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The Calico Year
“The beauty of the changing seasons and the work of managing an inherited farmhouse in the Berkshire
Mountains bring real happiness into the lives of the Cannon sisters."
All of this is a great change for Tracy, who gladly exchanges fashion for blue jeans and the chance to put behind her a meaningless society life in New York. An unusual situation gives Tracy legal guardianship of her younger sister, Tina, who is equally anxious to escape from their Aunt Martha, who sends her from one boarding school to another on an irresponsible merry-go-round of loneliness. Both girls agree that they have had the wrong kind of luxury, and being without money is their price for freedom and the chance for a wholesome, normal life.
Mountains bring real happiness into the lives of the Cannon sisters."
All of this is a great change for Tracy, who gladly exchanges fashion for blue jeans and the chance to put behind her a meaningless society life in New York. An unusual situation gives Tracy legal guardianship of her younger sister, Tina, who is equally anxious to escape from their Aunt Martha, who sends her from one boarding school to another on an irresponsible merry-go-round of loneliness. Both girls agree that they have had the wrong kind of luxury, and being without money is their price for freedom and the chance for a wholesome, normal life.
- GenresFictionYoung Adult
190 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1953
165 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Gilman Butters
20 books19 followersAuthor Dorothy Gilman Butters wrote children's stories for more than ten years, before she switched to writing adult novels under the name
Dorothy Gilman
. She is most well-known for the Mrs. Pollifax series about a woman in her 60s who chooses to become a spy.
Gilman attended Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1940–1945 and the University of Pennsylvania 1963–1964.
Gilman was a Unitarian Universalist.
Gilman attended Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1940–1945 and the University of Pennsylvania 1963–1964.
Gilman was a Unitarian Universalist.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 15, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the heartfelt, charming story.
Raised by different aunts, sisters Tracy (twenty-two) and Tina (sixteen) see little of one another until one fateful day when Tracy arrives at Tina's boarding school to proclaim that they have inherited a bachelor uncle's cabin in the Berkshires, rescuing Tina from her loneliness and herself from the glittering but unfulfilling whirl of being one of NYC high society darlings.
I loved sharing Tracy and Tina's journey in their lakeside country cottage. Tracy's maturity and natural moxy made her the take-charge sister at first, but Tina came into her own and soon each sister had her own special talents and tasks in running the household. Taking nothing from their wealthy aunts, they have barely enough money for food at first, yet they find ways to earn money, fixing up old boats to rent, selling some dusty antiques found in their uncle's barn, even taking on boarders for the summer. Though they face their share of hardships, the sheer joy at being liberated from their past, and at controlling their own destiny, sees them through the rough patches.
Written in the 1940s, this has its charming "old fashioned" moments yet I was pleasantly surprised at how progressive it is in terms of spotlighting Tracy and Tina's independence and intelligence. Though I don't want to give away too much in terms of plot, the girls do experience romance but it is not all dewy-eyed school-girl fluff and I really appreciate the maturity (I mean this intellectually and emotionally, not physically--everything G-rated here) and complexity with which Gilman Butters addresses love.
Dorothy (can I call her Dorothy? she seems like such a "kindred spirit") describes the seasons through the "calico year" in the Berkshires so beautifully I felt transported, and the inner lives of her protagonists with such depth and wisdom, I found myself wondering (with some dismay) how such a talented author could have largely forgotten. It was difficult for me to find a copy of this book and my library has only a few of her other young adult novels, all out of print. Surely they are "dated" and probably most YA readers today would not give it a passing glance (that said, I do feel this would appeal to fans of L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott and, perhaps even Laura Ingalls Winder) yet felt so sad at the thought that her talents are so under-appreciated. I suppose I ought not to have been surprised, though I was, that this is *Dorothy Gilman* (drop the Butters) author of the famous Mrs. Pollifax! So, she simply turned her pen to writing stories about an elderly spy rather than continuing to write for young adults! I have not read any of the Mrs. Pollifax books, but now I'm tempted, and I will definitely try to read more of "Mrs. Butters'" works for young women.
Raised by different aunts, sisters Tracy (twenty-two) and Tina (sixteen) see little of one another until one fateful day when Tracy arrives at Tina's boarding school to proclaim that they have inherited a bachelor uncle's cabin in the Berkshires, rescuing Tina from her loneliness and herself from the glittering but unfulfilling whirl of being one of NYC high society darlings.
