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The Staircase: A Middle Grade Novel of a Kazakh Girl Who Becomes an Eagle Hunter
In 1878, after her mother's death on the way west, thirteen-year-old Lizzy Enders is left by her father at a convent school in Sante Fe, where she must deal with being the only non-Catholic student and where she plays a part in what some consider a miracle.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2000
35 people are currently reading
937 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 Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible."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 Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible."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 150 reviews
September 30, 2021
This was a wonderful and entertaining read! Well written historical fiction!
On a side note: My family and I were able to visit the Chapel of Loretto when we lived in New Mexico (military stationed at Holloman AFB in Alamogordo) and the staircase is sight to behold! A masterpiece of craftsmanship and the beauty will take your breath away!! Truly a marvel of engineering.
On a side note: My family and I were able to visit the Chapel of Loretto when we lived in New Mexico (military stationed at Holloman AFB in Alamogordo) and the staircase is sight to behold! A masterpiece of craftsmanship and the beauty will take your breath away!! Truly a marvel of engineering.
February 7, 2021
This book was recommended by a good friend AND his daughter. They know I am a Catholic and that I would identify with the Catholic aspects of this book. Identify I did!! Enough to want to visit this staircase one day.
From Wikipedia:
Lizzy Ender's father dumps her at a Santa Fe convent after her mother died on the Santa Fe Trail. A Methodist, Lizzy is an outcast in the school who can't comprehend the dedication to Catholicism. She thinks the nuns who pray to Saint Joseph for help to finish their choir loft (which doesn't have a staircase) are crazy. She befriends an unemployed carpenter and suggests he build the staircase. Her classmates are furious as they were waiting for a miracle to occur. The carpenter, named Jose, proceeds to build the staircase in a matter of weeks armed with three simple tools and his faith. After building the staircase, Jose disappears and Lizzy decides to leave the convent to live with her father, who was currently living on a ranch in Texas.
ANN RINALDI is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. A self-made writer, Ms. Rinaldi never attended college but learned her craft through reading and writing. As a columnist for twenty-one years at The Trentonian in New Jersey, she learned the art of finding a good story, capturing it in words, and meeting a deadline.
This book and story is very good and I hope to visit Santa Fe one day!!
4 stars
From Wikipedia:
Lizzy Ender's father dumps her at a Santa Fe convent after her mother died on the Santa Fe Trail. A Methodist, Lizzy is an outcast in the school who can't comprehend the dedication to Catholicism. She thinks the nuns who pray to Saint Joseph for help to finish their choir loft (which doesn't have a staircase) are crazy. She befriends an unemployed carpenter and suggests he build the staircase. Her classmates are furious as they were waiting for a miracle to occur. The carpenter, named Jose, proceeds to build the staircase in a matter of weeks armed with three simple tools and his faith. After building the staircase, Jose disappears and Lizzy decides to leave the convent to live with her father, who was currently living on a ranch in Texas.
ANN RINALDI is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. A self-made writer, Ms. Rinaldi never attended college but learned her craft through reading and writing. As a columnist for twenty-one years at The Trentonian in New Jersey, she learned the art of finding a good story, capturing it in words, and meeting a deadline.
This book and story is very good and I hope to visit Santa Fe one day!!
4 stars
April 8, 2011
There is a great novel yet to be written about the mysterious and quite possibly miraculous staircase in the Chapel of Loretto, and while this book is not that one, I'm glad I read it, and want to thank Ann Rinaldi for spinning an interesting tale from the facts as we know them.
Some reviewers claim that this story is anti-Catholic, but I think they're wrong. Rinaldi writes about Catholic rituals through the eyes of a 14-year-old Methodist girl unfamiliar with them, so it's no wonder that things like genuflecting and incense seem strange-- that's just honest writing. Similarly, while Lizzy doesn't understand devotion to Saint Joseph and is often tormented by a classmate whose alleged calling to convent life seems as phoney as a three-dollar bill, she also finds admirable Catholic friends like Sister Roberta and the bishop.
Nineteenth-century Santa Fe comes alive in this book.
Young teens may be put off by Lizzy's caustic nature and an instance of cruelty to a kitten. Older teens may find the story captivating. The itinerant carpenter who builds the staircase says a few things that I do not think Saint Joseph would say, particularly in oblique references to his own past, yet if you accept the twin premise that he is enigmatic by design, and that a Methodist girl was responsible for finding him work in the chapel, all else is filigree.
What keeps "The Staircase" from entering the ranks of classic literature (like William Barrett's "The Lilies of the Field," which does a better job of describing the same culture clash) is its tone, which for most the story has to be called quietly bitter. Lizzy is not happy (for good reason), and the story is as much about her as about the building of the staircase. Fortunately, Rinaldi is smart enough to add a few redemptive elements to her plot as well, and the story she tells is interesting.
Some reviewers claim that this story is anti-Catholic, but I think they're wrong. Rinaldi writes about Catholic rituals through the eyes of a 14-year-old Methodist girl unfamiliar with them, so it's no wonder that things like genuflecting and incense seem strange-- that's just honest writing. Similarly, while Lizzy doesn't understand devotion to Saint Joseph and is often tormented by a classmate whose alleged calling to convent life seems as phoney as a three-dollar bill, she also finds admirable Catholic friends like Sister Roberta and the bishop.
