The Journeyman

Journeyman #1

by Elizabeth Yates

The Journeyman by award-winning author Elizabeth Yates is historical fiction set in New Hampshire in the early 1800s. Jared Austin arrives in New England with the skills of an itinerant painter, and he hopes to brighten the drab farmhouse walls with his colors. But the year has been a fruitless one for farmers, and they are searching for someone to blame. Jared becomes their scapegoat as superstitions abound. Jared endures the cold and frost of this endless winter and determines to refute the lies as he exercises his quiet faith in God. Prequel to Hue & Cry.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Classics, Young Adult, Middle Grade, American History

161 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1943

About the author

Elizabeth Yates, author of over forty books for children, was born in New York State on December 6th, 1905. Determined to be an author, she moved to New York City to launch her career. She worked a variety of jobs including reviewing book, writing short stories, and doing research. She moved to England with her husband and wrote her first book, High Holiday, based on her travels in Switzerland with her three children. The family returned to the U.S. in 1939 and settled in New Hampshire. Yates won the Newbery Award in 1951 for her book, Amos Fortune, Free Man, a biography of an African prince who is enslaved and taken to America.

Yates conducted writer's workshops at the University of New Hampshire, the University of Connecticut, and Indiana University. She also served as the Director of the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.

Yates was widowed in 1963. Elizabeth Yates died Sunday at a hospice in Concord, New Hampshire on July 29, 2001 at the age of 95.

Elizabeth Yates' books have been described as "the result of extensive research, a strong underlying belief in God, and a vivid imagination."

Reviews

[Sticky Note Book Recs Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another book I would have never picked up if it hadn't been in our home-school curriculum, but one I ended up truly liking. I just loved Jared Austin. I loved his attitude about everything. So many lessons to be learned from one character.

[Maribeth Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely historical novella that celebrates the importance of beauty even in hard times.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Jared, an apprentice to a house painter for some time. The journeyman is fiction. This book takes place in the United States and starts in Massachusetts. The problem in this book is when a girl that Jared likes is engaged to Corban Cristy.
The Journeyman starts when a house painter named Mr. Toppan comes by, and Jared becomes his apprentice. Then they travel all around New England decorating houses. My favorite part of The Journeyman is when Jared and Mr. Toppan are at a hotel and decorate the upstairs room for the hotel, because that’s when Mr. Toppan is teaching Jared about painting the houses. This book is quite interesting and I enjoyed it very much. So read this book!

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband's father was born in the early 1940s, but he still heard tales passed down from relatives about the terrible times during 1800-and-froze-to-death. His family ended up with a potato harvest that was too small to both eat and save for seed in the spring. Their solution was to peel the potatoes thickly -- the thick peelings went for seed, and what was left of the middle was eaten. Being acquainted with this family history made me more intrigued about this historical fiction that took place during those times.

Overall this was a sweet story, containing sadness and loneliness, but also beauty and hope. While some of the plot points seemed a bit contrived to me, the story was well told enough for me to overlook it. I appreciated the look at the life of an itinerant painter, and Jared's journey to find his place in the world. While I've encountered plenty of historical fiction that portrays "unconventional" female characters -- women who were adventurous, bold, and assertive at times when these traits were not very welcomed in society -- it's been rarer to find stories of men who didn't fit the "macho" expectations of the time. So I appreciate the emphasis on Jared's gentleness, nurturing, and appreciation of art and color, and his determination to be himself and use the gifts he was given.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by Daniel Nayeri at the 2024 Close Reads Gathering.

The Journeyman is a beautiful story that captures the ripple effect that a life of quiet faith and simple trust in God can have on others. Jared Austin is a journeyman painter in the 1800s, and he uses his unique talent for painting to bring beauty into the rugged homes of early America. As he slowly and methodically paints his way through homes in New Hampshire, his faith in God is tested and strengthened.

[♠ TABI⁷ ♠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading this for middle school so yeah mainly adding for cataloging purposes.

[Sarah Brazytis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic story with a beautiful message of faith.