I loved sharing Tracy and Tina's journey in their lakeside country cottage. Tracy's maturity and natural moxy made her the take-charge sister at first, but Tina came into her own and soon each sister had her own special talents and tasks in running the household. Taking nothing from their wealthy aunts, they have barely enough money for food at first, yet they find ways to earn money, fixing up old boats to rent, selling some dusty antiques found in their uncle's barn, even taking on boarders for the summer. Though they face their share of hardships, the sheer joy at being liberated from their past, and at controlling their own destiny, sees them through the rough patches.
Written in the 1940s, this has its charming "old fashioned" moments yet I was pleasantly surprised at how progressive it is in terms of spotlighting Tracy and Tina's independence and intelligence. Though I don't want to give away too much in terms of plot, the girls do experience romance but it is not all dewy-eyed school-girl fluff and I really appreciate the maturity (I mean this intellectually and emotionally, not physically--everything G-rated here) and complexity with which Gilman Butters addresses love.
Dorothy (can I call her Dorothy? she seems like such a "kindred spirit") describes the seasons through the "calico year" in the Berkshires so beautifully I felt transported, and the inner lives of her protagonists with such depth and wisdom, I found myself wondering (with some dismay) how such a talented author could have largely forgotten. It was difficult for me to find a copy of this book and my library has only a few of her other young adult novels, all out of print. Surely they are "dated" and probably most YA readers today would not give it a passing glance (that said, I do feel this would appeal to fans of L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott and, perhaps even Laura Ingalls Winder) yet felt so sad at the thought that her talents are so under-appreciated. I suppose I ought not to have been surprised, though I was, that this is *Dorothy Gilman* (drop the Butters) author of the famous Mrs. Pollifax! So, she simply turned her pen to writing stories about an elderly spy rather than continuing to write for young adults! I have not read any of the Mrs. Pollifax books, but now I'm tempted, and I will definitely try to read more of "Mrs. Butters'" works for young women.
March 19, 2023
When a friend sent this book my way (thank you!), I couldn't help but devour it all in one sitting as soon as it arrived. This is the second book by Dorothy Gilman Butters that I have read, and with both, I have been impressed by the depth and maturity of the characters and situations presented.
In The Calico Year, sisters Tracy and Tina are left a house by their uncle and abruptly uproot themselves from everything they know to move to rural Massachusetts. They have no money and no jobs as they begin this new chapter, yet in their former life they were rich and coddled and unhappy. Somehow they manage to make things work, and along the way, they learn to love their new community.
In some ways, their situation reminded me of our own quarantine right now (in 2020). Life as Tracy and Tina are used to it is suddenly gone, and they are thrown upon their own resources. They learn fast how to be self-sufficient. When the trappings of everyday life are removed, they come to see the things that are truly valuable in their lives.
This book felt like an old friend upon the first reading, and I'm looking forward to reading it many more times--as well as seeking out more books by the same author. I wish it were easier to find wholesome, thoughtful books like this in the teen section of our library nowadays!
In The Calico Year, sisters Tracy and Tina are left a house by their uncle and abruptly uproot themselves from everything they know to move to rural Massachusetts. They have no money and no jobs as they begin this new chapter, yet in their former life they were rich and coddled and unhappy. Somehow they manage to make things work, and along the way, they learn to love their new community.
In some ways, their situation reminded me of our own quarantine right now (in 2020). Life as Tracy and Tina are used to it is suddenly gone, and they are thrown upon their own resources. They learn fast how to be self-sufficient. When the trappings of everyday life are removed, they come to see the things that are truly valuable in their lives.
This book felt like an old friend upon the first reading, and I'm looking forward to reading it many more times--as well as seeking out more books by the same author. I wish it were easier to find wholesome, thoughtful books like this in the teen section of our library nowadays!
August 15, 2007
Winsome story about two sisters who give up their life of restricted luxury in NY to move to a tumble down house in the Berkshires where they try creatively to make ends meet, making entertaining friends in the process. The author honed her skills on juvenile fiction before concentrating on Mrs. Pollifax mysteries, which I also enjoy.
January 8, 2026
I liked it!
Two orphaned sisters are suddenly brought back together after the death of their uncle. The older sister, discovering that they have inherited a cabin up in the Massachusetts mountains, decides to rescue herself and her sister from the trying life their aunts have made for them. With incredibly little cash, they set off to the cabin to fend for themselves.
I loved the resolve, the ingenuity, and the overall character development in the book. Pretty early on, the author has one of the sisters take a look within. It’s an honest soul search, looking squarely at her heart and tendencies, and culminates with a resolve to change her ways and become a better person. And since the girls know very little about anything, they pour themselves into books; learning how to plant gardens, sew, cook, fish and the like. A very nice example of being self-educating, resourceful and determined.
Along the way, they come up with odd jobs and find ways to make money to keep themselves independent. You empathize over these victories! The girls make friends with a few people, including boy friends.
