4
Becca’s voice makes this narrative of historical fiction interesting, and Ann Rinaldi brings the details of the American Revolution to life. Unfortunately, some of the secondary characters in Finishing Becca are little more than caricatures, which can be distracting at times.
The scenes between Becca and Peggy are a good juxtaposition for commentary on the social class during this time period.
There is romance between Peggy and John Andre, and later, Benedict Arnold, which might inspire readers to go look up the real story of these historical figures. Becca has a minor romantic storyline, but I won’t reveal with which character!
Read this entire review and others (especially if you love old-fashioned chivalrous romance) at: THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW
Review by Clarissa Hadge
Overall Rating = 4.5; Romance Rating = 4
Becca’s voice makes this narrative of historical fiction interesting, and Ann Rinaldi brings the details of the American Revolution to life. Unfortunately, some of the secondary characters in Finishing Becca are little more than caricatures, which can be distracting at times.
The scenes between Becca and Peggy are a good juxtaposition for commentary on the social class during this time period.
There is romance between Peggy and John Andre, and later, Benedict Arnold, which might inspire readers to go look up the real story of these historical figures. Becca has a minor romantic storyline, but I won’t reveal with which character!
Read this entire review and others (especially if you love old-fashioned chivalrous romance) at: THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW
December 30, 2010
The book is based on historical events and written in two parts, first the British occupation of Philadelphia when Peggy Shippen a local beauty becomes close friends with the British commander John André, and second, when the Patriots retake the city and Peggy meets and marries Benedict Arnold, and then Arnold's ultimate betrayal of the patriots with André hung as a spy for helping Arnold in his attempt to surrender West Point to the British. (If this is a spoiler for you than, I'm sorry, but you weren't paying attention in your history classes.)
However, the story is also about Becca, Peggy's maid. A common theme for Rinaldi is to make her main characters observers on history events who are girls coming of age; in this regard, this is one of her better efforts. Throughout the story Becca negotiates complex and subtle choices regarding morals and values and what she really wants for herself.
In the first half, Becca is sent by her mother (a woman whose fortunes have radically declined after the death of her husband) to work as a maid to Peggy the prettiest girl in Philadelphia, whose character is suspiciously similar to that of Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory if only a bit more vicious. The agreement is that in lieu of pay Peggy's parents will train Becca in all the feminine skills that she would have learned in finishing school (french, music, needlework, elocution, proper manners), hence the book's title. This is central to the internal issues Becca struggles with throughout the book, because she has always felt the lose of the life she would have lived had her father not died; Becca takes 'finishing' to mean that the parts within herself that she feels are empty and missing, because of this change in circumstances, will somehow be filled in. She looks to the rich people around her to decide what those pieces would have been and should be, to be her role models and guides.
In the second half, the story's emphasis shifts entirely from Becca's internal development to Peggy's marriage and the story of Benedict Arnold, and in essence its as though Rinaldi forgets about Becca. Now she's just observing the story and reacting to it, but very little internal development. Rinaldi's got to get out the tale about Arnold, but is not longer focused on her main character's development, and often times even though she's been developing the character to have a backbone in the last second the character looses its and tells no one what they know. This is something you see often with Rinaldi as she approaches the end of her books. They're not supposed to be longer than is appropriate for YA novels, she gets near the end, she's GOT to get out the historical tale and after spending so much time and effort developing a complex tale, crunches out the ending so it will fit the required length and explain why this person wasn't known in the history books.... because in the end they did nothing about what they knew.
up until the 2nd part, its a great book, but then the quality takes a dive
However, the story is also about Becca, Peggy's maid. A common theme for Rinaldi is to make her main characters observers on history events who are girls coming of age; in this regard, this is one of her better efforts. Throughout the story Becca negotiates complex and subtle choices regarding morals and values and what she really wants for herself.
In the first half, Becca is sent by her mother (a woman whose fortunes have radically declined after the death of her husband) to work as a maid to Peggy the prettiest girl in Philadelphia, whose character is suspiciously similar to that of Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory if only a bit more vicious. The agreement is that in lieu of pay Peggy's parents will train Becca in all the feminine skills that she would have learned in finishing school (french, music, needlework, elocution, proper manners), hence the book's title. This is central to the internal issues Becca struggles with throughout the book, because she has always felt the lose of the life she would have lived had her father not died; Becca takes 'finishing' to mean that the parts within herself that she feels are empty and missing, because of this change in circumstances, will somehow be filled in. She looks to the rich people around her to decide what those pieces would have been and should be, to be her role models and guides.
