Aunt Jane's Nieces

Aunt Jane's Nieces #1

by Edith Van Dyne (Pseudonym), L. Frank Baum

First in a series of novels for adolescent girls written by Edith Van Dyne, a penname of L. Frank Baum, following the exploits of the three teenaged nieces of Jane Merrick, a wealthy, elderly, difficult invalid woman who calls them to visit her, so she can decide who will inherit her estate.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Family, Middle Grade

Paperback

First published January 1, 1906

About the author

Pen name for L. Frank Baum and Emma Speed Sampson

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, although I can't say that I was truly overwhelmed by it. It was a pleasant story, and each of the nieces had distinct personalities that showed once again that Baum (who used the pen-name Edith Van Dyne) really felt that girls/women had as much logic, practicality, and resilience as boys/men.

His Aunt Jane character was perhaps a bit too stereotypically the "crotchety" bitter old maid for my taste, and I guessed the "secret" Uncle John had up his sleeve long before it was revealed at the end, but I truly marveled at the fact that these strong-minded girls were created in 1906, by a male author who put his gender principles in action at a time when championing women's suffrage on the part of a man was tantamount to being drummed out of the "male club."

I have to laugh at Baum's comment to his publishers when he signed on to write this series (which were as successful with adolescents as the Oz books were with younger children, published between 1906 and 1918): he stated that the series should be for young girls in the style of Louisa May Alcott, only not as good! As funny as that may sound, it does confirm that Baum didn't feel that his writing was superior to a woman's just by virtue of his gender (unlike Nathaniel Hawthorne about 50 years earlier, to whom is ascribed the ascerbic comment that the country is overrun by a "damned mob of scribbling women" - he did not think much of women writers or their writing.

Baum, on the other hand, once said that writers of children's books who wrote one kind of adventure story for boys and "domestic, sweet" books for girls should stop writing "namby pamby" books for girls, as they needed adventure books just as much, if not more, than boys.

His Aunt Jane's Nieces series presents the three cousins (all nieces of the title character, Aunt Jane Merrick) as intelligent, practical young women who didn't need "rescuing - in fact, they are the ones who often do the rescuing. What is also interesting in this first book is that two of the cousins, Beth and Louise, aren't one-dimensional: they have some bad qualities but aren't all bad, and Baum isn't afraid to show that girls can have more sides to them. The "heroine" of the story, Patsy, while obviously the character readers should root for, is also not saintly: she's stubborn, outspoken, a bit coarse, but ultimately honest and most principled of all the characters.

I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series to see how their lives progress.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frank Baum wrote a series of books for girls under the pseudonym of Edith Van Dyne? Who knew?!

[Adele Lostinaclassicworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Merrick è donna anziana molto ricca che non ha ancora deciso a chi lasciare la sua eredità. Pertanto, invita le sue tre nipoti, Louise, Elizabeth e Patsy, a trascorrere del tempo con lei affinché possa scegliere una di loro come erede.

Nei romanzi, i personaggi anziani che inizialmente si mostrano un po' cattivi tendono a cambiare e ad aprirsi all'amore della famiglia, in questo caso, invece, Jane rimane egoista fino alla fine.
Nonostante la sua considerevole fortuna, Jane non ha mai offerto aiuto a nessuno, nemmeno ai membri della sua famiglia quando hanno avuto bisogno di un sostegno.
La sua ricchezza deriva dal testamento del defunto fidanzato Tom che le ha lasciato tutti i suoi beni con la sola richiesta di prendersi cura della sorella. Quando Kenneth, il nipote di Tom, diventa orfano, Jane lo accoglie nella sua casa ma si occupa pochissimo anche di lui.
Jane credo sia diventata uno dei personaggi più odiosi che io abbia mai incontrato, pur apprezzando il suo rimanere fedele a sé stessa fino alla fine.

Mi sono piaciute moltissimo le tre nipoti e Kenneth, quattro giovani che seppur con esperienze e caratteri diversi hanno costruito un vero rapporto di amicizia e fiducia.
Louise ed Elizabeth all'inizio non mi avevano colpito molto, pensavo mirassaro solo all'eredità della zia, invece si sono scoperte due ragazze interessanti anche se per loro i soldi sono molto importanti.
Patsy è quella più buona ed altruista del gruppo, lei vorrebbe vedere tutti felici e vivere in un mondo dove i propri sforzi vengono ricompensati.
Infine Kenneth mi ha fatto grande tenerezza, un ragazzo che per tanto tempo ha vissuto con pochissimo affetto.

