Lyddie (91) by Paterson, Katherine [Paperback (2004)]

by Paterson

Lyddie (91) by Paterson, Katherine [Paperback (2004)]

Genres: Historical

Paperback

Published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title grabbed my attention because my 13-yr-old daughter’s name is Lydia and more often than not, I call her Lyddie. I am partially homeschooling her as of January and wanted to find two types of books to read aloud. She picks one, which tends to be fantasy oriented, and I picked this one for its historical theme. At first, my Lydia complained that this title was boring and held no interest for her. Part of that is because she needs something to do with her hands while listening. Somewhere along the way my Lydia began listening and stopped complaining. The story is about a young girl, approximately my daughter’s age who lives on a primitive Vermont farm with a father, who after failing at farming, headed out west to make his fortune and hasn’t been heard from in a couple years. We don’t know if he’s died or abandoned the family. Either way, the mother doesn’t have the spirit to carry on or fortitude to provide for her 4 young children. The mother then farms out Lyddie, who is the oldest, and her brother Charlie to help pay the families’ debts and takes the two youngest infants to live with mercenary-like relatives. Lyddie is the narrator and she takes on the role of father and mother to her family. She’s determined to pay off the debts and reunite them all to their precious rustic home. She finds work in a fabric factory as a child laborer in Lowell, Massachusetts where working conditions are intense, unethical and no protective rights. Lyddie sacrifices and scrimps to safe every mite month after month. Her one joy is first listening to a roommate read Charles Dicken’s Oliver Twist. She learns to read by it and then reads it as if it keeps her alive. It’s written in such a simple, yet touching way that I got choked up once or twice imagining what it must have been like to live in such an era and in those conditions. I imagine it won’t be my Lydia’s favorite story, but I’m hoping it sticks with her and leaves an impression.

[E.G. Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I can't find this book listed on Goodreads with the correct cover...is it really that uncommon?)
'Lyddie' by Katherine Paterson is a small but surprisingly deep story that I read numerous times when I was younger. It took me far too long to realize that she'd also written 'Bridge to Terabithia' (another of my favorites during childhood), but I apparently appreciate her approach to storytelling.

'Lyddie' is very easy to get invested in. I appreciate the focus on family, hard work, difficulty fitting in, and the main character's strong morals, even in atrocious circumstances. There isn't a 'happy' ending, but it's a hopeful and very realistic one. For a book that would likely be considered middle-grade, it takes on and honesty tackles very tough topics, such as slavery during that time period, SA (very tactfully hinted at), infidelity, pregnancy outside of marriage, and mental health.

It's not a fairytale, feel-good story, but it is very real, and I like to read it every now and again for that reason. I would hope that in similar situations, I could manage to conduct myself with as much strength, honor, and courage as the main character does.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved Katherine Paterson’s books, but somehow missed this one. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and this one did not disappoint. The audio was well done also. We think, in our generation, that life is hard, and all you need to do is read something like this to recognize how hard life was for people in the early industrial age and all generations before that! Lyddie doesn’t really have a childhood. She works from the time she is just a very little girl. Her mother breaks down after her father leaves, supposedly to go find work to support his family better, and Lyddie takes over. I felt so sad when she and her younger brother got separated. The whole story is lesson on that we can get through hard times and hard things.

[Debs Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this story of a girl whose forced to grow up too quickly, when she's forced out of the family farm and into the world. It really gave me a good feel of what it's like for people driven into the city and into slavery. Crazy to think that anyone ever has to work with no days off. You definitely root for Lyddie whose hard work and determination does lead her to better things.

[Ezekiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground breaking book that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Lyddie is what I imagine the reason why people climb skyscrapers for the adrenaline rush. It’s got bears, end of the world events and a factory. What more can you ask for in a book? This should be a required reading for students every year from grades 6-12. Truly amazing book.

[Tammy Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son's Jr high wanted to ban the book. Asked that a few parents read it and put in their thoughts. Ridiculous to want to ban a book that talks about our nation's history and children working in unhealthy factories.

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyddie is sent to work for her poor pioneer family in a cotton mill. There her family desolves and she works harder to put everything right.

[Moony Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

LITERALLY NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS TO HER GO SCREW YOURSELF LUKE

[Lorelie Lucio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring, had to read it.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

We had to read this for school and the work sucked, but it was actually a pretty good book.

[Daylin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kiiiinda liked this book but don’t remember much about it. Kinda just mid

[Aren Wohl · Rating 1 out of 5]

it sucked i hate it BOOOOOO

[✨Clara✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS SO MUCH

[Seienna Hickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was only reading this book cause everyone in my english class back then had to and after not picking it up for so many years I finally decided to read it once again...this was to say the least not my interest in books, like at all...

[NattyRae · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER FREE REVIEW!!!
I read this a couple years ago, but have yet to write a review. Was it the best book ever? No. Was it the worst book ever? No. It was somewhat enjoyable, but it’s not something I would recommend unless if someone is asking for a book specifically like this.

[Maeve Sather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mid tbh

[Rex Carlile · Rating 2 out of 5]

She should have punched Mr Marsden.