In the second half, the story's emphasis shifts entirely from Becca's internal development to Peggy's marriage and the story of Benedict Arnold, and in essence its as though Rinaldi forgets about Becca. Now she's just observing the story and reacting to it, but very little internal development. Rinaldi's got to get out the tale about Arnold, but is not longer focused on her main character's development, and often times even though she's been developing the character to have a backbone in the last second the character looses its and tells no one what they know. This is something you see often with Rinaldi as she approaches the end of her books. They're not supposed to be longer than is appropriate for YA novels, she gets near the end, she's GOT to get out the historical tale and after spending so much time and effort developing a complex tale, crunches out the ending so it will fit the required length and explain why this person wasn't known in the history books.... because in the end they did nothing about what they knew.
up until the 2nd part, its a great book, but then the quality takes a dive
September 19, 2007
A fascinating story, told from Becca's point of view, a maid to Peggy Shippen...predestined wife of Benedict Arnold, the traitor to the United States of America during the American War for Independence. I LOVE this book!!
Here's a Snopsis that I found on Amazon.com by Bethany:
Fourteen year old Becca Syng feels like pieces of her are missing. So when her mother secures her a job as a maidservant in return for lessons in french, dancing, and needlepoint, she believes that it will help her find herself. She starts working for the Shippens, a prominent Philadelphia family who has taken great pains to remain neutral during the Revolutionary War. It is Becca's job to take care of Peggy, the most beautiful, not to mention the most spoiled, out of the four girls. Becca finds herself in a world she never thought existed, filled with balls, men, and the like. After being discarded from the British Captain Andre, Peggy sets her sights on American General Benedict Arnold. They fall in love and are soon married, despite the age differences (18 to 37). Becca is soon brought into another household, filled with deception and lies. She witnesses Peggy's influence over Arnold, coaxing him to break with the Americans. She then overhears Arnold confessing to break with the Patriots, but is caught in the process. Arnold blackmails her into not telling what she's heard by saying that he will hang her stepfather for being a double agent and that he will confiscate her farm. She is also not allowed in the city for a year and is dismissed from their services. Becca then learns with the rest of the colonies about Arnold's treason, but lives with the knowledge of having the power to stop it.
Here's a Snopsis that I found on Amazon.com by Bethany:
Fourteen year old Becca Syng feels like pieces of her are missing. So when her mother secures her a job as a maidservant in return for lessons in french, dancing, and needlepoint, she believes that it will help her find herself. She starts working for the Shippens, a prominent Philadelphia family who has taken great pains to remain neutral during the Revolutionary War. It is Becca's job to take care of Peggy, the most beautiful, not to mention the most spoiled, out of the four girls. Becca finds herself in a world she never thought existed, filled with balls, men, and the like. After being discarded from the British Captain Andre, Peggy sets her sights on American General Benedict Arnold. They fall in love and are soon married, despite the age differences (18 to 37). Becca is soon brought into another household, filled with deception and lies. She witnesses Peggy's influence over Arnold, coaxing him to break with the Americans. She then overhears Arnold confessing to break with the Patriots, but is caught in the process. Arnold blackmails her into not telling what she's heard by saying that he will hang her stepfather for being a double agent and that he will confiscate her farm. She is also not allowed in the city for a year and is dismissed from their services. Becca then learns with the rest of the colonies about Arnold's treason, but lives with the knowledge of having the power to stop it.
February 22, 2016
This is subtitled A Story about Peggy Shippen and Benedict Arnold, as told from Becca's viewpoint. The book has 25 chapter and an epilogue, but the first 14 chapters have nothing to do with Benedict Arnold. They are the story of how Becca left her farm and began working as a maid/companion for Peggy Shippen, a very spoiled, very selfish, very demanding girl with other sisters.
The story is taking place during the Revolutionary War and shows how there were differences of opinion in the towns about the war itself, and what was proper and not proper for people to do as far as dealing with one side or the other. Some people tried to remain neutral and basically make a profit by trying to deal with both sides in the war.
When Becca ends up working for just Peggy Shippen after she marries Benedict Arnold she finds out that Arnold is not the patriot he seems to be, and that he is having problems with his ego and his pride, both of which lead him to make some very bad decisions. The story also raises the question of how much influence did the real Peggy Shippen have over Arnold, and whether or not she may have been the one to cause him to turn traitor to his country.