La storia si svolge principalmente nella grande villa di zia Jane, dove incontriamo anche altri personaggi. Due di loro ci regalano ben due colpi di scena inattesi!

È una storia che mette in contrasto l'egoismo di Jane alla purezza di Patsy, dimostrandoci che l'affetto non sempre riesce a cambiare un cuore duro.
Uno dei punti che mettono più curiosità è capire a chi andrà l'eredità, ma è una lettura che ci regala delle protagoniste vere, che non si nascondono dietro il finto perbenismo.

[itchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

eponymous sentence:
p33: "I know nothing about them," said the lawyer, "so I can't vouch in any way for Aunt Jane's nieces...."

ocr:
p22: "But if you took it out Jane would think the girl had kept tit money, after all, and would be even more incensed against her."

p31: The boy glanced at him, but answered nothing, and the lawyer thought best not to pursue the subject After smoking a moment in silence he remarked:
"Your aunt is failing fast."

p55: Louise really loved to be nice to people, and to say nice thing's.

p63: "...Aunt Jane wont leave her money to an old man, you may be sure."

p108: "No.".

p121: "Why, you old fool, Si Watson's as young as Master Tom--as young as I am!..."

p134: "...It's it our regular practice."

p135: He might have accompanied them part of the way, but feared Patsey might think him extravagant if she found him so soon breaking into the working fund of forty-two cents, which she charged him to be careful of.

Such a misleading title.

I'm a little surprised that it's not whimsical at all. But I guess that explains the pseudonym.

[BookSweetie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This old-fashioned story, first published in 1906 by the OZ creator L. Frank Baum (using the pseudonym Edith Van Dyne) is a whimsically pleasant reading in spite of a transparent plot full of unstated, unexamined yet obvious moralizing and stock characters.

Among the messages ( which may or may not be worthy of uncritical absorption):
Don't judge a book by its cover;
material poverty does not equal poverty of the spirit;
kindness will be rewarded;
honest labor is honorable;
family ties, even if not nurtured for years, can still be potent;
deceptive behavior in a character is acceptable if the character intends no harm and if the plot requires it;
rich people can employ non-relatives as servants for many years and it is perfectly okay to make few or no provisions in a will for them;
a young woman would want piano lessons;
education is desirable;
artistic talent can exist but would flourish better with supplies and the like;
it is logical to look for an heir first among blood relatives;
gratitude is not required in all circumstances;
generosity is good and the poor can be generous as well as the rich;
for a rich person, it's okay to interfere in a poor person's life anonymously behind the scenes, even to the extent of getting them fired and choosing and furnishing a more upscale residence for them;
Etc. etc. etc.

Some of the characters lean exceedingly heavily toward stereotypes, but just barely (and I truly mean JUST and BARELY) fall short of completely fulfilling those same stereotypes at certain moments. The Saint stock character is Patsy who can be stubborn and righteous. The crotchety old spinster invalid is Aunt Jane Merrick who can be softened by the Saint. The stock poor relations exist. The ugly stepsister role is actually warped into the stock nieces role but the stock character trap is softened considerably in this case since they prove themselves a bit more multifaceted than one might expect (as the plot unfolds). The long lost rich relative slot appears. The spoiled, neglected child with makings of a prince slot is filled by Kenneth. The loyal servant role is filled by Misery and dramatically by the crazed/dazed gardener. And of course there is the dutiful family lawyer who has a long memory.

Still, as unrealistic as this story is, the dialog is strong and the predictable resolutions with justice and/or goodness triumphing, is embarrassingly comforting.

I read the E Book Duke Classic using the library Overdrive. (This is the first book I have read using my phone screen start to finish. ) The library understandably if lamentably did not have any paperback or hardcover versions of this not-well-remembered series by the however-still-remembered author L. Frank Baum. I'd rather hold a real book instead of straining my eyes on my IPhone but without the electronic version, I wouldn't have had access to this reading experience (is it still okay to call it a book?) at this time, so for that, how can I not muster at least some small measure of wonder and grudging appreciation at this brave new book world?

[Noella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luisterboek. Jane Merrick is oud en ziek en beseft dat ze niet lang meer te leven heeft. Ze woont in een prachtig landhuis en is erg rijk. Dit alles heeft ze geërfd van haar toenmalige verloofde, Tom, die korte tijd voor ze zouden trouwen, betrokken was in een treinongeval en overleed. Jane is nooit getrouwd. Nu nodigt ze haar 3 nichtjes, de dochters van haar broer en zusters, uit om bij haar te logeren. Ze wil hen leren kennen om zo te kunnen beslissen aan wie ze haar rijkdom zal nalaten.