I didn’t care for the philosophy of one boyfriend. He kisses the younger sister and says that you’re not supposed to do that on a first date. Later, after they’ve hung out all summer, he encourages her to date other guys, get to know what other guys are like, to “experience life” some. After a fight, she agrees, realizing that it’s silly to tie herself down, after all, either one of them might change and nothing come of their relationship.
The older sister is coming off of a relationship with a guy in her old life. Or at least trying to; but he shows up for a visit and her heart is in turmoil again. The turmoil and irresolution go on for a bit and I got a little bored with it.
Overall a decent book and I really did like all the sections of how the girls made something of themselves through hard work, reading, and pluck.
Ages: 14+
Content Considerations: there are two romances in the book. A boy kisses a girl, and a man kisses a woman, not very descriptive. A few holding hands. A boy encourages his “girlfriend” to date other boys in order to experience life and other people; after a fight, she does. Overall not very mushy.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
Two orphaned sisters are suddenly brought back together after the death of their uncle. The older sister, discovering that they have inherited a cabin up in the Massachusetts mountains, decides to rescue herself and her sister from the trying life their aunts have made for them. With incredibly little cash, they set off to the cabin to fend for themselves.
I loved the resolve, the ingenuity, and the overall character development in the book. Pretty early on, the author has one of the sisters take a look within. It’s an honest soul search, looking squarely at her heart and tendencies, and culminates with a resolve to change her ways and become a better person. And since the girls know very little about anything, they pour themselves into books; learning how to plant gardens, sew, cook, fish and the like. A very nice example of being self-educating, resourceful and determined.
Along the way, they come up with odd jobs and find ways to make money to keep themselves independent. You empathize over these victories! The girls make friends with a few people, including boy friends.
I didn’t care for the philosophy of one boyfriend. He kisses the younger sister and says that you’re not supposed to do that on a first date. Later, after they’ve hung out all summer, he encourages her to date other guys, get to know what other guys are like, to “experience life” some. After a fight, she agrees, realizing that it’s silly to tie herself down, after all, either one of them might change and nothing come of their relationship.
The older sister is coming off of a relationship with a guy in her old life. Or at least trying to; but he shows up for a visit and her heart is in turmoil again. The turmoil and irresolution go on for a bit and I got a little bored with it.
Overall a decent book and I really did like all the sections of how the girls made something of themselves through hard work, reading, and pluck.
Ages: 14+
Content Considerations: there are two romances in the book. A boy kisses a girl, and a man kisses a woman, not very descriptive. A few holding hands. A boy encourages his “girlfriend” to date other boys in order to experience life and other people; after a fight, she does. Overall not very mushy.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
July 12, 2020
It took me almost halfway through the book to really get into it, but the payoff is pretty good.
Two sisters, orphaned and each cared for by a different relative, haven't spent much time together for years. But when Tracy, who's living a privileged life in her early 20's, is suddenly notified that she's received guardianship of her teenage sister Tina, along with inheriting a house in rural Massachussetts, the two of them decide to "run away" and live together by themselves in that remote place.
The year that follows is hard but satisfying, as they discover what they're capable of doing to make a living, how neighbors can surprise them long after first impressions are made, and how the contentment of a life that they build for themselves can slowly replace both the frustrations and transient pleasures of their old life.
Also, I did not catch on to the fact that this is the same author who wrote the Mrs. Pollifax books! Wow, that's neat.
Two sisters, orphaned and each cared for by a different relative, haven't spent much time together for years. But when Tracy, who's living a privileged life in her early 20's, is suddenly notified that she's received guardianship of her teenage sister Tina, along with inheriting a house in rural Massachussetts, the two of them decide to "run away" and live together by themselves in that remote place.
The year that follows is hard but satisfying, as they discover what they're capable of doing to make a living, how neighbors can surprise them long after first impressions are made, and how the contentment of a life that they build for themselves can slowly replace both the frustrations and transient pleasures of their old life.
Also, I did not catch on to the fact that this is the same author who wrote the Mrs. Pollifax books! Wow, that's neat.
September 21, 2022
Charming novel. Glad I put forth the effort to find a copy. Here’s hoping it will eventually get republish and be more readily available.
February 1, 2025
Finally read this as an ILL (from Livingston, Montana!) and enjoyed it so much that I read it again before returning it, and appreciated even more about it the second time. So much wisdom, and so much fun, too. And I felt like I was really there, the descriptive passages were concise but illuminating. Four stars for my joy, and four stars for how much young me would have loved it, so 8/5 stars total.... ;)
I wish I could get more of the juveniles by the author but they seem even more scarce.