Nineteenth-century Santa Fe comes alive in this book.
Young teens may be put off by Lizzy's caustic nature and an instance of cruelty to a kitten. Older teens may find the story captivating. The itinerant carpenter who builds the staircase says a few things that I do not think Saint Joseph would say, particularly in oblique references to his own past, yet if you accept the twin premise that he is enigmatic by design, and that a Methodist girl was responsible for finding him work in the chapel, all else is filigree.
What keeps "The Staircase" from entering the ranks of classic literature (like William Barrett's "The Lilies of the Field," which does a better job of describing the same culture clash) is its tone, which for most the story has to be called quietly bitter. Lizzy is not happy (for good reason), and the story is as much about her as about the building of the staircase. Fortunately, Rinaldi is smart enough to add a few redemptive elements to her plot as well, and the story she tells is interesting.
April 9, 2015
A few years ago I read about the legend of the staircase at the Chapel of Loretto in Santa Fe in a story in Guideposts magazine. Since my son was about to take a trip to New Mexico, I gave the article to him. He went to visit it and ever since then I have been very interested in this " miraculous " staircase. This book imagines a story of a little girl in the convent school that is associated with the chapel.
October 31, 2009
Having just returned from Santa Fe - and having been fortunate enough to view The Miraculous Staircase -I was quite anxious to read this historical fictional piece that was written for older children. I felt that Rinaldi captured life in Santa Fe in the late 1800s. The story was readable; the characters were varied; the plot was not exceptional.
As an aside, I viewed a Hallmark movie with the same title - about the same staircase - and it focused more on the actual building of the staircase. So I was a little taken aback when realizing this was the story of a young girl who resided at the chapel during the time of the staircase building.
As an aside, I viewed a Hallmark movie with the same title - about the same staircase - and it focused more on the actual building of the staircase. So I was a little taken aback when realizing this was the story of a young girl who resided at the chapel during the time of the staircase building.
March 10, 2017
I have always been fascinated by the story of the staircase at the Chapel of Loretto in Santa Fe ever since I first learned about it as a little girl, probably around the same age as Lizzy, the narrator and main character. She finds the carpenter and brings him back to the school to build the staircase. Lizzy never beats around the bush. She comes right out with her opinions and impressions of the Catholic faith. I liked her boldness. I also loved the character of the bishop, and also Mrs. Lacey. I didn't want to put this book down. I've read others by Rinaldi. She writes historical fiction very well and really engages the reader.
October 24, 2012
The reader is drawn into the story right off by being plunged into the conflict by the very first line. The story proceeds with a chain of causes and effects. Each event sets off another. Because of the complex nature of the characters, there is ever an element of surprise. Lizzy’s nemesis Elinora, in particular, keeps things moving with her unpredictable actions and reactions. Occasionally the cause and effect connection seems contrived, like Jose’s decision to stay after Lizzy writes a letter to her father. The foreshadowing is deft and subtle, though.
The events and characters are many and varied. A few are inserted only to bring the time period alive, including characters such as the folk hero Jesse James and Indian warrior-revolutionary Lozen, and events such as an Indian’s visit to the wagon train and the lynching of a prisoner. All the characters mentioned are made to serve a purpose, though.
For most part, the events are all tied together by the common theme of faith and how it enriches one’s life. Faith in God is not dwelt upon so much by the protagonist, however, as faith in people. Lizzy’s struggle to have faith in her father, to believe that he cares about her, is the heart of the novel.
Her relationship with her father can be seen as symbolic of a person’s relationship with God. The father talks very little and does not reveal his plans to his child. He is concerned for her, wants her to learn, and provides for her, but he is unseen and mysterious. The analogy is not pushed in our face, however. Those uncomfortable with such symbolism can ignore it. Whether this symbolism is intentional or not, it is wise of the author to focus on the issue of having faith in people, especially in parents, since faith in God has its foundation in this.
The four adults who become Lizzy’s confidants each show her different ways of practicing their faith. Her favorite nun Sister Roberta is the practical one, interpreting Catholic doctrine according to the situation. A Martha figure, she takes an active role in looking after people’s physical needs and. Mrs. Lacey is focused on finding inner peace through atonement for her sins. She is impulsively friendly and generous, acting mainly on her feelings. The Bishop is concerned with reconciling God’s teachings, justice, and the greater good. Jose simply does as he is commanded to and accepts the way life works. These sincere ways of living the faith transcend the petty superstitious practices of her classmates and the narrow-minded, inconsistent attitude of the Mother Superior. Thus, though the use of Lizzy’s one-sided viewpoint requires the expression of harsh criticism of Catholics in general, the book still manages to show the goodness of sincere religious people, especially Catholics.