Ook de neef van Tom, Kenneth Forbes, woont bij haar, maar ze kan de jongen niet uitstaan. Eigenlijk zou hij alles moeten erven, maar daar wil Jane niet van weten.

Ontspannend boek met enkele verrassende wendingen. Het is het eerste boek over de belevenissen van de drie nichtjes.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started listening to this book, I thought I wasn’t going to like this book at all. Each of the characters, Aunt Jane and the three cousins all seemed to be too horrible to be able to endure them for a whole book! But slowly the book grew on me and the storyline with the intrigue over what Aunt Jane would do with her money easily held my attention. I still thought the Aunt was so very cruel. Because of this she seemed to bring out the worst in most everyone else. But somehow, possibly by the attitude and actions of one person, the various characters around Aunt Jane begin to develop the better aspects of their characters. And in various ways, they are able to deal with the results in a less selfish way than they might have done.

Previously, I didn’t know of this series of Aunt Jane’s Nieces, but I am looking forward to reading as many of the rest that I can find.

The readers were ok with their readings. I do wish the number of readers per book were limited to two or three if not simply one.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rather surprising work by L. Frank Baum (of Wizard of Oz fame), writing under a pseudonym. The basic plot is a bit contrived (a rich old woman invites her three nieces to visit so that she can decide to whom to will her estate). The characters are a little stereotypical but decently drawn. The three girls and the the aunt go through some character development in the course of the novel, but the greatest change comes to the nephew of the old woman's late fiance, who is an ill-tolerated dependent of her. The twists and turns in the plot have less to do with the characters than with sudden reconsiderations of the financial status of Aunt Jane, her long-lost brother John, and the dead fiance's nephew. A good read but more of a literary novelty than something that I would recommend to a friend.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I've been meaning to read for some years, and now I'm very pleased to have done it. Although stale tropes, archaic gender roles, and a brief moment of antisemitism lose it the perfect score it would otherwise have earned, L. Frank Baum's jovial good humour and frank writing are unmistakable. I had long wondered how these seemingly trite stories could have (and did) rival that author's Oz stories in popularity at the time. Now, I needn't wonder any longer. This was a fun, merry book, and I've enjoyed it immensely. I'm glad that, unlike "Van Dyne"'s original readers, I don't have to wait for the next installment.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given freely by Project Gutenberg, this little tale intrigued me. It is written by no other than L Frank Baum, author of the Wizard of Oz.

It is a simple tale that is very much like any group of people living in the US. A large family who by circumstance, marriage, and fate are scattered across the US.

In the beginning, Aunt Jane is an old, dying old woman. She is extremely wealthy and has no close relative. In fact, her attitude, personality and treatment of others have driven away anyone of importance.Yet, she is detirmined to seek out her three great nieces. Only one is to inherit. She invites the 3 and observes them to derirmine who will take the prize.

Louise and her Mother live in an affluence that is a front. There is only the father's life insurance to sustain them.

Elizabeth, lives with her parents. They are full of pride despite fragile circumstances. Debt is breathing down their necks.

Patsy, part Irish and her Dad scrimp and save every penny. They work together to survive and are the happiest of the families because they are generous in spirit and charity.

Kenneth, is a young man living under Aunt Jane. It is barely charity and absolute no love.

Another shows up. Aunt Janes brother. He was thought to have been dead.

All together, the Aunt, young man and nieces interact with one another and themselves. Some are sneaky and conniving, others simply sweet.

I didn't like 2 of the nieces. Although, they grew on me later. Baum actually pulled it off by creating some speculation and intrigue .

[Metaphorosis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews

Summary
Jane Merrick, made suddenly wealthy on the death of her fiance, is old and dying after a long life in which she's denied help to her impoverished brothers and sisters. Near death, she invites her three nieces to visit, planning to choose one to inherit her fortune.

Review
Sometimes, you just want something simple and light to read. Having just started a new and promising Martha Wells book that also looks to be complex, I wanted something quick to lighten the tone. Baum (here writing as Edith van Dyne) seemed made to order, and didn’t disappoint.

There’s nothing much surprising about the plot; even its twists are well within expectation. The good people win, no one really suffers. It’s fully of plucky girls, genial old men, and a sullen boy who straightens right up when taken in hand. To be fair, Baum does give his characters a reasonable amount of depth, but it’s all optimism and the benefit of hard work and empathy here.

