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The Story of Edith Cavell
178 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1959
About the author
Iris Vinton
42 books6 followersIris Vinton, an author of many children's books, died of breast cancer Saturday at her home in Manhattan. She was 82 years old.
Ms. Vinton was born in West Point, Miss., and came to New York in the 1930's, when she published several short plays. Her best-known children's novels - such as ''Flying Ebony'' (1947), which was made into a movie called ''The Mooncussers''; ''The Black Horse Company'' (1950); ''Longbow Island'' (1957) and ''Look Out for Pirates!'' - were adventure stories based on real incidents.
She contributed to several Nancy Drew mysteries, compiled a book of games from around the world, published many magazine articles and wrote a number of biographies geared to children, including a 1967 work on President Kennedy. She was director of publications for the Boys Clubs of America for 20 years, and was an active member of Pen and Brush and the Women's National Book Association. She was married to Louis German, who died in 1969.
Ms. Vinton is survived by two sisters, Ila Vinton and Lorraine Vinton Farrell, both of San Antonio.
https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/09/ob...
Ms. Vinton was born in West Point, Miss., and came to New York in the 1930's, when she published several short plays. Her best-known children's novels - such as ''Flying Ebony'' (1947), which was made into a movie called ''The Mooncussers''; ''The Black Horse Company'' (1950); ''Longbow Island'' (1957) and ''Look Out for Pirates!'' - were adventure stories based on real incidents.
She contributed to several Nancy Drew mysteries, compiled a book of games from around the world, published many magazine articles and wrote a number of biographies geared to children, including a 1967 work on President Kennedy. She was director of publications for the Boys Clubs of America for 20 years, and was an active member of Pen and Brush and the Women's National Book Association. She was married to Louis German, who died in 1969.
Ms. Vinton is survived by two sisters, Ila Vinton and Lorraine Vinton Farrell, both of San Antonio.
https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/09/ob...
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 25, 2017
Edith Cavell was directing a rapidly expanding nursing school and clinic in Brussels when WWI broke out. Edith was a woman of deep faith. She was dedicated to treating soldiers on both sides of the conflict. She was also a part of a network that allowed French and English soldiers to escape from German imprisonment.
The Story of Edith Cavell begins with a description of her childhood, growing up as the daughter of a vicar. Following her education she became a governess. After being the caregiver for her father following a severe illness, she chose to pursue nursing. The story is told gently but honestly,following the events in her life. It concluding with the trial and execution of Edith. It is a story that a parent should read along with a school age child.
The Story of Edith Cavell begins with a description of her childhood, growing up as the daughter of a vicar. Following her education she became a governess. After being the caregiver for her father following a severe illness, she chose to pursue nursing. The story is told gently but honestly,following the events in her life. It concluding with the trial and execution of Edith. It is a story that a parent should read along with a school age child.
January 1, 2022
This one got me. I only knew of Edith in name alone, and the real reason I picked up this book was on account of a quote I read in Agatha’s Christie’s “N or M?” regarding Edith’s strength of character in performing her duty for her country England during WWI. I knew nothing about her story. From the first I was so impressed with the lesson about honesty, and it was a trait she carried throughout her life, even to the moment of her death. Her quiet decisiveness and steadfast faith in God was constantly detailed and there are many instances in which she displayed her integrity, honesty, and sense of duty to her Clinique nurses, her employees, her countrymen, and her Lord. Also there are many instances where danger in imminent and Edith was a stalwart example of calm, finding safety in telling the truth, and logical action that soothed those around her as well as averted danger. An excellent hero to look up to, she died a hero and worthy of the name. I cried a lot at the end. It was an amazing book, and I’d highly recommend it for general character building as well as specifically for an inspiring woman of faith, quiet strength in the midst of chaos and danger, and honesty. Definitely a person worth investing more time and reading in.
Content considerations: For sensitive readers, the very first lesson Edith learns is about lying. She steals a sick puppy while out on a walk (fully aware that it’s owner is nearby and intends to drown the pup because they fear it will spread disease.) She lies about how she ‘found’ it to her parents and siblings, then sits through a sermon her father gives about what the Lord feels about it. Ultimately the owner seeks the puppy out and Edith’s lie is exposed. The puppy is taken to the implied original intent. However—this account makes a life-long impression on Edith and the cost of lying. At the end of the book, her duty to her countrymen is literally put on trial in German-occupied Brussels/Austria. She tells the truth and corrects their false information, which only confirmed and expanded upon their accusations. She is found ‘guilty’ of treason, and shot in a firing squad. She is quoted as having said that ‘patriotism is not enough; there must be no hatred in my heart..’ (need to find and record the exact words.)
Content considerations: For sensitive readers, the very first lesson Edith learns is about lying. She steals a sick puppy while out on a walk (fully aware that it’s owner is nearby and intends to drown the pup because they fear it will spread disease.) She lies about how she ‘found’ it to her parents and siblings, then sits through a sermon her father gives about what the Lord feels about it. Ultimately the owner seeks the puppy out and Edith’s lie is exposed. The puppy is taken to the implied original intent. However—this account makes a life-long impression on Edith and the cost of lying. At the end of the book, her duty to her countrymen is literally put on trial in German-occupied Brussels/Austria. She tells the truth and corrects their false information, which only confirmed and expanded upon their accusations. She is found ‘guilty’ of treason, and shot in a firing squad. She is quoted as having said that ‘patriotism is not enough; there must be no hatred in my heart..’ (need to find and record the exact words.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2023
The story of Edith Cavell is worth reading and for all generations. Sadly, her story was unknown to me despite the impact her life had on America’s participation in WW1. I did warn my children that Edith does not survive to the end of WW1 and yet even knowing that, we were saddened by her death. While learning of her life, we became deeply attached to her and invested in her life. I’m thankful we were introduced to Edith Cavell & learned of her life and contributions to it. Recommend highly to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2026
3.5*, I think it is a good introduction to Edith Cavell for a younger reader. I liked it mostly because I had already read a good book about Edith Cavell for adults that gave me a greater understanding of her. For me this biography was like a very brief life overview but didn't really help me to know Edith or the significance of her actions or the conditions under which she did them. It was well written and I don't regret it as a history read aloud with my 13 year old daughter but it didn't engage our emotions as much as I'd hoped.
April 29, 2020
I found this to be a very intriguing telling of Edith Cavell's story. The pacing is good and made for a quick read. It presents a unique, "behind the scenes" view to WWI. Edith's courage and character are certainly worth emulating. 💜
April 27, 2023
Read for school as a read aloud. We all enjoyed it. We liked how it told her lifelong story from being a young, pastor’s daughter all the way through being the Director of the Clinique. She was always kind and helpful, even if it was hard and dangerous. And there was always a dog 😀.
August 9, 2017
great part of nursing history that is not talked about enough
June 23, 2020
Wonderful mid-level biography; inspirational and memorable!
October 25, 2022
Great true story for kids - emulates the value of hoensty
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews