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In My Father's House
A house divided.
A nation torn asunder.
Many of the fiercest battles of the Civil War were fought in the home. Oscie Mason knows this all too well.
The first shots of the war were fired on her front lawn - a sign of things to come. Oscie's a proud daughter of the Old South, but her stepfather, Will McLean, thinks the world of her childhood must change. Oscie won't accept anything he has to say. And the tension between them is about to explode.
To escape the war, Will McLean moves the family to a quiet town called Appomattox. But the war will follow them here, as sure as the hurtful battles will continue in Oscie's home, and in her heart. Can Oscie call a truce - or will all that she cherishes become a casualty of war?
A nation torn asunder.
Many of the fiercest battles of the Civil War were fought in the home. Oscie Mason knows this all too well.
The first shots of the war were fired on her front lawn - a sign of things to come. Oscie's a proud daughter of the Old South, but her stepfather, Will McLean, thinks the world of her childhood must change. Oscie won't accept anything he has to say. And the tension between them is about to explode.
To escape the war, Will McLean moves the family to a quiet town called Appomattox. But the war will follow them here, as sure as the hurtful battles will continue in Oscie's home, and in her heart. Can Oscie call a truce - or will all that she cherishes become a casualty of war?
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 28, 1993
21 people are currently reading
2355 people want to read
About the author
Ann Rinaldi
69 books986 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 128 reviews
July 10, 2025
{July 2025 Reread}
I wanted to see how this holds up when read as an adult instead of a teenager. Alas, it doesn't, really.
| 1.5 stars |
{August/September 2017 Reread}
Still amazing. The ending remains one of the most poignant, well-written endings I've ever read; one that still moves me deeply.
I don't know that there's much I can say about this book that's not said in my original review (below), so I will simply close with this:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"What I was about to say, before you so rudely interrupted, is that I have no qualms about your going. But what will you do if, when you get there, your Thomas doesn't want to come back? Have you pondered on that, Oscie Mason?"
"Yessir."
"And?"
"I'll come back here. To this house."
To my father's house.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
{Original August 2016 Review}
Gahh.
Guys, this book! Holy cow.
I picked this up on a shopping expedition to Goodwill the other day, because I'd heard of it, thought I might have read bits of it before, and was familiar with the author. Plus it just looked good. But I wasn't expecting to read it in the course of one evening.
IT WAS EPIC. Like, super epic. It was hard-and-fast, real, dynamic, powerful historical fiction. When I started it at around, oh, I don't know, 6:30, it was good, but not anything life-changing. However, it kept my interest, and by the time I finished it, sometime around midnight in bed after having scarcely put it down all evening, my inner person was all choked up with the emotion and the drama and the gahh-ness of it all, and GUYS I WANT A MOVIE!
At the beginning, and also in certain parts during the middle, I was slightly concerned it was going to go into…murky water, let us say, but it never did, and now when I reread it (which I'm sure I will be doing) I can just enjoy the little touch of suspense that those themes add. I still might rather have those parts left out, but it's not too bad: one of the slaves is suspected of voodoo, and the heroine falls in love with a married soldier (but nothing happens, I promise, and the resolution of that is actually SUPER emotional and good and--hark, spoilers draweth nigh).
The only other negative comment I have is that I didn't warm up to Oscie for quite some time. In the end, however, I did. She's not my favorite heroine, but I like her well enough, and mah word, is she a strong character. (Also, there is some language, but nothing that detracted from the storyline, in my opinion.)
NOW, on to more of the good stuff ;)
Can we all just take a moment to appreciate OSCIE MASON'S AND WILL MCLEAN'S RELATIONSHIP?! I mean. Just…no words.
I liked how romance wasn't a major component of the storyline--enough to keep me interested in the story, but relationally, the book was more driven by the dynamic between Oscie and Will, and HEAVENS ABOVE IS IT AMAZING OR WHAT.
I'm going to refrain, through great force of will, from raving about the ending, because I really, really want you all to experience it for yourselves if you read it (wait, are you still contemplating not reading it??), but…GAHH IT WAS INCREDIBLE. In all seriousness, that was quite possibly one of THE best book endings I have ever read. Ever. The more I think about it, the more I fangirl.
So, to close, here are three particularly good bits from the book itself (I'm dyyyyyying to include the last sentence, but I won't):
The evening air was like silk, and the spring lawns and pastures, lush with green and iced with pink and white blossoms, were a sight for the eyes.
This was not just an ordinary Yankee, I conjectured. Yankees were ill-mannered and coarse factory boys. Or backwoods people without any refinements. Surely they did not have blue eyes that laughed at you and grew soft when you spoke. Or such fine chestnut curls, or white teeth. God had not made Yankees with no-nonsense jaws and fine straight noses and dimples in their chins. Surely someone would have told us, if He had.
"I may be a fool, General Sheridan," Daddy Will said, "but I do not indulge in petty larceny. Yet, what can I expect from the man who laid waste to the Shenandoah Valley and reduced the populace to starvation." The silence in the room was heavy…
Just go read it. Just do.
I wanted to see how this holds up when read as an adult instead of a teenager. Alas, it doesn't, really.
| 1.5 stars |
{August/September 2017 Reread}
Still amazing. The ending remains one of the most poignant, well-written endings I've ever read; one that still moves me deeply.
I don't know that there's much I can say about this book that's not said in my original review (below), so I will simply close with this:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"What I was about to say, before you so rudely interrupted, is that I have no qualms about your going. But what will you do if, when you get there, your Thomas doesn't want to come back? Have you pondered on that, Oscie Mason?"