It can be seen that Lizzy is inconsistent, critical of others but unaware of the same fault in herself. This, along with her defiance to authority and resentment of her father, makes her a typical teenager. Perhaps she seems a little modern, but her casual upbringing as a doted-upon only child and the influence of her rough uncle make this plausible. The fact that she seems modern in her attitude is an asset since it makes it easier for contemporary young adults to identify with her, especially since she faces problems that they can relate with like struggles with identity and social bullying as well as with faith. Her modern outlook makes it possible for her to resolve her issues with faith in a way that a contemporary teenager would be comfortable with.
That this story of a crisis in faith is set in the late nineteenth century is appropriate despite the generally simple religious attitudes of the time. This shows that the questioning of God and religion is a timeless adolescent crisis. That the outspoken expression of it and reasoned attempts to resolve it were unusual at the time only makes Lizzy’s conflict more dramatic. The time setting also allows for an unusual but poetic resolution: The teenager who has lost her mother and resented her father comes of age by becoming a surrogate parent.
The book does not revise the folk story of the miraculous staircase, it adds to it. That the staircase was built through a miracle seems plausible given that the method of building is unique and the wood unavailable in the area. The main argument for the rational against it being a miracle would be why St. Joseph would perform a miracle just for the sake of completing a chapel when there are more worthy prayers that go unanswered. The story behind the story created by the author validates the miracle by giving a worthy motivation for it.
All in all, The Staircase is a skillfully written historical novel. Some period details seem unnecessarily dwelt on, such as the Indian in the camp and the lynching of a prisoner. Others are not so smoothly blended in: Sister Roberta’s description of the staircase sounds contrived, more like something said by a tour guide rather than the character. But the main character and her conflict fit the setting perfectly, and the novel gives us a refreshing look at nineteenth-century America by presenting a part of the U.S. that is rarely depicted in historical fiction. It does not romanticize, showing the hardships and dangers of the times along with the exciting details and it succeeds due to this very lack of romanticism. For against this background of harsh realities, the miracle of the staircase seems all the more wondrous. Although in the end it is left for the reader, along with Lizzy, to decide whether it was a miracle at all, a demonstration of respect for the reader that teenagers are bound to appreciate.
The events and characters are many and varied. A few are inserted only to bring the time period alive, including characters such as the folk hero Jesse James and Indian warrior-revolutionary Lozen, and events such as an Indian’s visit to the wagon train and the lynching of a prisoner. All the characters mentioned are made to serve a purpose, though.
For most part, the events are all tied together by the common theme of faith and how it enriches one’s life. Faith in God is not dwelt upon so much by the protagonist, however, as faith in people. Lizzy’s struggle to have faith in her father, to believe that he cares about her, is the heart of the novel.
Her relationship with her father can be seen as symbolic of a person’s relationship with God. The father talks very little and does not reveal his plans to his child. He is concerned for her, wants her to learn, and provides for her, but he is unseen and mysterious. The analogy is not pushed in our face, however. Those uncomfortable with such symbolism can ignore it. Whether this symbolism is intentional or not, it is wise of the author to focus on the issue of having faith in people, especially in parents, since faith in God has its foundation in this.
The four adults who become Lizzy’s confidants each show her different ways of practicing their faith. Her favorite nun Sister Roberta is the practical one, interpreting Catholic doctrine according to the situation. A Martha figure, she takes an active role in looking after people’s physical needs and. Mrs. Lacey is focused on finding inner peace through atonement for her sins. She is impulsively friendly and generous, acting mainly on her feelings. The Bishop is concerned with reconciling God’s teachings, justice, and the greater good. Jose simply does as he is commanded to and accepts the way life works. These sincere ways of living the faith transcend the petty superstitious practices of her classmates and the narrow-minded, inconsistent attitude of the Mother Superior. Thus, though the use of Lizzy’s one-sided viewpoint requires the expression of harsh criticism of Catholics in general, the book still manages to show the goodness of sincere religious people, especially Catholics.
It can be seen that Lizzy is inconsistent, critical of others but unaware of the same fault in herself. This, along with her defiance to authority and resentment of her father, makes her a typical teenager. Perhaps she seems a little modern, but her casual upbringing as a doted-upon only child and the influence of her rough uncle make this plausible. The fact that she seems modern in her attitude is an asset since it makes it easier for contemporary young adults to identify with her, especially since she faces problems that they can relate with like struggles with identity and social bullying as well as with faith. Her modern outlook makes it possible for her to resolve her issues with faith in a way that a contemporary teenager would be comfortable with.
That this story of a crisis in faith is set in the late nineteenth century is appropriate despite the generally simple religious attitudes of the time. This shows that the questioning of God and religion is a timeless adolescent crisis. That the outspoken expression of it and reasoned attempts to resolve it were unusual at the time only makes Lizzy’s conflict more dramatic. The time setting also allows for an unusual but poetic resolution: The teenager who has lost her mother and resented her father comes of age by becoming a surrogate parent.
The book does not revise the folk story of the miraculous staircase, it adds to it. That the staircase was built through a miracle seems plausible given that the method of building is unique and the wood unavailable in the area. The main argument for the rational against it being a miracle would be why St. Joseph would perform a miracle just for the sake of completing a chapel when there are more worthy prayers that go unanswered. The story behind the story created by the author validates the miracle by giving a worthy motivation for it.