Jared Austin, a young boy abused by his grieving and embittered father, is given a second chance at life and happiness as the apprentice of a journeyman painter. Thus begins his personal journey into manhood. Along the way he must learn to forgive and love, and what it means to carry faith and courage in his heart.

Elizabeth Yates, as always, does a superb job of bringing to life the qualities and graces of our pioneer forefathers. Jared, Mr. Toppan, and all of the farmers and their families are brought to life with a skilled and loving pen.

DO NOT miss the sequel! I went too many years not knowing there even was one! Finish Jared's journey with Hue And Cry !

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my 10 year old daughter, I loved the way the writer describes the way craft and art was pass down from master to apprentice, and the love of the art itself, it also dabs into the superstition that shrouded the American people at the beginning of the US.

My daughter loved to compare our lifestyle with the women in the book, how busy they sounded! How many responsibilities they had, they were true providers for their children and families in general.

[Sophia-Rose Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was beautiful and inspiring! It tells the story of a young boy as he journeys into adulthood. It gives a beautiful glimpse into life in early America. It's shows just how much of a struggle it was to survive! The book holds little kernels of wisdom within its pages! It also inspired me as an artist to stick with projects! It was a good one time read and I learned a lot from it! But it didn't hold within its pages the ability to be a classic.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this book each time I read it. The author has a real way with words and her descriptions flow!

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness.

I loved this book!

It is SO good.

I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone.

Elizabeth Yates wrote this truly beautiful story about faith through trials and never giving up on what you are called to do. Jared Austin is a wonderfully created character who displays how to persevere and care for those around you and stay true to your faith.

You have to read this book.

Seriously, go read this book right now.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story, written for young teens, was . . . nice. Just really nice. I enjoyed the setting: New England in the early 1800s. I enjoyed learning about the craftsmanship of the main character: an itinerant stenciler. And I enjoyed the light plot: farmers trying to make life work despite cruel winters and cold summers.

[Mekenzie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweetest story I had forgotten about, having read it for school years ago. Full of the Lord’s graciousness and provision, as well as the encouraging reminder that everything you do in life should be for the glory and worship of the Father. 💛

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was rich in so many ways. I loved the blend of faith, nature and art. I enjoyed following Jared through his many challenges. His character is a wonderful example. It is definitely a new favorite for me.

[Diane]

Enjoyed the book very much

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It has beautiful language and an honorable main character. It explores the idea of beauty as a necessity for humanity, but in a way that can also engage young readers.

[LiterarySparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

[This is an edited and abridged version of Patterns on the Wall.]

I'm not certain why the original was abridged, and I don't have the time or dedication to compare them. This was an engaging portrait of New England in 1816 and of the work of stencilers, who traveled from place to place adding decoration to barren New England homes and inns. I particularly appreciated learning about the process of stenciling and spent some time looking at photographs of surviving works.

Jared was an interesting and relatable young hero, and the plot moved along at a leisurely but pleasant pace, although the ending was rather abrupt. The highlight of the book for me was the relationship between Jared and Mr. Toppan, the stenciler to whom he is apprenticed. The romance is restrained and of secondary importance, but sweet and delightful for all that.

This book includes some excellent quotes about the intersection of creative work and the spiritual life.

"Will it always be beautiful, Mr. Toppan?"
"Yes," he answered with conviction, "if you keep true to your own feeling for beauty...."
"What do you mean by keeping true?" Jared asked...
"It's letting God have your life, so that your hands do the work He wants you to do."

An excellent rule of thumb for any artist:

"Art, Jared," Mr. Toppan said then, "is to do just enough to satisfy, just enough to intrigue."

And a philosophy about work in general, not just art:

Jared's fingers began to itch for the brushes; so long a time it seemed they were working with intangible things; so long a time the room was no more than yellow walls with chalk dots...
"Sir, when shall we really start to work?" Jared asked hungrily, after nearly a week had gone by.
"Work?" Mr. Toppan looked surprised. "But what do you think we have been doing?"
"Getting things ready."
Mr. Toppan gazed at Jared and his eyes, warm as they were, had something to them that seemed to go through the boy's thin body. "Getting ready is the biggest part of any job, and the hardest, Jared," he answered slowly. "Have you never seen a house a-building--the foundation first, the heavy frame, the ridgepole, and all the thought beforehand? These are the things you do not see when it is finished, but you'd have no house without them. Lay your foundation true and firm, my boy, prepare your work well; the rest all but does itself."

Recommended for: kids and teens, homeschoolers exploring early American history, adults interested in a casual introduction to early 19th century stenciling

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved this book almost as long as I could remember. It was part of my school curriculum years ago, and I remember telling my grandma that she must read it, too, after hearing it the first time. I don’t know what it is about Elizabeth Yates’ work that I like so much—perhaps the realism, or the faith and courage of the characters, or the setting—I don’t know. But she’s always been one of my favorite authors.

Jared’s life, from the time he learned to fear his father’s anger, was never easy. As time went on, he became a journeyman painter, and dreamed of the day he could prove himself to his father. He also hoped he’d have something to give to the girl who had captured his heart so many years ago. But as the year of 1816 drew on, and things started to go wrong, he had to decide whether he’d throw in the towel, or keep pushing through with the work he knew he had to do now and trust the Lord to work everything out.

I loved the faith aspect of this story. Jared had a lot coming against him in a very short amount of time, but he chose to keep his eyes on the Lord no matter what came. He had his times wondering what would happen, but faith kept him steady through the years.

I also loved the reminders that creativity is a blessing from the Lord, too. I haven’t read that many books that talk about the blessing of creativity—or how to deal with others who may not like one’s work all that well. In here, there were several wise quotes dealing with that subject, though, and I found it to be a very encouraging part! It was just in a chapter or two, but even that is enough to be helpful!

Two of my favorite quotes:

“ ‘Will it always be beautiful, Mr. Toppan?’
“ ‘Yes,’ he answered with conviction, ‘if you keep true to your own feeling for beauty. Some may call it dainty, some may call it darling—but none will call it aught but beautiful.’ ”

“It’s letting God have your life, so that your hands do the work He wants you to do.” —Mr. Toppan

[Daniel Godfrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recently realized I don't know that much about New Hampshire. (NY is the furthest north I went when we were out east.) Then I remembered this author had written a few books set in NH. I chose The Journeyman over Sarah Witcher's Story, one of the author's other books, because this one looked like the more challenging read.

Jared Austin works on his father's farm but has an artistic bent and enjoys spending time alone with nature. So when a traveling artist named Mr Toppan offers to take him on as a student, Jared leaps at the chance. When his five years of instruction are over, Jared hopes to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, Jennet Thaxter.

Writing and dialog seemed to have an almost medieval style, as if Mr Toppan were a wizard and Jared his apprentice. I enjoyed the parts where Mr Toppan imparted his knowledge of the craft to Jared, who becomes an expert stenciler!

I'm not sure what to make of the story as a whole. Some parts felt like they had more historical resources to pull from than others. On the one hand, there are brief Acknowledgments and Publisher's Note sections at the front that talk about the author's research into topics like the freeze of 1816; on the other, I might even go as far as to say that overall the book felt (to me) less like historical fiction and more like a drama/romance set in the early 1800s. I have a feeling my views of this book might change if I read some of the author's related works like Patterns on the Wall and Hue & Cry.

The story ends well. Interested in learning more about the time and area, maybe even through some of the author's other books!

[J.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 to 3.5 stars. It's tough to say. I'm really of two minds on this book.

This is another school read-aloud for my 4th and 2nd grade kids. It is set in the early 1800s in New Hampshire, and follows a lean, gentle young man named Jared who becomes a 'journeyman painter' traveling about New England, painting and stenciling the walls of peoples houses since the time has come that people have 'tamed the wilderness' and want to see something beautiful.

The story covers one of the coldest weather years reported (1816) which later became known as the 'year without summer.' Jared, being a journeyman and an outsider, is treated with suspicion as the terrible weather puts people in dire straits.

On one hand the prose in this book is beautiful. Truly elegant. Even artistic, one might say, and fitting that is for the artist is our main character. But on the other hand, it is often feels simply dull. And I'm a reader who doesn't mind a good bit of slowness, or a more contemplative narrative.