"Yessir."
"And?"
"I'll come back here. To this house."
To my father's house.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
{Original August 2016 Review}
Gahh.
Guys, this book! Holy cow.
I picked this up on a shopping expedition to Goodwill the other day, because I'd heard of it, thought I might have read bits of it before, and was familiar with the author. Plus it just looked good. But I wasn't expecting to read it in the course of one evening.
IT WAS EPIC. Like, super epic. It was hard-and-fast, real, dynamic, powerful historical fiction. When I started it at around, oh, I don't know, 6:30, it was good, but not anything life-changing. However, it kept my interest, and by the time I finished it, sometime around midnight in bed after having scarcely put it down all evening, my inner person was all choked up with the emotion and the drama and the gahh-ness of it all, and GUYS I WANT A MOVIE!
At the beginning, and also in certain parts during the middle, I was slightly concerned it was going to go into…murky water, let us say, but it never did, and now when I reread it (which I'm sure I will be doing) I can just enjoy the little touch of suspense that those themes add. I still might rather have those parts left out, but it's not too bad: one of the slaves is suspected of voodoo, and the heroine falls in love with a married soldier (but nothing happens, I promise, and the resolution of that is actually SUPER emotional and good and--hark, spoilers draweth nigh).
The only other negative comment I have is that I didn't warm up to Oscie for quite some time. In the end, however, I did. She's not my favorite heroine, but I like her well enough, and mah word, is she a strong character. (Also, there is some language, but nothing that detracted from the storyline, in my opinion.)
NOW, on to more of the good stuff ;)
Can we all just take a moment to appreciate OSCIE MASON'S AND WILL MCLEAN'S RELATIONSHIP?! I mean. Just…no words.
I liked how romance wasn't a major component of the storyline--enough to keep me interested in the story, but relationally, the book was more driven by the dynamic between Oscie and Will, and HEAVENS ABOVE IS IT AMAZING OR WHAT.
I'm going to refrain, through great force of will, from raving about the ending, because I really, really want you all to experience it for yourselves if you read it (wait, are you still contemplating not reading it??), but…GAHH IT WAS INCREDIBLE. In all seriousness, that was quite possibly one of THE best book endings I have ever read. Ever. The more I think about it, the more I fangirl.
So, to close, here are three particularly good bits from the book itself (I'm dyyyyyying to include the last sentence, but I won't):
The evening air was like silk, and the spring lawns and pastures, lush with green and iced with pink and white blossoms, were a sight for the eyes.
This was not just an ordinary Yankee, I conjectured. Yankees were ill-mannered and coarse factory boys. Or backwoods people without any refinements. Surely they did not have blue eyes that laughed at you and grew soft when you spoke. Or such fine chestnut curls, or white teeth. God had not made Yankees with no-nonsense jaws and fine straight noses and dimples in their chins. Surely someone would have told us, if He had.
"I may be a fool, General Sheridan," Daddy Will said, "but I do not indulge in petty larceny. Yet, what can I expect from the man who laid waste to the Shenandoah Valley and reduced the populace to starvation." The silence in the room was heavy…
Just go read it. Just do.
December 26, 2016
In my Father's house are many mansions.
I go to prepare a place for you . . . that where I am, there ye may be also.
Guys, I . . . I don't really know what to say about this book.
IT'S SO GOOD.
I had heard it was good, and I hoped it would be good--but it was so much more beautiful than even I had hoped. It's a brilliant, masterful work of historical fiction; and I say that, remember, as a professional-historian-in-training myself :-) But more than that, it's a wonderful portrait of a young girl's relationship with her stepfather--a relationship which, while often strained and occasionally downright explosive, is yet something rare and precious and beautiful.
Something you'll only find once in a lifetime. And if you know what's good for you, you hold on to it.
And that's the thing about Oscie Mason, our heroine, and Will McLean, her stepdad . . . they do know what's good for them. They're not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination. But they know they need each other; and by the end of the story, they're not afraid to admit it. They're each proud and stubborn and hot-tempered, fiercely protective of those they care about, and oh-so-similar in both their strengths and weaknesses. It's hilarious to watch them go head to head, working to get the best of each other; but when they finally try to say, I love you . . . GET READY FOR A FEELS OVERLOAD, MY DARLINGS. Because you're going to have one. Also get some Kleenex ready, because you might need that, too.
I really loved how Ann Rinaldi didn't try to gloss over their flaws--either Oscie's or her dad's. These aren't stock characters from some fluffy Hallmark movie; these are real people, with real sins and temptations to overcome. But overcome them they do, in the best way. And it's pretty awesome to watch.
The message of forgiveness and healing in this book is so beautifully handled--not shoved in your face, but it's THERE and you can't miss it, either. There was one scene I can't talk about, because of #spoilers . . . but I give you my word, I was almost crying. Powerful stuff.
And the way Rinaldi incorporated those verses from St. John's Gospel--"In my Father's house are many mansions"--it pretty much blew me away. So, so good.
What else can I say?
GO READ IT.
I go to prepare a place for you . . . that where I am, there ye may be also.
Guys, I . . . I don't really know what to say about this book.
IT'S SO GOOD.
I had heard it was good, and I hoped it would be good--but it was so much more beautiful than even I had hoped. It's a brilliant, masterful work of historical fiction; and I say that, remember, as a professional-historian-in-training myself :-) But more than that, it's a wonderful portrait of a young girl's relationship with her stepfather--a relationship which, while often strained and occasionally downright explosive, is yet something rare and precious and beautiful.
Something you'll only find once in a lifetime. And if you know what's good for you, you hold on to it.
And that's the thing about Oscie Mason, our heroine, and Will McLean, her stepdad . . . they do know what's good for them. They're not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination. But they know they need each other; and by the end of the story, they're not afraid to admit it. They're each proud and stubborn and hot-tempered, fiercely protective of those they care about, and oh-so-similar in both their strengths and weaknesses. It's hilarious to watch them go head to head, working to get the best of each other; but when they finally try to say, I love you . . . GET READY FOR A FEELS OVERLOAD, MY DARLINGS. Because you're going to have one. Also get some Kleenex ready, because you might need that, too.
I really loved how Ann Rinaldi didn't try to gloss over their flaws--either Oscie's or her dad's. These aren't stock characters from some fluffy Hallmark movie; these are real people, with real sins and temptations to overcome. But overcome them they do, in the best way. And it's pretty awesome to watch.
The message of forgiveness and healing in this book is so beautifully handled--not shoved in your face, but it's THERE and you can't miss it, either. There was one scene I can't talk about, because of #spoilers . . . but I give you my word, I was almost crying. Powerful stuff.
And the way Rinaldi incorporated those verses from St. John's Gospel--"In my Father's house are many mansions"--it pretty much blew me away. So, so good.
What else can I say?
GO READ IT.
November 19, 2019
Wow! I was not expecting this to be THAT good!
This one was one of those books that had been sitting on my shelf for AAAAAAAGES, and I never picked it up until earlier this month.
The story begins in 1852 and goes right up till April 12, 1865. Set around the American Civil War and based on the Mclean family.
The first shots of the war were fired in their front yard and later ended in their parlour, where Lee surrendered to Grant.
My favourite characters in this book were Oscie Mason & Will Mclean.
I loved Oscie's spirit and personality and how they contrasted with Mclean's character.
I enjoyed reading through all their interactions. From when he became her step-father until the war ended at the closing of the book, their relationship was wonderful to read about as it grows as they change through the war.
Rinaldi's writing was both easy to read but gripping and hard to put down. And upon finishing it I feel like I have lost some friends.
I was even more fascinated when I discovered that the story was based on real people.
You can bet that I am going to read more of her books! And I highly recommend that you read this book ASAP (I am very disappointed that I can't seem to persuade my younger sister to give it a go)!
This one was one of those books that had been sitting on my shelf for AAAAAAAGES, and I never picked it up until earlier this month.
The story begins in 1852 and goes right up till April 12, 1865. Set around the American Civil War and based on the Mclean family.
The first shots of the war were fired in their front yard and later ended in their parlour, where Lee surrendered to Grant.
My favourite characters in this book were Oscie Mason & Will Mclean.
I loved Oscie's spirit and personality and how they contrasted with Mclean's character.
I enjoyed reading through all their interactions. From when he became her step-father until the war ended at the closing of the book, their relationship was wonderful to read about as it grows as they change through the war.
Rinaldi's writing was both easy to read but gripping and hard to put down. And upon finishing it I feel like I have lost some friends.
I was even more fascinated when I discovered that the story was based on real people.
You can bet that I am going to read more of her books! And I highly recommend that you read this book ASAP (I am very disappointed that I can't seem to persuade my younger sister to give it a go)!
March 9, 2012
Overall, this was an okay book. It prompted me to look up some stuff about the Civil War that I didn't know about before (like Mosby’s Rangers). I find this a very interesting period and I generally enjoy books about it, so I can't say this really disappointed.
I thought some of the language used was a bit contemporary. For example, according to this Wikipedia article, the term "feminist" was not used in the U.S. until the early 1900s. It appears in this book in what is supposed to be around the year 1851. It doesn't really matter, I suppose; I just thought it was interesting.
There is a bit of cursing in this, but it’s not especially pervasive. I could have definitely done without it, but it's still pretty PG rated.
Until the author's note at the end, I didn't realize that this was actually based on a real family (although fictionalized for the sake of the novel). I was actually a bit surprised that, all things considered, they came through the war relatively unscathed. I guess I'm just used to Civil War books showing a lot of massive upheaval. Of course they lost their estate, but beyond material possessions there was little that dramatically influenced them (and due to Will's speculating, they were rarely even wanting for material comforts). If I recall correctly, I don't think they even knew of anyone close to them that died (other than Allie, but he was a pretty minor character). To a certain extent, it's kind of refreshing that the author didn't feel the need to put a lot of sad things in, but I just don't know how realistic that was. They kept saying how the war changed them, but how did it really?
The main character in this was fine and I liked her, but I never felt especially invested in her or any of the other characters. It all just felt a little flat to me. Along the same lines, I never really bought Oscie's relationship with Thomas. It was just suddenly there.
I would give this book 2.5 stars if I could (but since I can't, I'm rounding up). It was just between “okay” and “I liked it.” I did like it, I guess, but it was still just okay…if that makes sense!
I thought some of the language used was a bit contemporary. For example, according to this Wikipedia article, the term "feminist" was not used in the U.S. until the early 1900s. It appears in this book in what is supposed to be around the year 1851. It doesn't really matter, I suppose; I just thought it was interesting.
There is a bit of cursing in this, but it’s not especially pervasive. I could have definitely done without it, but it's still pretty PG rated.
