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Dencey #1
Downright Dencey
A friendship slowly grows between Quaker girl Dencey Coffin and Flotsam, a poor orphan boy, after she teaches him to read to make up for having injured him with a stone for making fun of her family.
274 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1927
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September 14, 2019
Selected - along with Ella Young's
The Wondersmith and His Son
- as a Newbery Honor Book in 1928, Downright Dencey is a gripping work of historical fiction for younger readers, set on Nantucket in the early years of the nineteenth century. It follows its Quaker heroine, Dionis "Dencey" Coffyn, as she first injures, and then befriends, the childish outcast of her community - the "unspeakable" Sammie Jetsam, a ragged, foul-mouthed scrap of a boy, being raised by old "Injun Jill" out on the windy Commons.
Spurred on by her determination to atone for the injury she had done him, when, enraged by his name-calling, she had thrown the stone which cut his shoulder, Dencey agreed to surrender one of her most prized possessions - a copy of Pilgrim's Progress - to Jetsam, and to teach him how to read it. So began an unusual relationship - secret at first, and then well-known in their small whaling town - that would change both of their lives.
Beautifully-written, and instantly engaging, Caroline Dale Snedeker's story offers a moving examination of issues of faith and community, in a small, enclosed Quaker society. I was particularly interested in her exploration of Dencey's groping search after the Divine, her struggle to understand and connect to God, and her efforts to reconcile the promptings of her conscience with the teachings of her religion. That this is a central issue in the novel is made clear in the third chapter, when Snedeker writes:
Dionis's mind closed upon these religious phrases which were in everyone's mouth. "Lay thy sin before the Lord," "Enter into the Silence," "Follow the Light." What did it all mean? She could not even form questions about them, much less experience them. They were all one foggy puzzle, but she was expected to understand these experiences. Every New England child was expected to understand them."
The author's perceptive appreciation of the child's bewilderment, of the ways in which Dencey both embodies and rebels against Quaker doctrine, make for a believable and immensely sympathetic heroine. Indeed, it is this genius for creating characters who are "real" people - Lydia, so strong and good in some ways, and yet so blind to the meaning of her daughter's behavior; Jetsam, so ignorant and deliberately cruel, as if to strike first at the hard world which had so mistreated him, and yet so hungry for knowledge, and so ready (if all unconscious of it) to learn to love - that gives Snedeker's work its true power.
She understands the "cognizance of childhood," the ways in which, many times, children perceive and appreciate the reality of the world around them with greater clarity than the adults in their lives. Though raised to believe that "the Light" is in everyone, Lydia cannot, at first, see past Jetsam's dirty appearance and foul language, cannot see him as a human boy worthy of associating with her "kind." But Dencey, though she cannot articulate it, not only sees that kernel of humanity in Jetsam, but understands that it is her duty to hold fast to him, in the face of all opposition: Dencey knew with an intensity that equalled its vagueness that if she let go of Jetsam, he would tumble back into an abyss. Hatred, abuse, filthy talk, and fear - all these were in it; and she alone held him back from the lip of it."
So much for the good. Sadly, like Snedeker's characters, there is good and bad mingled in Downright Dencey, making it a difficult book to unreservedly recommend to today's young readers. The author's language is as beautiful as her portrait of the power of faith, but her depiction of the racism of a bygone era, often unconsciously voiced by the narrator, is as ugly as can be. There is, of course, the rather shocking epithets hurled by Jetsam at the beginning of the novel - the name-calling which precipitates Dencey's stone-throwing, and subsequent atonement - from "N*gger-face" to "Portugee." Thankfully, these words don't recur in the story, and a thoughtful adult might be able use their appearance to begin a discussion of how beliefs about race have changed, to explain how such insults would, unfortunately, not have been so uncommon during the time depicted.