All in all, The Staircase is a skillfully written historical novel. Some period details seem unnecessarily dwelt on, such as the Indian in the camp and the lynching of a prisoner. Others are not so smoothly blended in: Sister Roberta’s description of the staircase sounds contrived, more like something said by a tour guide rather than the character. But the main character and her conflict fit the setting perfectly, and the novel gives us a refreshing look at nineteenth-century America by presenting a part of the U.S. that is rarely depicted in historical fiction. It does not romanticize, showing the hardships and dangers of the times along with the exciting details and it succeeds due to this very lack of romanticism. For against this background of harsh realities, the miracle of the staircase seems all the more wondrous. Although in the end it is left for the reader, along with Lizzy, to decide whether it was a miracle at all, a demonstration of respect for the reader that teenagers are bound to appreciate.
January 26, 2013
This is part western, part
The Trouble with Angels
, and part
The Bells of St. Mary’s
(or maybe
Come to the Stable
).
There is a bit of a negative light cast of Catholicism, but I suppose that is accurate considering that the narrator is a Methodist. The book never does show the joy of Catholicism, though. Rather, it seems to perpetuate the stereotype that Catholics are a bunch of hypocrites shackled by rules and guilt. The story as a whole is not anti-Catholic, though. There are positive Catholic characters (Sr. Roberta was my favorite), but somehow these individuals seem to emerge as good people in spite of their faith, not because of it. On the flip side, there are also characters that hide behind false piety to manipulate people (like Elinora), which I have no patience for.
I was a bit afraid that the main focus on this would be about the miracle and how, you know, miraculous it was. Thankfully, that's not the case. There is a lot more going on here, and the story never strays into overly saccharine territory.
All in all, this wasn't my favorite book by Rinaldi, but it is still a decent read.
There is a bit of a negative light cast of Catholicism, but I suppose that is accurate considering that the narrator is a Methodist. The book never does show the joy of Catholicism, though. Rather, it seems to perpetuate the stereotype that Catholics are a bunch of hypocrites shackled by rules and guilt. The story as a whole is not anti-Catholic, though. There are positive Catholic characters (Sr. Roberta was my favorite), but somehow these individuals seem to emerge as good people in spite of their faith, not because of it. On the flip side, there are also characters that hide behind false piety to manipulate people (like Elinora), which I have no patience for.
I was a bit afraid that the main focus on this would be about the miracle and how, you know, miraculous it was. Thankfully, that's not the case. There is a lot more going on here, and the story never strays into overly saccharine territory.
All in all, this wasn't my favorite book by Rinaldi, but it is still a decent read.
August 18, 2012
I liked this book. I did think that it would be more about the miraculous staircase than it was about the petty and downright mean girls at the Catholic girl's school. The author's notes state that she was raised Catholic, but I would think she didn't gain a true understanding of the Catholic faith, and I would doubt she held on to her faith as an adult. Bishop Lamy is presented as a very kind, caring, and wise leader, he was my favorite character (and based on the real Bishop Lamy). Sadly, it is the Bishop's own grand niece who is the popular mean girl at the school. And by mean, I mean almost evil. I think I would have appreciated the story more if "mean" girl, Elnora, had been able to grow in her character and to learn more about her faith and what it means to be a good Catholic or Christian child of God.
Although the young girls are totally confused by what the Church actually teaches, some of the adults in the story present kind and decent role models.
When I give this to my 15 year old, I think I shall ask her to jot down all the erroneous ideas the girls have.
Although the young girls are totally confused by what the Church actually teaches, some of the adults in the story present kind and decent role models.
When I give this to my 15 year old, I think I shall ask her to jot down all the erroneous ideas the girls have.
July 24, 2016
I remember how I got very interested in this book--having seen the Staircase (which is held by nothing) twice myself--and so I decided to pick this book up. I thought it was interesting, buuuut... mehh. The book was so-so. The plotline was nice, but I think the author detracted a lot from the Mother Superior and her significance in the story by placing her as meaner than I've actually heard and read about her. I do like how the story presents the man who built the Staircase (which the nuns believed to be St. Joseph, but that's a whole other story) and how the story did present his gentleness well.
Overall, I'll give this 3.5 stars. But I definitely prefer the movie, which can be watched on YouTube here. The movie presents the Staircase in the splendor and significance it truly is, not to mention it presents the whole story better.
Overall, I'll give this 3.5 stars. But I definitely prefer the movie, which can be watched on YouTube here. The movie presents the Staircase in the splendor and significance it truly is, not to mention it presents the whole story better.