Until the author's note at the end, I didn't realize that this was actually based on a real family (although fictionalized for the sake of the novel). I was actually a bit surprised that, all things considered, they came through the war relatively unscathed. I guess I'm just used to Civil War books showing a lot of massive upheaval. Of course they lost their estate, but beyond material possessions there was little that dramatically influenced them (and due to Will's speculating, they were rarely even wanting for material comforts). If I recall correctly, I don't think they even knew of anyone close to them that died (other than Allie, but he was a pretty minor character). To a certain extent, it's kind of refreshing that the author didn't feel the need to put a lot of sad things in, but I just don't know how realistic that was. They kept saying how the war changed them, but how did it really?
The main character in this was fine and I liked her, but I never felt especially invested in her or any of the other characters. It all just felt a little flat to me. Along the same lines, I never really bought Oscie's relationship with Thomas. It was just suddenly there.
I would give this book 2.5 stars if I could (but since I can't, I'm rounding up). It was just between “okay” and “I liked it.” I did like it, I guess, but it was still just okay…if that makes sense!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2017
Love is like light and there are two kinds, the bursting fireworks of the moment and the solid, fixed stars that sometimes become obscured in the heavens, but are always there, year after year, for a lifetime. - "In My Father's House"
Someday I might marshal my thoughts to write a proper review of this story, but not today, as my mind's in a whirl of wonderment, and I'm not sure when I'm properly coming down.
All I can say is go read Olivia, Natalie, and Jessica's reviews, because they express the aching loveliness and deep magic of this story more perfectly than I ever I could.
Also, see Olivia's movie casting; it's pure brilliance.
Someday I might marshal my thoughts to write a proper review of this story, but not today, as my mind's in a whirl of wonderment, and I'm not sure when I'm properly coming down.
All I can say is go read Olivia, Natalie, and Jessica's reviews, because they express the aching loveliness and deep magic of this story more perfectly than I ever I could.
Also, see Olivia's movie casting; it's pure brilliance.
February 6, 2017
Olivia and Jessica, I'm sorry to say this did not become a new favorite....but I DID like it quite a bit. It was realistic, and it was poignant. Oscie is an admirable heroine (though she has flaws, like us all), and I was shocked to find myself one minute approving of Will McClean's actions, and then detesting them the next. I expected this to be a clear-cut story of a girl with an "evil" stepfather, but it wasn't at all. Like all people, these characters make both good and bad decisions, and they have to live with them, and grow because of them. I guess I don't really have the words to describe what I felt about this story yet....but I would definitely read it again someday. It was fascinating.
June 4, 2011
I can't believe that I haven't read more of Ann Rinaldi's books. I should be ashamed of myself because I was a junior high librarian and all her books are young adult books. But I am so excited to keep reading them. I have always loved Civil War books and now I can add this one to my list. As always, Ann Rinaldi takes the lives of people who have actually lived and events that have actully happened and weaves in a fictional story. This book is told in the first person by Oscie Mason and is about her life in Virginia just before the war starts and continuing until its dramatic conclusion. At the heart of the book is her relationship with her step father, Will McLean. It paints such an emotional picture of the lives of the people in the South and the ending of the way of life that they so loved. So many of this books characters knew that the battle to secede from the Union was hopeless from the beginning, but had to keep fighting for what they believed. Freeing the Blacks was only a small part of it. Interesting side note, today I went to Robert Redord's new movie, "The Conspirator." It is an amazing movie that I would recommend to everyone and is the story of the only woman to stand trial in the death of Abraham Lincoln. It raised some amazing questions about the protection of the right to a fair trial for everyone, versus the action the government and military must take during war to protect the people. Something we are still facing today.
September 12, 2014
The thing I liked most about this book was that it had the same feel as the YA books I read in the late 70s and early 80s. A coming of age tale during the course of the civil war; teenage rebellion, but very innocent stuff; romance involved, but very innocent stuff. An interesting way to learn about the historical McLeans -- with the name being seen all around Northern Virginia.
September 22, 2012
Cover Blurb: It’s very dated; I wish they would start revamping the covers of Rinaldi’s older books. Everything about it screams cheap paperback - one of the those books old ladies always read.
What I Liked: Oscie at times is a real brat, but for the most part she really is only trying to help and do what she thinks it right, and she is overall a strong protagonist. I liked McLean half of the time, and the other half I didn’t, which I actually liked, because it allowed me to better understand how Oscie felt about him.
What I Disliked: Nothing.
Believability: As always, Rinaldi has done her research, and she does a splendid job with believable accents and portraying the undoubted confusion that some people felt over the war.
Writing Style: As noted above, Rinaldi writes convincing accents, and her style flows nicely and engagingly. Though there is no definite “super-objective” in the storyline, I did rather like how the story followed Oscie’s life to the end of the war. For a “life-time” novel, it was one of the better ones I’ve read.
Content: None.
Conclusion: I tend not to like Rinaldi’s older books as much; they don’t usually have as much of a storyline as her newer ones. But I did ultimately think this one was very good, and yet another very interesting look at the Civil War.
Recommended Audience: Historical fiction fans, and Ann Rinaldi fans. I would say that this would appeal to girls more than guys simply because not a whole lot happens in it. Appropriate for any age.
What I Liked: Oscie at times is a real brat, but for the most part she really is only trying to help and do what she thinks it right, and she is overall a strong protagonist. I liked McLean half of the time, and the other half I didn’t, which I actually liked, because it allowed me to better understand how Oscie felt about him.
What I Disliked: Nothing.