Far more disturbing, I think, is the ever present idea of the "degenerate" nature of Native Americans, as embodied by the character of "Injun Jill," Jetsam's abusive and alcoholic (possible) mother. It's odd, because in many ways, I think Snedeker is fairly progressive for her time, depicting Jetsam's journey from outsider to insider, despite the disadvantage of his background. She even shows some sympathy for "Injun Jill" at one point, in a scene which hints at the tragedy that overtook the indigenous people of Nantucket: "The poor, miserable, lonely thing! There were almost no Indians left now in the Island. Why, Jill was as alone in the world as he. He saw her in an utterly new aspect."
But although Jetsam learns to see his erstwhile tormentor in a new light, this one moment of understanding has to be weighed against the entire book, in which Jill speaks in the kind of broken, ignorant dialect often assigned to Native Americans in such tales, and embodies every vice and weakness; and in which Jetsam is disgusted at the possibility of being half Indian, as that would make him inferior to the other people of Nantucket. It's sad that such an otherwise outstanding story would be marred by such outdated ideas of race, but there you have it. I think this is a title that, despite its undeniable virtues (and in many ways, I really loved it!), I would only recommend to older children, with a good grasp of history, and an ability to appreciate the changing mores of our society.
Spurred on by her determination to atone for the injury she had done him, when, enraged by his name-calling, she had thrown the stone which cut his shoulder, Dencey agreed to surrender one of her most prized possessions - a copy of Pilgrim's Progress - to Jetsam, and to teach him how to read it. So began an unusual relationship - secret at first, and then well-known in their small whaling town - that would change both of their lives.
Beautifully-written, and instantly engaging, Caroline Dale Snedeker's story offers a moving examination of issues of faith and community, in a small, enclosed Quaker society. I was particularly interested in her exploration of Dencey's groping search after the Divine, her struggle to understand and connect to God, and her efforts to reconcile the promptings of her conscience with the teachings of her religion. That this is a central issue in the novel is made clear in the third chapter, when Snedeker writes:
Dionis's mind closed upon these religious phrases which were in everyone's mouth. "Lay thy sin before the Lord," "Enter into the Silence," "Follow the Light." What did it all mean? She could not even form questions about them, much less experience them. They were all one foggy puzzle, but she was expected to understand these experiences. Every New England child was expected to understand them."
The author's perceptive appreciation of the child's bewilderment, of the ways in which Dencey both embodies and rebels against Quaker doctrine, make for a believable and immensely sympathetic heroine. Indeed, it is this genius for creating characters who are "real" people - Lydia, so strong and good in some ways, and yet so blind to the meaning of her daughter's behavior; Jetsam, so ignorant and deliberately cruel, as if to strike first at the hard world which had so mistreated him, and yet so hungry for knowledge, and so ready (if all unconscious of it) to learn to love - that gives Snedeker's work its true power.
She understands the "cognizance of childhood," the ways in which, many times, children perceive and appreciate the reality of the world around them with greater clarity than the adults in their lives. Though raised to believe that "the Light" is in everyone, Lydia cannot, at first, see past Jetsam's dirty appearance and foul language, cannot see him as a human boy worthy of associating with her "kind." But Dencey, though she cannot articulate it, not only sees that kernel of humanity in Jetsam, but understands that it is her duty to hold fast to him, in the face of all opposition: Dencey knew with an intensity that equalled its vagueness that if she let go of Jetsam, he would tumble back into an abyss. Hatred, abuse, filthy talk, and fear - all these were in it; and she alone held him back from the lip of it."
So much for the good. Sadly, like Snedeker's characters, there is good and bad mingled in Downright Dencey, making it a difficult book to unreservedly recommend to today's young readers. The author's language is as beautiful as her portrait of the power of faith, but her depiction of the racism of a bygone era, often unconsciously voiced by the narrator, is as ugly as can be. There is, of course, the rather shocking epithets hurled by Jetsam at the beginning of the novel - the name-calling which precipitates Dencey's stone-throwing, and subsequent atonement - from "N*gger-face" to "Portugee." Thankfully, these words don't recur in the story, and a thoughtful adult might be able use their appearance to begin a discussion of how beliefs about race have changed, to explain how such insults would, unfortunately, not have been so uncommon during the time depicted.