"But something newly-born inside of her whispered that she was a big girl now and could not go on hating everyone with whom she was not at ease. That was what children did to erase the hurt of not receiving what they wanted and it was, perhaps, why she had been called immature. ...
... I hate him because I'm afraid of him and because I wanted to make an impression on him and I couldn't."
"Down by the barn a solitary tulip budded, scarlet against the silver of the weather-beaten boards. The sun had lost its hesitant, watery quality and was yellow as a primrose when it woke them mornings."
I wish I could get more of the juveniles by the author but they seem even more scarce.
"But something newly-born inside of her whispered that she was a big girl now and could not go on hating everyone with whom she was not at ease. That was what children did to erase the hurt of not receiving what they wanted and it was, perhaps, why she had been called immature. ...
... I hate him because I'm afraid of him and because I wanted to make an impression on him and I couldn't."
"Down by the barn a solitary tulip budded, scarlet against the silver of the weather-beaten boards. The sun had lost its hesitant, watery quality and was yellow as a primrose when it woke them mornings."
September 11, 2016
I loved this book! A definite comfort read..I loved reading about all the things two sisters did to fix up an old lodge-type building and make a home for themselves in the mountains by a lake. Good characters that I enjoyed reading about, and a happy ending. I love books like this set in a beautiful natural place, about nice people fixing up an old home and finding friendship/love in the process!
July 31, 2008
I loved this book as a young teen. It is a story about two girls who leave a life of leisure in the city after inheriting an old house in New Hampshire. The story focuses on what really makes people happy in life. Excellent character development, the book follows the girls as they learn to appreciate the works of their own hands. The friends they make and people they influence and are influenced by make for a really enjoyable read for any girl, young or old.
March 18, 2015
This had beautiful descriptions and a lovely story! I'm partial to books written and set in the 1950s, and I really enjoyed reading about the Cannon sisters and their attempt to become independent. The countryside in which they lived sounded delightful and the writing was lovely. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by the author!
June 19, 2013
Tracy and Tina unexpectedly move to the Berkshires to live in their late guardian's run-down house, with no ready means of support. How Tracy manages to hold things together makes an absorbing story.
May 25, 2019
When their uncle Ned dies, he leaves his house in the Berkshires to Tracy and Tina, but no money. In addition, 22-year-old Tracy becomes her teenage sister's guardian. The girls haven't seen each other for six years, with Tina unhappily at boarding schools, while Tracy lives the life of a dazzling debutante. But they decide to take a chance, and in the process they find new friends and new meaning in life. Interesting characters. The story is told with humor, making it very enjoyable. Recommended.
August 22, 2023
Very nice book. Better than 4-party line. Would read again. I really enjoy the calm way she writes. The two girls have very real problems, but you never get the idea that they are insurmountable. Every character has a flaw but they are all redeemable. No one is entirely good or evil. It was a simpler time and these books are better than anti-anxiety meds. ;)
May 12, 2020
Charming book from the mid-20th century describing a year in the life of two sisters living on their own for the first time.
August 30, 2024
2.5 stars.
March 15, 2016
One of the remainders from my childhood collection of Best Loved Girls Book Club titles that arrived monthly in the mail. I managed to keep several all these many years. Really enjoyed the first three quarters as the two young women strike out on their own, learning how to make do in the country after privileged, if emotionally impoverished, childhoods in big cities. The last part where the past intruded and needed to be resolved was less interesting to me and lessened my enjoyment a bit. I guess this wasn't the one that I recalled most fondly.
First read in 1963 according to listing in my diary that year where I gave it 3.75 stars.
First read in 1963 according to listing in my diary that year where I gave it 3.75 stars.
June 21, 2015
Orphaned sisters Tracy and Tina are reunited after six years, raised by different aunts. Their Uncle Ned has passed away and left them his house and land in the Berkshires. Tracy, 22, is old enough to become Tina's guardian, and pulls her out of yet another boarding school. It's off to Greendale they go. We bounced into the story so quickly, I thought it may have been part of a series. But, the year is chronicled via the lovely seasons near a lake in the Berkshires and the girls change with them. Thanks to my friend Mary for finding a few of these Dorothy Gilman Butters gems, written long before Mrs. Pollifax.
May 16, 2014
The story could have been expanded a LOT- Butters introduces people and then does not flesh them out so a book that could have been very character rich ends up being full of cardboard.
July 10, 2014
A fun little retro YA book about two estranged sisters who leave their upperclass comfortable, but unhappy lives, to try to eke out a living in an inherited cabin.
November 25, 2013
This was one of my mom's - it is awesome.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews