Smile please

by Mildred Spurrier Topp

This is the autobiographical story of the author's life in Greenwood, MS. Her single mother raised her while running a photographer's studio.

First published January 1, 1948

Reviews

[Beth Wyant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent a day rereading this beloved book of my childhood. My sister managed to inherit the family copy and I was house-sitting. It’s always held a special place in my heart. Darling and also hysterical. Just what the doctor ordered.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly funny and touching semi-autobiographical book. It is, however, set in the deep South in the early 1900s and was written in 1948, so you all know what that means. While there is a lot of racism there, the book wasn't deliberately racist or malicious, it was more casual racism of "good" people living in a highly racist society. Nonetheless, the book is a collection of stories about the town, the author's plucky and progressive mother, the battles between the kind and the unkind and/or hypocritical, so the sentiments expressed by the main characters are relatable and rather modern, all things considered.

This book is written as an adult's recollections of her childhood from her childhood self's POV and even though I'm the last person on earth to enjoy books about children or any form of YA, I've found this easy and enjoyable to read. The author pokes fun at her own behavior and childlike misunderstanding (like using the word "castrated" as a synonym for "cast down") and the fact that she was a feisty child means that the stories are never overly sentimental or juvenile, the issues discussed are always serious (illegitimacy, adultery, death, cruelty, prejudice, discrimination and even racism itself is tackled in a way - or at least its most extreme forms).

The author went on to become a legislator in Mississippi and introduced some progressive reforms in her time at the House of Reps, so it sounds like she was an impressive woman.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author wrote this memoir in 1948 and is a delightful romp through her upbringing in Mississippi. Mildred and her sister Velma were often encouraged to be independent while their mother established her own high end photography studio.

Their town of Greenwood was beginning to blossom in the early 1900s thanks to the train that came through.
Lots of high jinx ensue as the 9 and 11 year old girls explore, go to school, defend mules, befriend the washed up confederate veteran (who was supposed to be watching the river to turn the bridge as boats needed to pass), etc.

My friend Marie loaned me this book as we were exchanging favorites, and I'm glad she did. A refreshing read.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows two little girls in the 1905-1910 time range with mild adventures and interesting background in their small Southern town. It was written in the 1950s by one of the girls, who grew up to be a politician. Their single mother is a portrait photographer - every town used to have at least one. They interact with a variety of Southern (and universal) types. It's not groundshaking or -breaking. Nothing like "To Kill a Mockingbird" except being in the past in the South. While entertaining, it probably appealed more to people who could remember the early 20th century - and saw it through a veil of nostalgia.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this at a time of extreme stress. Liked the book but can't remember where I got it. Fascinating story of a different time. The author was raised by a single mother who ran a photography studio.

[Patricia Vermillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is to die for. I laughed out loud and so did my husband.