Now my perspective may well have been colored by the fact that I had two squirming young boys who simply could NOT sit still for this book. The chapters were very long, the story very thoughtful and calm--like a quiet country man sitting on his porch 'bout to turn his mind to something one of these days--and it was an arduous affair to make them pay attention.

I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it on my own. And really, the prose was lovely, so it has that in its favor.

[JadeSky: Stepping Stones Book Reviews]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started this book for school. The initial summary of the story didn't draw me in, and I found the beginning description and premise dry. Like staring at an abstract painting, though, the story eventually drew me in, and the rest of the novel passed way too fast for me.

The Journeyman is a close look at an often glossed over part of American history, through the eyes of a unique narrator with a relatable personality, love for beauty, and passion for creating that doesn't fade as he gets older. There were so many subtle themes, descriptions, and elements to this story that made the entire work shine. Unlike most of the books I read, it was hard to guess how the book would end, something I always love seeing! I also felt moved by Jared's overwhelming kindness and sense of self-sacrifice, despite all of the hardship in his life.

I'd recommend The Journeyman for readers who love learning about U.S. history outside the classroom, want to understand the pre-Civil War days better, or just spend time with an admirable character who consistently shows a new way to be seen as a hero.

To read my full review of the book, including discussion questions, click here: https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blo...

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a child, and even after all these years, Elizabeth Yates does not fail to charm with a story full of wonder, hope, and beauty. Poetically written with descriptions that evoke echoes of all that is good and lovely, The Journeyman follows Jared Austin as he finds his place in the world and grows into his own. Born tiny and weak, Jared has no place in his brawny, unyielding father’s heart, and it is only in leaving home to learn a trade with a kind journeyman, a painter and purveyor of beauty, that he truly takes flight. Well paced and replete with language more beautiful than many a book written nowadays. One of my all time favourites!

[Amy Eckert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as a read aloud with my kids and couldn't help but read forward and finish it myself one night. The slow build of Jared's manhood was a slow and steady progression. Love how the author did not force it unnaturally. Felt authentic to the true nature of man. The juxtaposition of Jared's and Corban's personalities were fantastic fodder for excellent conversation with the kids. Made us all ponder, "How do we react when the going gets tough?" I will definitely re-read this again it was that good.

[Emmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our family really enjoyed this book together. It's a beautifully written account of Jared Austin, a young artist who saw the world in intricate details as he goes from a young abused and afraid boy to a man who knows his trade as well as those things to help him and others survive. You see in him a living faith that learns the ways of God in a quiet way that you don't see today. This book also teaches the danger of gossip and idleness. It was encouraging for where our family is right now. We highly recommend this book.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I read this on the recommendation of Book Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life and while it's young adult Christian fiction, which isn't a genre I dabble in frequently, it was a lovely story.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was all right, but not a favorite. The author's prose is really flowery, but hard to read sometimes and I found myself stumbling over awkward sentences often. The main character is somewhat of a Gary Stu (always seems to be good at everything), which was annoying, and all the plot pivots are so much telegraphed that it was hard to feel very invested in the story. It was okay, but I was not super impressed overall.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming little story. I learned about a historical art form that was new to me: wall stenciling. The main character sometimes felt a little too perfect (he made ALL the right choices, ALL the time), but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story line. I read this out loud to my daughters (ages 9 & 10) and they both enjoyed it.

[Andrea Maendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem of a story set in the early 1800’s in New England. It’s a sweet story of faithfulness, dedication, trust in God through sun and storm, and the satisfaction and joy that good honest work brings. I plan on trying to find the sequel. BTW - we’ve loved all the books by Elizabeth Yates that we’ve read!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery , intrigue, sorrow, joy, loss, betrayal, superstition, faith, beauty, loyalty, wickedness, turmoil, peace, wisdom, arrogance, pride and hope: this story has it all, with a beautiful touch of instruction for the soul.

[Angelynn Ballew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read. The way Yates describes the scenes, paintings, and emotion of the characters makes me want to read all of her other books. I appreciate her character development in Jared and Jennet.