Believability: As always, Rinaldi has done her research, and she does a splendid job with believable accents and portraying the undoubted confusion that some people felt over the war.
Writing Style: As noted above, Rinaldi writes convincing accents, and her style flows nicely and engagingly. Though there is no definite “super-objective” in the storyline, I did rather like how the story followed Oscie’s life to the end of the war. For a “life-time” novel, it was one of the better ones I’ve read.
Content: None.
Conclusion: I tend not to like Rinaldi’s older books as much; they don’t usually have as much of a storyline as her newer ones. But I did ultimately think this one was very good, and yet another very interesting look at the Civil War.
Recommended Audience: Historical fiction fans, and Ann Rinaldi fans. I would say that this would appeal to girls more than guys simply because not a whole lot happens in it. Appropriate for any age.
October 5, 2017
A simple story based on a real family who lived in northern Virginia during the Civil War. The book doesn't seem to address or capture the complexity of slavery or the violence of the war... more of a romance novel really - and yet the book abruptly ends before the main character's romance plot can be concluded. Interesting read, but it could have been better.
April 2, 2017
Full of powerful feelings and emotions and opinions
May 21, 2019
Interesting, yet not very compelling.
May 29, 2020
Note: A few little spoilers are in this review.
Just a few days after I graduated high school, I learned that the library within intended to get rid of most, if not all their books. So I went back and snagged a few boxes of books for myself, In My Father's House being one of them. However, it wouldn't be another three years until I would finally decide to pick it up and read it. It would also be my first time reading a piece of work by Ann Rinaldi.
I got quite invested in this book and found myself really caring for the characters Rinaldi developed. The McLeans (and Masons) were real folks, and this book made me want to know even more about them. However, it's a shame to say that, at least through a few Google searches, there doesn't seem to be much information available about these people and what they were really like. I give kudos to Rinaldi for giving a voice and story to a young woman whose true history is hardly accessible.
Osceola "Oscie" Mason is a headstrong little girl who initially has a difficult time accepting her equally headstrong stepfather, Wilmer McLean, and continues to struggle throughout the duration of the Civil War. Her strong, in-charge personality, however, is the very thing that everyone, even Will McLean, admires about her. The dynamic between this stepdaddy and stepdaughter was interesting, realistic, so nicely portrayed, and at times even a bit humorous. Just about every exchange between them was exciting, gripping, and memorable. Will McLean is undoubtedly my favorite character in this story. Such a strong-willed, wise, and loving southern gentleman. His moment of weakness later in the story was positively intense, made my poor heart ache for him. The Masons were lucky as hell to have a man like Will McLean in their lives, despite what Oscie at the beginning of the story would've had to say about that.
On the topic of characters, there was real dimension to a good lot of them, particularly our central characters above, plus Mary Ann, Button, Maria, and Alex, to name a few. Though Mary Ann occasionally appeared as something of an antagonist (or at least, a mild pain in the ass) throughout the story, she has some redeeming and heartfelt moments. Same for Maria. Alex was another charming character I liked and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the "friendship" between he and Oscie blossom.
However, I cannot quite say the same for the relationship that developed between Oscie and Thomas. Suppose this is where I can get into some of the weaker bits of this book. I sort of wished I could've seen the relationship between Oscie and Thomas develop a bit more slowly so I could really root for them to ultimately stay together. I know the real Oscie Mason did marry Thomas Tibbs, but a part of me did not quite feel that their fictional romance was really earned. Truth be told, I was rooting more for Oscie and Alex, as scandalous as that would've been.
Less bothersome, but I was initially thrown off by another thing; in the beginning of the book, Oscie is seven years old, yet her narrative voice and her dialogue seem rather sophisticated for such a young person. However, it became clearer to me throughout the book that Oscie was likely telling this story by looking back on her life at an older age, as her tone and speech patterns remained pretty consistent (this could also explain the style of writing, which I deem a bit summary-heavy, though still tastefully executed). And, Oscie is immediately characterized as headstrong, in-charge, a little wise beyond her years, and also something of a know-it-all, so I do suppose such a little girl could have naturally adopted a more "grown-up" vocabulary at an early age. Perhaps. I'll accept it and stick with this assumption, because I had such a great time overall with this story.
Besides those things, though, I find this book to be damn-near perfect. I'd give it four and a half stars, if I could. The ending was so great and so sweet, I just wanted to carry on with these characters and see what happens next. I really want to read In My Father's House again someday, as well as more of Rinaldi's other works. I do hope the real Oscie Mason and Wilmer McLean would be flattered by Rinaldi's portrayals of them.
Just a few days after I graduated high school, I learned that the library within intended to get rid of most, if not all their books. So I went back and snagged a few boxes of books for myself, In My Father's House being one of them. However, it wouldn't be another three years until I would finally decide to pick it up and read it. It would also be my first time reading a piece of work by Ann Rinaldi.
I got quite invested in this book and found myself really caring for the characters Rinaldi developed. The McLeans (and Masons) were real folks, and this book made me want to know even more about them. However, it's a shame to say that, at least through a few Google searches, there doesn't seem to be much information available about these people and what they were really like. I give kudos to Rinaldi for giving a voice and story to a young woman whose true history is hardly accessible.