December 28, 2013
This is a nice little YA historical fiction. I didn't know anything about the miracle staircase of the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I would have loved to have read much more about it. I thought that's what this story was about, and while it makes for a nice setting, the real story is about a Methodist girl forced to stay at an all-girls Catholic school in the 1870's. It was really a Mean Girls type of story. It has a good bit of narration and makes Santa Fe of the time period sound so beautiful and enchanting. I'd recommend this for the preteen set and I'm going to do some more reading about this staircase now and hopefully visit Santa Fe so I can see it. :)
March 20, 2009
Lizzy Enders is a thirteen-year-old girl living in the1870s. While on a trip to Santa Fe, Lizzy's mother passes away, and she is abruptly dropped off at a girls boarding school in Santa Fe. In this novel, Lizzy is on a journey to discover herself, and her true friends, and the magic of the school's chapel.
I thought The Staircase was a well written novel, however, it seemed to me like it was written for a much younger age group, and because of this, I got pretty bored. I would maybe suggest this book to a thirteen-year-old.
I thought The Staircase was a well written novel, however, it seemed to me like it was written for a much younger age group, and because of this, I got pretty bored. I would maybe suggest this book to a thirteen-year-old.
December 31, 2015
I've owned this book for years; I love historical fiction and was a big fan of Ann Rinaldi's "Breaking Charity." I also like her book about the Hatfields and the McCoys. However, this one wasn't nearly as interesting to me. I have been to the Loretto Chapel and seen this staircase, which was the coolest thing about this book for me. It was pleasant to read and I found myself mildly attached to the characters, but there wasn't anything very special about it. It's a really intriguing legend that I think could have had a better fictional story woven around it.
February 7, 2011
Lizzy and her family are headed west in the 1870’s. Her mother dies and her father leaves her at a girls school run by nuns in Santa Fe. Ostracized by other girls she befriends a seemingly ordinary carpenter who has just three tools and says he can build the missing staircase in the new chapel.
Lizzy is a believable character - as are the rest of the characters. This is a story that flirts with faith issues in an unobtrusive way. Real people with real emotions and perspectives
Lizzy is a believable character - as are the rest of the characters. This is a story that flirts with faith issues in an unobtrusive way. Real people with real emotions and perspectives
September 15, 2014
A fine historical fiction for young readers. Rinaldi's use of historical events and her ability to write in engaging characters is evidenced here. The town of Santa Fe takes center stage in this tale of a young girl who is left at a convent afer the death of her mother on her families way to California gold rush world of 1870's.
The actual Loretto Chapel and its mysterious circular staircase provide the backdrop for Lizzie and her rebellious nature.
The actual Loretto Chapel and its mysterious circular staircase provide the backdrop for Lizzie and her rebellious nature.
July 28, 2009
This is a very interesting story about a real-life miracle in a chapel in New Mexico. I loved the characters and the fact that the author leaves it up to readers to decide whether or not a man or an angel actually built this wonderful spiral staircase using no nails and only three tools. Very intriguing.
May 27, 2013
I think this is a great book for a teen girl. It's engrossing, fast-paced, and a good story. And it's based on something real that might just start an interest they can pursue. I picked it up because I love Santa Fe and I've seen the staircase and heard the fable. Besides, sometimes I just need an easy read. It was an enjoyable, quick read.
February 3, 2018
Every chance I could, I would read this book!
We visited Santa Fe a year ago and visited the church where the spiral staircase was! It was amazing! The church was a very sacred place!
It was awesome to read about it!
The story was excellent!
We visited Santa Fe a year ago and visited the church where the spiral staircase was! It was amazing! The church was a very sacred place!
It was awesome to read about it!
The story was excellent!
September 5, 2014
Loved the history of both Santa Fe and the mystical staircase at the Chapel of Loretto. For those who enjoy historical fiction and strong spunky characters, you will like this read!
May 22, 2022
Ann Rinaldi write YA historical fiction and she is very good at it. The books I've read were well researched.
I was interested in this book because it's a fictional story wrapped around the legend of the spiral staircase in the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, NM. We have been there and we saw this marvel. Built in the 1870s, it defies all laws of gravity, containing 2 complete spiral turns and has no visible means of support. Mathematicians have not been able to understand how it was done. The wood is not local and no one has been able to identify it. Yet one old man who arrived with a couple tools built this alone and then disappeared. Since the nuns had been praying to St. Joseph to provide them with a staircase they believed that he performed this miracle.
That is the real story. In this book Lizzy Enders is dropped off in an all-girl's school in Santa Fe with the nuns after her mother dies and her father wants to continue on to Colorado. When the old beggar shows up Lizzy is the only one who is kind to him and she begs Bishop Lamy to give him the job of building the staircase. The nuns are doubtful and continue to pray to St. Joseph. The other girls are also mean to both Lizzy and the old man, Jose. I wish I could have been the upright honest girl that Lizzy is. She never waivers, even though she hates the school and the other girls. The ending is the same as it was in the true story and the staircase is a tribute to ingenuity with some faith thrown in. Google Loretto Chapel and see the beautiful spiral staircase yourself.
I was interested in this book because it's a fictional story wrapped around the legend of the spiral staircase in the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, NM. We have been there and we saw this marvel. Built in the 1870s, it defies all laws of gravity, containing 2 complete spiral turns and has no visible means of support. Mathematicians have not been able to understand how it was done. The wood is not local and no one has been able to identify it. Yet one old man who arrived with a couple tools built this alone and then disappeared. Since the nuns had been praying to St. Joseph to provide them with a staircase they believed that he performed this miracle.