That said, it was exactly what I was looking for – a quick, light, happy read.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the many books L. Frank Baum wrote under a pseudonym. I learned of it at the Oz Museum in Wamego, KS! Project Gutenberg has digitized it.
A good story, straightforwardly told, of a miserly old woman bringing her rarely-visited-with nieces to her honeymoon, to inspect them each to see to whom she should leave her estate (having discounted leaving it to her late fiancé’s nephew, who lives with her, but not in style).
This would’ve been an interesting enough story, as the girls, the aunt, the boy, the servants all get to know one another. But then long lost Uncle John arrives. He is kind to the boy, and that part of the story still mostly makes sense. Then there is a weird twist with Aunt Jane’s money. Then, the last third of the book, when Uncle is in NYC with nice Patsy and her father, seems like a whole different story. Why did Baum tack this on?

[Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not great - I don’t know why I kept reading it. The author seemed so iffy on how they felt about most of the characters. Are we even supposed to like these girls? The plot is also very clunky and a bit unsatisfying at the end. I just skimmed parts of it but for some reason picked up the sequel when I was done! I guess there’s a shortage of turn of the century girls books. (After reading another review, I think it’s a good point that the teenage female main characters have strong and individual personalities. They also act very independently of the adults and seem better able to take care of themselves really.)

[Rhonda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome writing for imagining

I really enjoy reading older books from a time I can only imagine. Mr Baum's writings take my mind back to a simpler, more congenial time when etiquette was Queen.
They also remind me to be conscious of the need to be grateful for what I have and kind to the people I interact with. As the characters set such examples so easy to emulate.
Find a cozy chair to curl up in and get lost in his writings. You too can be transported back to a time we can only imagine.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. Written by L. Frank Baum under a woman pseudonym. I find that to be fascinating because I assume at that time it would be more the other way around. Aunt Jane and her silly little nieces and various other relations is an enjoyable story. The ending seemed abrupt. I would have liked to know what happened with the other characters.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I was surprised to find that the Baum wrote other books than the Oz series. (Although I did read his book about Santa Claus). It was originally published under a pseudonym. The writing style was definitely meant to appeal to women. It is a lovely story. Very enjoyable. It is the first of a series featuring the same 3 girls who are cousins.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baum Free #13
Baum writes under a female pseudonym here in th first book of a popular series titled Aunt Jane's nieces.
Aunt Janes is some old bat and here the young biddies learn things from here, despite her cantankerous behaviour.
Anyway some good moments, and some very average ones.
I will return to the world of the nieces at some point.

[Julieann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book. Very much in the same fashion and moral character as the Wizard of Oz books.

Fun book. The same fashion and moral character as the Wizard of Oz books
This is the first of the Aunt Jane's Nieces books.

[Cherie Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm 58 and have never read his books.. I'm glad I started.

It's a great story of family taking care of family. Also a great example of just desserts. I'm looking forward to reading more.

[Elecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wizard of Oz wrote about a Wizard of Wealth

Twists and turns, nieces who didn’t know one another joined by one common cause: needing money to live. Light hearted and fine for young ladies ages 10 and up.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books by L. Frank Baum is really excellent! There were one or two little inconsistencies, obviously because the books were written with years between them. But these are under-rated slices of Americana that should be required reading.

[Mary Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful throw back to my childhood reading. I was forever reading books that were published decades before I was born. I had no idea that L. Frank Baum wrote under a pseudonym. I will definitely be looking for more books in this series.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a happy, engaging read - a twist on a Cinderella, rags-to-riches story, with many delightful plot twists. Well-written, although as unrealistic as any Cinderella story, it was quite enjoyable to read.

[Starry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, light-hearted “fairytale” about three young ladies being considered to inherit an unkind aunt’s wealth. Written by the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; has the rags-to-riches charm of an O. Henry story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Once I thought it would be a good idea to regulate things myself and run the world as it ought to be run; but I gave it up long ago. The world's a stage, they say; but the show ain't always amusing, by a long chalk, and sometimes I wish I didn't have a reserved seat." - Uncle John

[Little Red Readinghood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wicked old woman debates which of her three nieces she should will her fortune too. The girls come to live with her. A surprise ending.

[Rob Tesselaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic style kids story from the turn of the 19th century about poor kids inheriting huge wealth.

[Maxine Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

pleasant read set in the years between WW1 and WW2. Lots of messages for young adults.

[Apoorva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is weirdly nice. You will fall in love with Aunt Jane’s niece Patsy ! A good read for those quiet low days !

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great literature, but a fun, fairy tale of sorts. Good for easy listening. All 10 in the series are available on Librivox.