Osceola "Oscie" Mason is a headstrong little girl who initially has a difficult time accepting her equally headstrong stepfather, Wilmer McLean, and continues to struggle throughout the duration of the Civil War. Her strong, in-charge personality, however, is the very thing that everyone, even Will McLean, admires about her. The dynamic between this stepdaddy and stepdaughter was interesting, realistic, so nicely portrayed, and at times even a bit humorous. Just about every exchange between them was exciting, gripping, and memorable. Will McLean is undoubtedly my favorite character in this story. Such a strong-willed, wise, and loving southern gentleman. His moment of weakness later in the story was positively intense, made my poor heart ache for him. The Masons were lucky as hell to have a man like Will McLean in their lives, despite what Oscie at the beginning of the story would've had to say about that.
On the topic of characters, there was real dimension to a good lot of them, particularly our central characters above, plus Mary Ann, Button, Maria, and Alex, to name a few. Though Mary Ann occasionally appeared as something of an antagonist (or at least, a mild pain in the ass) throughout the story, she has some redeeming and heartfelt moments. Same for Maria. Alex was another charming character I liked and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the "friendship" between he and Oscie blossom.
However, I cannot quite say the same for the relationship that developed between Oscie and Thomas. Suppose this is where I can get into some of the weaker bits of this book. I sort of wished I could've seen the relationship between Oscie and Thomas develop a bit more slowly so I could really root for them to ultimately stay together. I know the real Oscie Mason did marry Thomas Tibbs, but a part of me did not quite feel that their fictional romance was really earned. Truth be told, I was rooting more for Oscie and Alex, as scandalous as that would've been.
Less bothersome, but I was initially thrown off by another thing; in the beginning of the book, Oscie is seven years old, yet her narrative voice and her dialogue seem rather sophisticated for such a young person. However, it became clearer to me throughout the book that Oscie was likely telling this story by looking back on her life at an older age, as her tone and speech patterns remained pretty consistent (this could also explain the style of writing, which I deem a bit summary-heavy, though still tastefully executed). And, Oscie is immediately characterized as headstrong, in-charge, a little wise beyond her years, and also something of a know-it-all, so I do suppose such a little girl could have naturally adopted a more "grown-up" vocabulary at an early age. Perhaps. I'll accept it and stick with this assumption, because I had such a great time overall with this story.
Besides those things, though, I find this book to be damn-near perfect. I'd give it four and a half stars, if I could. The ending was so great and so sweet, I just wanted to carry on with these characters and see what happens next. I really want to read In My Father's House again someday, as well as more of Rinaldi's other works. I do hope the real Oscie Mason and Wilmer McLean would be flattered by Rinaldi's portrayals of them.
November 8, 2023
I am very glad I did not read the summary before I read the book, because it gave away too much of the plot!
Really enjoyed this. Ann Rinaldi does such well researched historical fiction that I feel like I am there.
I wasn’t sure if I would like the main character at the beginning of the book (she’s about seven years old at the start) and is painted as a “precocious” youngster, but I really did warm up to her as she grew and really enjoyed her by the end of the book.
This had the slightest touch of romance but is predominantly a family story, and a story of coming to terms with the changes involved in growing up - particularly growing up on the “wrong side” of the Civil War. I look forward to rereading this in a few years.
Really enjoyed this. Ann Rinaldi does such well researched historical fiction that I feel like I am there.
I wasn’t sure if I would like the main character at the beginning of the book (she’s about seven years old at the start) and is painted as a “precocious” youngster, but I really did warm up to her as she grew and really enjoyed her by the end of the book.
This had the slightest touch of romance but is predominantly a family story, and a story of coming to terms with the changes involved in growing up - particularly growing up on the “wrong side” of the Civil War. I look forward to rereading this in a few years.
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November 8, 2024Read this as a teenager and I remember loving it. As an adult it was a little “meh” but it wasn’t terrible.
July 1, 2013
Oscie was only around seven when her father died. And soon a new man came into her life. Her mother fell in love with Will McLean and although Oscie didn't like him very much, she wanted her mother to be happy.
But Will McLean wasn't the only change in Oscie's life. For years tensions had been building between the North and the South. Will told her that change is coming whether the South wants it or not, that their way of life will soon be different. Oscie doesn't want to believe it, but growing up through the war, she learns that it is true and the South will never be the same again.
I must admit I didn't find the characters very likable at first. Oscie seemed a little spoiled, too much wanting things her way. And Will McLean. . . Well, I just didn't like how he talked to Oscie in the beginning. But as the story goes on, the characters develop much more. There is more to Oscie than just seeming spoiled, more to Will McLean than just seeming harsh. The characters become much more likable, especially Oscie.
And the story is very good. Living in the times of slavery, of the civil war, etc can be hard to imagine, but I think this book does a good job of trying to help a person know what it might have been like. For many people, I'm sure they were confusing times. So much tension. So many conflicting emotions. Adjusting to a new way of life, struggling between what is wrong and what is right. I'm sure they were tough times and this book covers all of that.
I greatly enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down and it was a very memorable read that gave me lots to think about. If I could, I'd give it four and half stars. It was a very good read.
But Will McLean wasn't the only change in Oscie's life. For years tensions had been building between the North and the South. Will told her that change is coming whether the South wants it or not, that their way of life will soon be different. Oscie doesn't want to believe it, but growing up through the war, she learns that it is true and the South will never be the same again.
I must admit I didn't find the characters very likable at first. Oscie seemed a little spoiled, too much wanting things her way. And Will McLean. . . Well, I just didn't like how he talked to Oscie in the beginning. But as the story goes on, the characters develop much more. There is more to Oscie than just seeming spoiled, more to Will McLean than just seeming harsh. The characters become much more likable, especially Oscie.
And the story is very good. Living in the times of slavery, of the civil war, etc can be hard to imagine, but I think this book does a good job of trying to help a person know what it might have been like. For many people, I'm sure they were confusing times. So much tension. So many conflicting emotions. Adjusting to a new way of life, struggling between what is wrong and what is right. I'm sure they were tough times and this book covers all of that.
I greatly enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down and it was a very memorable read that gave me lots to think about. If I could, I'd give it four and half stars. It was a very good read.
September 11, 2018
This is my 1st time reading this book I enjoyed it By an extraordinarily quirk, the McLean family entertainment confederates at their Manassas home just before the battle of Bull Run and also hosted the peace negotiations at Appomattox, where they had moved to escape the war. Staying close to documented facts, as detailed in an excellent note, Rinaldi uses the McLean’s lives to dramatize the war’s moral dilemmas. From his marriage In 1852 , Will McLean has an uneasy relationship with his feisty seven year old stepdaughter Osceola ( Oscie”), the narrator; though she loves and respects the northern governess Will hires, and absorbs many of her ideas, Oscie is uneasy with Will’s progressive stance toward slavery and, later, with his profiteering. Some of Rinaldi’s inventions are unevenly developed Oscie’s long held suspicions of one slave ( dispelled when she understands her true story). A couple of romances typical of the era though they do fill out the story. The most compelling relationship is between Oscie and Will, strong minded characters, often opposed, whose mutual respect turns believably into a father daughter bond, touchingly acknowledge in the last scene. Meanwhile, the author skillfully weaves history into her story offstage battles, resentment against profiteers, a remarkable depiction of the northern generals taking the McLean’s furniture as memorabilia of Lee’s surrender, Despite some weaknesses ( Oscie at seven is unbelievable mature, and there’s a 20th century feel to some of the dialogue): a sweeping, dramatic overview of the war, authentic and compelling. Bibliography; chronology.
February 7, 2016
I cannot decide if this was a book I had read in my younger days or not. I vividly remember the cover and the title, the story feels like it might have been familiar, but I can't recall.
Whether this was a reread or not, I greatly enjoyed it. Oscie was a strong young woman who despite growing up in one of the worst time possible was able to come out on top. She was very fortunate to have a family who strong belief in themselves, education, and means to money. Not every 15-20 year old southern girl could lay claim to such luck. I also think she was lucky not to have any brothers old enough to want to go play soldier. I think that would have changed the family dynamic.
What I loved most about this story is it centered around a real family. Yes, some of the situations seemed a bit of a stretch, but whose to say they didn't happen somewhere else. The family was real. It had love, conflict, and growth. I would have loved to have Oscie's mom be a larger voice in the story, but I think due to the "southern belle" presence she brought that it would have been out of character for her to speak or do more. Button filled that role. (Please can we get a story on Button's life...it seems so interesting with all the various learning and service she was able to do!)
I am rambling now, but this was really an enjoyable read even though it is set in a time period of absolute heartache.
Whether this was a reread or not, I greatly enjoyed it. Oscie was a strong young woman who despite growing up in one of the worst time possible was able to come out on top. She was very fortunate to have a family who strong belief in themselves, education, and means to money. Not every 15-20 year old southern girl could lay claim to such luck. I also think she was lucky not to have any brothers old enough to want to go play soldier. I think that would have changed the family dynamic.
What I loved most about this story is it centered around a real family. Yes, some of the situations seemed a bit of a stretch, but whose to say they didn't happen somewhere else. The family was real. It had love, conflict, and growth. I would have loved to have Oscie's mom be a larger voice in the story, but I think due to the "southern belle" presence she brought that it would have been out of character for her to speak or do more. Button filled that role. (Please can we get a story on Button's life...it seems so interesting with all the various learning and service she was able to do!)
I am rambling now, but this was really an enjoyable read even though it is set in a time period of absolute heartache.
October 27, 2014
I'm a big fan of Ann Rinaldi. Growing up she was one of my favorite authors, and for quite some time I labeled her book The Last Silk Dress as my favorite book. I read this book this summer, prepping to read it with my students. I actually think, had I read this as a student, that Oscie Mason's story would've surpassed Susan Chilmark's. One of the big draws of this book is the fact that the family is the real life MacLean family, famous for owning the home in Appomattox Courthouse where peace was signed to end the American Civil War. Oscie is a strong willed young lady determined not to connect with her new step father; desperate not to lose the memory of her own beloved father. The backdrop of the American Civil War mimics the very deep conflicts that Oscie experiences in her own family. The tender hurts of cousin vs. cousin in the civil war mirrors the tender hurts of sister vs. sister, mother vs. daughter, and father vs. child. In the end, as much as Oscie wants to seem grown up and able to handle her family herself; she must release their care to Will MacLean and understand that they indeed are a family. This book has plenty of family dynamics, romance, and history to satisfy most aficionados of Historical fiction and young adult literature.
March 25, 2024
I read this book for an 8th grade ELA project and I didn’t know what to do with myself when it ended. Even though this book takes place over a century ago, it’s easy to relate to the characters.
I love how strong minded Oscie Mason is but she still is able to bend when the time comes. She has a rocky start with most relationships (Will McLean - her stepfather, Button - her tutor, and Mary Ann - a slave for her family’s plantation) but over time she devolves a connection with them that will be very hard to forget.
There is a image painted of southern gentlemen that makes you wish you lived in a time like that.
When little Sarah died, I was reading in my 6th period Math class and I was holding back tears. As an older sibling, I cannot stand the thought of not being able to protect my younger siblings.