That is the real story. In this book Lizzy Enders is dropped off in an all-girl's school in Santa Fe with the nuns after her mother dies and her father wants to continue on to Colorado. When the old beggar shows up Lizzy is the only one who is kind to him and she begs Bishop Lamy to give him the job of building the staircase. The nuns are doubtful and continue to pray to St. Joseph. The other girls are also mean to both Lizzy and the old man, Jose. I wish I could have been the upright honest girl that Lizzy is. She never waivers, even though she hates the school and the other girls. The ending is the same as it was in the true story and the staircase is a tribute to ingenuity with some faith thrown in. Google Loretto Chapel and see the beautiful spiral staircase yourself.
June 26, 2021
My mom picked this up in the gift shop next to the Loretto Chapel. Having visited the chapel a few times and been amazed by the beauty of the staircase and it's miraculous story, and also being a lover of historical fiction, I just had to read this one. It did not disappoint. I was quite immersed in the story and found the feisty, skeptical protagonist endearing.
February 28, 2012
Once again Rinaldi wrote an excellent book filled with likable characters and historical fact.
When Lizzy Elders traveled with her family in the long arduous trip west from Missouri in the hope of reaching Colorado for gold, sadly, Lizzy's mother died. When the remaining members of the party reached Santa Fe New Mexico, Lizzy was abandoned by her father and left at a Catholic boarding school with the sisters of Loretto.
The only Methodist among Catholics, Lizzy found their incessant prayers and rituals very foreign. Shunned by cruel, pious girls, she found friendship with a stranger who was a carpenter, a "crazy" lady who hides out in the hills and Jean-Baptiste Lamy, the Bishop of the Santa Fe Archdiocese.
Spunky enough to tolerate the taunts from others, still, Lizzy is deeply grieving her mother and angry at the abandonment by her father.
Using the backdrop of the unfolding coming-of-age story of Lizzie, Rinaldi expertly teaches the reader of the folklore and historical fact of the miraculous building of the spiral staircase in the chapel of Loretto.
After the original chapel was built, it was realized that the space was too small to accommodate a choir loft.
Legend shows that after nine days of prayers to St. Joseph, a shabby, raggedy carpenter appeared. Devoting months to the impossible task of building a staircase, when the project was finished, the carpenter left without seeking remuneration.
The Loretto Chapel staircase is a miraculous feat. Ascending twenty feet, it makes two complete 360 degree revolutions to the choir loft. Using only primitive tools and no nails, it appears that the carpenter did not have a central support, nor was the staircase affixed to a wall. Furthermore, the wood used was not indigenous to the area of Santa Fe, NW.
Educating readers is what Rinaldi does best! Her books are well written and informative.
Today the chapel at Loretto is no longer used as a church. It is a museum, and the incredible staircase still stands.
When Lizzy Elders traveled with her family in the long arduous trip west from Missouri in the hope of reaching Colorado for gold, sadly, Lizzy's mother died. When the remaining members of the party reached Santa Fe New Mexico, Lizzy was abandoned by her father and left at a Catholic boarding school with the sisters of Loretto.
The only Methodist among Catholics, Lizzy found their incessant prayers and rituals very foreign. Shunned by cruel, pious girls, she found friendship with a stranger who was a carpenter, a "crazy" lady who hides out in the hills and Jean-Baptiste Lamy, the Bishop of the Santa Fe Archdiocese.
Spunky enough to tolerate the taunts from others, still, Lizzy is deeply grieving her mother and angry at the abandonment by her father.
Using the backdrop of the unfolding coming-of-age story of Lizzie, Rinaldi expertly teaches the reader of the folklore and historical fact of the miraculous building of the spiral staircase in the chapel of Loretto.
After the original chapel was built, it was realized that the space was too small to accommodate a choir loft.
Legend shows that after nine days of prayers to St. Joseph, a shabby, raggedy carpenter appeared. Devoting months to the impossible task of building a staircase, when the project was finished, the carpenter left without seeking remuneration.
The Loretto Chapel staircase is a miraculous feat. Ascending twenty feet, it makes two complete 360 degree revolutions to the choir loft. Using only primitive tools and no nails, it appears that the carpenter did not have a central support, nor was the staircase affixed to a wall. Furthermore, the wood used was not indigenous to the area of Santa Fe, NW.
Educating readers is what Rinaldi does best! Her books are well written and informative.
Today the chapel at Loretto is no longer used as a church. It is a museum, and the incredible staircase still stands.
January 11, 2020
©2000
Set in the 1870's. A family is traveling west through New Mexico when the mother dies and the father abandons his daughter in at a Catholic School in Santa Fe. The story is about her experience at the Catholic school. A little far fetched but I found it an enjoyable read.
This novel shows the Catholic faith as rather negative, despite that the point of the novel is illustrate the miracle of how a staircase at the Loretto chapel in Santa Fe was built by Saint Joseph.