A very interesting work.
The story is taking place during the Revolutionary War and shows how there were differences of opinion in the towns about the war itself, and what was proper and not proper for people to do as far as dealing with one side or the other. Some people tried to remain neutral and basically make a profit by trying to deal with both sides in the war.
When Becca ends up working for just Peggy Shippen after she marries Benedict Arnold she finds out that Arnold is not the patriot he seems to be, and that he is having problems with his ego and his pride, both of which lead him to make some very bad decisions. The story also raises the question of how much influence did the real Peggy Shippen have over Arnold, and whether or not she may have been the one to cause him to turn traitor to his country.
A very interesting work.
June 11, 2011
Becca Syng is a clever girl on the quest to find her "missing pieces." When her mother sends her to the Philidelphia home of the Shippens, a wealthy Quaker family, to be "finished," Becca begins to think that she is meant to live like they do, surrounded by riches. Yet as the servant to Peggy Shippen, a spoiled, pretty daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shippen, Becca realizes that the life of the wealthy isn't how it looks on the outside. Peggy is constantly manipulating her parents for everything they could possibly give her, including General Benedict Arnold, a man who Peggy's parents strongly dislike. When Becca moves in with the new couple to stay as Peggy's servant, she watches in terror as Peggy gets the American general to turn on his allies and become a Loyalist.
Ann Rinaldi has outdone herself with this novel. Finally, readers will be able to see the Revolutionary War from a fresh point of view. This remarkable book will be a good read for young adults and adults alike.
PLEASE ADD COMMENTS!!!!! They are gladly accepted.
Ann Rinaldi has outdone herself with this novel. Finally, readers will be able to see the Revolutionary War from a fresh point of view. This remarkable book will be a good read for young adults and adults alike.
PLEASE ADD COMMENTS!!!!! They are gladly accepted.
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April 7, 2008I just finished reading the book "Finishing Becca: A story about Peggy Shippen and Benedict Arnold" by Ann Rinaldi, for my Women’s History Month project. "Finishing Becca" takes place during the Revolutionary War. It is about a fourteen year-old girl named Becca Syng who becomes a maidservant for Peggy Shippen, a beautiful, wealthy and spoiled Quaker daughter. Her mom sends her to work for Peggy Shippen in hopes that Becca will receive a finishing education and find her “missing pieces.” Peggy Shippen falls in love first with British Captain John Andre and then American General Benedict Arnold. Peggy and American General Benedict Arnold eventually get married and buy their own house. Becca continues to work for Peggy. She witnesses General Benedict Arnold turn traitor and join forces with the Crown against the revolutionary Americans.
This was a really interesting book. It taught me a lot about what happened during the Revolutionary War. I would highly recommend it.
This was a really interesting book. It taught me a lot about what happened during the Revolutionary War. I would highly recommend it.
June 18, 2016
This is another excellent YA novel of Historical Fiction by Ann Rinaldi. She once again weaves a believable story about Becca who becomes a maid for the Philadephia belle Peggy Shippen. The Shippen family were Quakers but Loyalists to the Crown. She dallies with Major John Andre of the British army but once he tires of her she meets the man of the hour, Benedict Arnold, her future husband.
I love the way Ann Rinaldi uses Becca who is partially at the Shippen residence to become "finished." But she is a strong character who listens outside of doors and realizes all is not what it seems in the family. I learned a great deal about Peggy, her beauty, her family and her wiles as well as the irascible Arnold.
Peggy stuck by her man, some believe she conspired with him in the treasonous act against our fledgling country and this book makes me want to learn more about "The Arnolds." Well done!
I love the way Ann Rinaldi uses Becca who is partially at the Shippen residence to become "finished." But she is a strong character who listens outside of doors and realizes all is not what it seems in the family. I learned a great deal about Peggy, her beauty, her family and her wiles as well as the irascible Arnold.
Peggy stuck by her man, some believe she conspired with him in the treasonous act against our fledgling country and this book makes me want to learn more about "The Arnolds." Well done!