I’m sure I could write so much more about this book but I don’t have time and I wanted to capture some of the thoughts I had in the moment.
I would definitely reread it if it were mine to keep.
I love how strong minded Oscie Mason is but she still is able to bend when the time comes. She has a rocky start with most relationships (Will McLean - her stepfather, Button - her tutor, and Mary Ann - a slave for her family’s plantation) but over time she devolves a connection with them that will be very hard to forget.
There is a image painted of southern gentlemen that makes you wish you lived in a time like that.
When little Sarah died, I was reading in my 6th period Math class and I was holding back tears. As an older sibling, I cannot stand the thought of not being able to protect my younger siblings.
I’m sure I could write so much more about this book but I don’t have time and I wanted to capture some of the thoughts I had in the moment.
I would definitely reread it if it were mine to keep.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2009
This is a story of the Civil War from the Southern perspective. I liked this "easy read". It was a very good story, and fun to read. There were times I just had to keep reading. I was familar with the Will Mclean who let the armies use his home to sign the treaty papers, from a easy children's book. So this novel, who had Will Mclean as a main character, was even more interesting to me. I loved the moral lessons taught in this novel. Also, the fact that even though we try hard not to change who we are, circumstances do change what we think and feel about things, which utimately changes us.
My favorite character is Button. I like her sensible teaching, and her influence she brought to her students. Although, this story probably did not tell the story of a typical southern plantation, I liked who the McLean family represented. I was also surprised that many southern families did not think the war was about slavery. It shouldn't surprise me, but it did.
My favorite character is Button. I like her sensible teaching, and her influence she brought to her students. Although, this story probably did not tell the story of a typical southern plantation, I liked who the McLean family represented. I was also surprised that many southern families did not think the war was about slavery. It shouldn't surprise me, but it did.
September 12, 2010
I've always been a fan of Ann Rinaldi's historical fiction. She has such a clear voice, and a unique way of bringing out each character's voice. In My Father's House follows Osceola Mason, a proud Southern girl with a rebellious spirit, as she learns her place in the war and the world through the trials and triumphs of her family and more.
Through it all, she learns to grow up and embrace adversity because it makes her stronger, which I found to be a beautiful message. I really enjoyed watching her grow closer to Daddy Will, though she had resented him at first. She watches as Daddy Will, who prides himself in his integrity, grows tortured by the fact that he must compromise that which he holds most dear to keep his family safe.
Oscie finds love, friendship, and compassion in In My Father's House, and it's a beautiful, emotional book. The only reason I am not giving it a 5 out 5 is because the relationship didn't quite go the way I had hoped, and I was a bit let down.
Through it all, she learns to grow up and embrace adversity because it makes her stronger, which I found to be a beautiful message. I really enjoyed watching her grow closer to Daddy Will, though she had resented him at first. She watches as Daddy Will, who prides himself in his integrity, grows tortured by the fact that he must compromise that which he holds most dear to keep his family safe.
Oscie finds love, friendship, and compassion in In My Father's House, and it's a beautiful, emotional book. The only reason I am not giving it a 5 out 5 is because the relationship didn't quite go the way I had hoped, and I was a bit let down.
February 23, 2009
Comments I wrote in my 8th-grade reading log:
"I thought it was an interesting view of the civil war, but I didn't learn as much about the actual war, as I read about the personal relations with Oscie and those around her. It was a fairly good book, but I didn't like at as much as Ann Rinaldi's other book, A Break with Charity."
"I thought it was an interesting view of the civil war, but I didn't learn as much about the actual war, as I read about the personal relations with Oscie and those around her. It was a fairly good book, but I didn't like at as much as Ann Rinaldi's other book, A Break with Charity."
May 15, 2011
This was one of the best books I ever read. It was an historical fiction story about the McLean family through the eyes of McLean's step-daughter Oscie. It spans the civil war to the end (in McLean's parlor) where the surrender took place. It was extremely well done and touching. This is my first taste of Rinaldi's writing. I will be sure to read more of her books.
June 5, 2012
This was a good book. It started a little slow but I just love Ann Rinaldi's stories. She is such a great storyteller and sets up a world that I can get lost in. The story of Oscie and her family is a sad yet encouraging one set during the civil war when people were trying not to change yet it was unavoidable.
February 18, 2014
A great read for a young reader, this book offers a unique look at history through the eyes of a young woman living in the South during the Civil War. The book is historically correct and is based on the family of Wilmer McLean. The war begins on the family's front lawn and concludes in the family's parlor.
April 12, 2015
I had to read this book for school and I did not enjoy it very much. Probably because I was reading it for school, because as my english teacher has said "school sucks the enjoyment out of everything". I felt like if i ever reread this book and not had to stress out about taking notes and quizzes about it and just enjoyed it, it would be alot better.
September 8, 2018
This remarkable story takes place in the old south during the Civil War. To escape the war, Ocie's stepfather moves the family to Appomattox; however, they can't seem to get away from the war which occurs outside and inside her home. The tension between stepfather and stepfather is intense. How will it be resolved? I could not put this book down, it was that good!
July 18, 2007
This is one of my favorite Ann Rinaldi novels and one of the first ones I read. A Civil War novel, covering the war from beginning to end and how it affected one particular family that had the war begin on their lawn and end in their house.
January 14, 2008
This book provides a very thorough and accurate account of the Civil War through the eyes of the teenager who, ironically, lived in the house where the first battle was fought and later where the peace treaty was signed.
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