I have seen the staircase and it is magnificent! It has two 360º turns and no visible means of support. Such a beautiful piece of art. And very mysterious! Here is what I learned from visiting the chapel in Santa Fe. The engineering is incredible given the time period it was built. The wood itself is not from anywhere in New Mexico and no one can explain how it came to Santa Fe to be used. The carpenter appeared and built the staircase without help then disappeared after it was finished without asking for payment. Additionally the sisters at the chapel prayed a novena for 9 days to Saint Joseph for an answer to building a staircase to a second floor choir loft in the chapel that was built with no access. The original builder died before the chapel was completed. The staircase was built without railings; so you had to have faith in using them to get up to the second floor. The staircase was built in 1878; in 1888 handrails were added for safety.
Link is to a view of the actual staircase -
http://activerain.com/image_store/upl...
Set in the 1870's. A family is traveling west through New Mexico when the mother dies and the father abandons his daughter in at a Catholic School in Santa Fe. The story is about her experience at the Catholic school. A little far fetched but I found it an enjoyable read.
This novel shows the Catholic faith as rather negative, despite that the point of the novel is illustrate the miracle of how a staircase at the Loretto chapel in Santa Fe was built by Saint Joseph.
I have seen the staircase and it is magnificent! It has two 360º turns and no visible means of support. Such a beautiful piece of art. And very mysterious! Here is what I learned from visiting the chapel in Santa Fe. The engineering is incredible given the time period it was built. The wood itself is not from anywhere in New Mexico and no one can explain how it came to Santa Fe to be used. The carpenter appeared and built the staircase without help then disappeared after it was finished without asking for payment. Additionally the sisters at the chapel prayed a novena for 9 days to Saint Joseph for an answer to building a staircase to a second floor choir loft in the chapel that was built with no access. The original builder died before the chapel was completed. The staircase was built without railings; so you had to have faith in using them to get up to the second floor. The staircase was built in 1878; in 1888 handrails were added for safety.
Link is to a view of the actual staircase -
http://activerain.com/image_store/upl...
March 27, 2017
This was a fun and interesting read. I knew nothing of the mystery of this staircase. I have a hard time believing the carpenter had only a hammer, t-square, and a saw. Those tools do not seem to correspond with the times. I would believe he had a mallet over a hammer (since nails were not in common use, especially in fine woodworking) and I would believe a regular square. Also, he probably had a plane and chisels.
Anyway, that really has nothing to do with the story. For me Lizzy's story started falling flat toward the end. It seemed to wrap up remarkably fast. I felt like I was invested in this character and she suddenly made all these spur of the moment decisions. I would have liked to have seen them develop more naturally. Instead, I was left with the thought that Lizzy was merely a vehicle for the story of the staircase.
I have loved several of Rinaldi's books, however this is not one of them.
I will certainly read Death Comes for the Archbishop, which I have wanted to read for a long time, anyway. The Staircase has now pushed that one higher on my TBR list.
Page 166-
"The Union may have won the war, Lizzy, but nobody ever wins a war. Do you know who wins?"
I said no, I didn't.
"Memory," she said. "And that means both sides lose. Because both sides are forever held hostage by memory."
Anyway, that really has nothing to do with the story. For me Lizzy's story started falling flat toward the end. It seemed to wrap up remarkably fast. I felt like I was invested in this character and she suddenly made all these spur of the moment decisions. I would have liked to have seen them develop more naturally. Instead, I was left with the thought that Lizzy was merely a vehicle for the story of the staircase.
I have loved several of Rinaldi's books, however this is not one of them.
I will certainly read Death Comes for the Archbishop, which I have wanted to read for a long time, anyway. The Staircase has now pushed that one higher on my TBR list.
Page 166-
"The Union may have won the war, Lizzy, but nobody ever wins a war. Do you know who wins?"
I said no, I didn't.
"Memory," she said. "And that means both sides lose. Because both sides are forever held hostage by memory."
April 26, 2019
An intriguing little novel. I became interested in this when my husband and I visited Santa Fe and entered the doors of the Loretto chapel where we found the mysterious staircase. It was beautiful. Even though we were not allowed to climb the stairs, I could tell it was made with fine craftsmanship. Thank goodness the handrails or banister were placed later. This is a novel based on some true facts but also legend. I found this book in the delightful little bookstore they had there.
The story starts out with the fictional characters of Lizzy Enders, her mother and father, Elinora, and others traveling to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is sad but Lizzy's mother passes away on the trail.
They arrive in Santa Fe, where Lizzy's father leaves her at the Sisters of Loretto, a Catholic school, without telling her he is continuing on with other members of the party they went with, to Colorado. She is very disappointed and felt like her father abandoned her. She was Methodist among all these Catholics. It continues on telling of her adventures with Mrs. Lacey, Mother Magdalena, Sister Roberta, the girls at the school, the simple carpenter named Jose, Eminence Bishop Lamy (who was real) and many others she encountered. Lizzy and Elinora were quite the characters as you will read.
The story starts out with the fictional characters of Lizzy Enders, her mother and father, Elinora, and others traveling to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is sad but Lizzy's mother passes away on the trail.