June 3, 2014
When my 5th grade son brought this book home as his reading group assignment, I found the story so interesting that I asked to borrow a copy so that I could read along. Initially, I found fictionalized story of Becca Syng, a lady's maid to Peggy Shippen during the American Revolutionary War, to be fairly compelling. But after awhile, about the time that Peggy turned coat to court Benedict Arnold, the story seemed to fall flat, with little historical detail and even less insight into Becca's inner thoughts and character. The last few chapters seemed especially rushed, hastily tying up the loose ends of not only Arnold's treason, but of the title action. On the upside, I found Rinaldi's mnemonic device of Becca's "missing pieces" to be charming, making sense of a child's misheard/misunderstood meaning of the old-fashioned practice of "finishing" a girl child before marriage.
September 10, 2009
Becca Syng goes into the Quaker Shippen household as Peggy Shippen’s lady’s maid to escape her harsh stepfather and to be “finished,” to learn the graces befitting a lady. She also wants to “finish” herself, since she feels like part of her is missing, an important part. She is embroiled in Peggy’s life, from her tumultuous romance with a British officer to her courtship, then marriage to Benedict Arnold. Becca witnesses the results of the marriage, momentous to American history, and to Becca’s own story. Positive.
June 10, 2012
I don't always enjoy Ann Rinaldi's writing, but this one I really enjoyed (it wasn't as good as GIRL IN BLUE, of course). I even had a favorite quote: "And at night, just before I close my eyes, when I am in that limbo of half sleep, I see Peggy. I hear her gown rustling. And I hear her voice. 'Well, you've finished yourself now, Becca, haven't you?' And even half asleep, I murmur, 'No, Peggy, no. Because there's one thing I've learned above all. No one is ever finished. Are you?'"
Of course, you have to read the book for this to make complete sense.
Of course, you have to read the book for this to make complete sense.
July 31, 2012
Still a great book. It does a good job of showing the Revolutionary War from the Mid Atlantic states' point of view. The best part is before Peggy Shippen marries Arnold. In this section, Rinaldi creates a complicated and interesting cast of characters. However, in the second section Becca, the servant girl for Peggy, starts oddly telling the future and what not. She has "a feeling" that Arnold is evil etc. Still, a great book reccomended for the high school or even college aged in order to get a different side to the American Revolution.
August 22, 2016
Another Ann Rinaldi that didn't quite hold up as well as it did when I was a kid! In retrospect, this one suffers from some weird pacing issues and a lack of cohesion, but most of all, the classic Tell, Don't Show. The historical parts are pretty spot-on, except for a couple very minor nitpicks, but it reads more like a textbook trying to be thrilling than a great story begging to be told but including historical information.
For my full review including spoilers, check out Young Adult Historical Vault https://yahistoricalvault.com/2016/03...
For my full review including spoilers, check out Young Adult Historical Vault https://yahistoricalvault.com/2016/03...
September 12, 2019
As most Ann Rinaldi books do, this book makes me feel what the main character is feeling. The characters all have conflicting goals that intertwine in interesting ways as the plot progresses. The characters themselves weave throughout the plot in a great way, a very interesting usage of planting and payoff.
I would recommend you read Rinaldi's note from the author at the end of the book (as I would recommend with all of her books). I always love how it gives me some insight into her writing strategies.
I would recommend you read Rinaldi's note from the author at the end of the book (as I would recommend with all of her books). I always love how it gives me some insight into her writing strategies.
August 16, 2014
Another excellent historical YA fiction from Rinaldi. I think the ending was a bit abrupt & contrived though - with Becca essentially summarising the conclusion in her chat to the milk cow. It would have been nice to draw out the final chapter of this into a longer section -- when she returns to learn the running of the farm, digest her time in town, a bit more about the wider war going on, and how she grows to love Frazor.
April 24, 2018
Finishing Becca started off kind of slow in most of the beginning. It was really hard to get into the book and stay interested. Although, it did give me a good point of view of different families during the Revolutionary War. Each family was so different in a lot of aspects so it was easy to see the different points of view. I wouldn't recommend this book just because it was hard to start off. If you can't get into the book its hard to want to read the rest.
September 24, 2018
Ann Rinaldi's The Fifth of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre was one of those books that made me love reading. I stumbled on it at the public library in middle school and devoured it. I had no idea history could be interesting. And then a whole new world opened up to me...and I've been reading historical fiction ever since.
November 20, 2019
A decent read. Held my attention. But for a book that claims to be "about" Peggy Shippen and Benedit Arnold, I didn't feel there was very much about them together. Sure, there was some information there, but nothing deep or exciting. I hated the last chapter. It felt forced and hurried and like the author just wanted to get the book finished up.
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