They arrive in Santa Fe, where Lizzy's father leaves her at the Sisters of Loretto, a Catholic school, without telling her he is continuing on with other members of the party they went with, to Colorado. She is very disappointed and felt like her father abandoned her. She was Methodist among all these Catholics. It continues on telling of her adventures with Mrs. Lacey, Mother Magdalena, Sister Roberta, the girls at the school, the simple carpenter named Jose, Eminence Bishop Lamy (who was real) and many others she encountered. Lizzy and Elinora were quite the characters as you will read.
March 6, 2010
The year is 1878. Thirteen-year-old Lizzy Enders is torn by grief. After her mother's death on the long journey westward from Missouri, her father has abandoned her at a convent school in Sante Fe, New Mexico. He is determined to prospect for gold in Colorado and regain the family wealth lost in the final days of the Civil War, just before Lizzy's birth. As the only non-Catholic girl at the school, she finds herself an unwelcome outcast, teased and tormented by the other students, especially snooty Elinora, who pretends that she wants to be a nun to avoid suspicion while sneaking out at night to see a boy. Lizzy's only friends are a slightly crazy old woman who lost both her husband and only son to the Civil War, and a travelling carpenter hired to build a staircase at the scool. But even with these two friends, Lizzy still longs for the day her father will return for her, and she wonders if that day will ever come. I highly reccomend this novel to fans of Ann Rinaldi's books. It's another excellent book by her, and she's one of my favorite authors.
April 14, 2016
In this book there is a young girl, named Lizzy, who is on her way west to Santa Fe with her family and some friends, including a little girl named Elinora. On their way, Lizzy's mother dies. Her father is so devastated that when they stop at a convent to drop off Elinora at the convent, he leaves his daughter there too. While Lizzy and Elinora are at the convent they experience some challenges. The staircase that was built didn't have a railing. While all the nuns were praying to St. Joseph, Lizzy discovers a carpenter that needs some work. He is commissioned and completes the work then suddenly disappears. Elinora and Lizzy slowly but surely become friends and Lizzy begins to forgive her father for abandoning her at the convent.
I really enjoyed this book. The historical fiction genre is one of my favorites. I would use this book if I were teaching about the gold rush and the culture during this time period.
I really enjoyed this book. The historical fiction genre is one of my favorites. I would use this book if I were teaching about the gold rush and the culture during this time period.
January 24, 2018
Now, I must go to the Chapel of Loretto so that I can see this staircase. I love the way Rinaldi blends fact and fiction.
Two characters in this story were the victims of spousal abuse. Delvina and Mrs. Lacey endured in silence the abuse of their husbands. Telling in this era of #MeToo and #TimesUp. Timely blend of fact and fiction.
I've read elsewhere that some find this story anti-Catholic as the mother superior is depicted as pedantic and somewhat cruel. Likely, she felt the lack of authority having to answer to the Bishop in all things. The girls were similarly mean. Having witnessed this sort of behavior firsthand at the Catholic school in which I briefly taught, I thought Rinaldi's characterizations were gentle.
What can I say? I am a confirmed Rinaldi fan. Read this book, and enjoy!
Two characters in this story were the victims of spousal abuse. Delvina and Mrs. Lacey endured in silence the abuse of their husbands. Telling in this era of #MeToo and #TimesUp. Timely blend of fact and fiction.
I've read elsewhere that some find this story anti-Catholic as the mother superior is depicted as pedantic and somewhat cruel. Likely, she felt the lack of authority having to answer to the Bishop in all things. The girls were similarly mean. Having witnessed this sort of behavior firsthand at the Catholic school in which I briefly taught, I thought Rinaldi's characterizations were gentle.
What can I say? I am a confirmed Rinaldi fan. Read this book, and enjoy!
July 16, 2018
This was an interesting historical fiction story about the mysterious staircase in the Chapel of Loretto in Santa Fe, which I have seen. The story is told by a 14-year-old Methodist girl, Lizzy Enders, who is left at the girls school by her father after her mother dies on the the Santa Fe Trail. Lizzy is an likable character who has an independent streak. The other characters in the story seemed a bit more enigmatic and changeable, depending on the changes in the plot. (I found it hard to believe that Elinora, a good Catholic girl who has a calling would prick the eyes of a kitten and blind it.) I liked how the author blended facts into the story and some real life people. However, this was not the best story by Ann Rinaldi that I have read.
August 15, 2018
The Staircase by Ann Rinaldi is a pleasant read in simplistic form. The writing is young adult level but can be enjoyed by all. Based on the mysterious and miraculous staircase in the Chapel of Loretto in Santa Fe the tale turns fictional and weaves a story about a young girl who loses her mother en route to a new home in the West. She finds herself left at a convent while her father reestablishes himself. This is where the young adult part comes in, the story veers off into petty drama between Lily and her convent mates. Her religious beliefs are Methodist so she has a bit of trouble relating to the nuns, convent life, genuflection, patron saints and all other Catholic related worship. Lily does build some positive relationships with the Bishop and some nuns. Enjoyable read.
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