Far more disturbing, I think, is the ever present idea of the "degenerate" nature of Native Americans, as embodied by the character of "Injun Jill," Jetsam's abusive and alcoholic (possible) mother. It's odd, because in many ways, I think Snedeker is fairly progressive for her time, depicting Jetsam's journey from outsider to insider, despite the disadvantage of his background. She even shows some sympathy for "Injun Jill" at one point, in a scene which hints at the tragedy that overtook the indigenous people of Nantucket: "The poor, miserable, lonely thing! There were almost no Indians left now in the Island. Why, Jill was as alone in the world as he. He saw her in an utterly new aspect."
But although Jetsam learns to see his erstwhile tormentor in a new light, this one moment of understanding has to be weighed against the entire book, in which Jill speaks in the kind of broken, ignorant dialect often assigned to Native Americans in such tales, and embodies every vice and weakness; and in which Jetsam is disgusted at the possibility of being half Indian, as that would make him inferior to the other people of Nantucket. It's sad that such an otherwise outstanding story would be marred by such outdated ideas of race, but there you have it. I think this is a title that, despite its undeniable virtues (and in many ways, I really loved it!), I would only recommend to older children, with a good grasp of history, and an ability to appreciate the changing mores of our society.
May 12, 2014
I kind of feel like reading through the Newbery is like hiking the Appalachian Trail. If you only stick to the white blazed trail you’re gonna see some cool sights, but in order to see a lot of the breathtaking views, you have to take some side trails, sometimes even a whole day’s hike away. Yeah, it’s going to make your whole AT hike a bit longer, but it’s going to also make it more memorable because you saw that amazing view that you wouldn’t have seen if you had just stuck to the trail.
If you just read the gold-stickered Newbery winners, of course you’re going to read some good books, but you’re not going to get a clear picture of what Children’s lit was like at that time. You’re going to miss the Charlotte’s Webs and the Because of Winn Dixies. Lots of the time, the real gems are the honor winners or even the books unmentioned by the ALA Youth Media Awards (Wonder and Okay for Now anyone?) With this in mind, I’ve decided that I want to try to read at least one honor from each decade. Hopefully, one that I’ve heard of or read before, or one that has gotten great reviews. For the 20′s I decided to pick up Downright Dencey by Caroline Dale Snedeker.
I picked it because I had read somewhere that Beverly Cleary really loved this book growing up, and I’m super glad that I did. If I had just read through the winners as planned, I would have totally missed this treasure of a novel. First, let me say that I have been really disappointed and a little confused by the winners of the 1920′s so far. With the exception of Dr. Dolittle, maybe, they have all been kind of dry, boring, and not at all kid friendly. There were two that I will probably hate for the rest of my life (The Dark Frigate and Smoky the Cow Horse). I was confused because I know that I’ve read kids books published before 1920 that I really liked. (Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, all of Nesbit’s books) So why are most of the 1920′s Newbery winners terrible? Then I realized that most of my favorite pre-1922 books were written by women, and for some reason, not a single woman won the Newbery in the first decade. A few got honors, such as Dencey, but not one woman won the gold. I don’t know if it’s just outright sexism, or if the committees were confused by the man on the medal, and thought that it had to go to a man, but yeah. No women won, which is a shame, because, even though I haven’t finished Gay Neck yet, the book that won in 1928, I can promise you, it’s probably not nearly as good as Dencey.(maybe I’ll eat my words next week, but I really doubt it) Downright Dencey is better than any of the previous Newbery winners, including Dr. Dolittle. The setting is terrific. Not only did it make me want to live in 1812ish Nantucket, but it kind of made me want to go live in a Quaker community now. The thing that upset me so much about Smoky the Cow Horse, the narrator’s contempt for the “half-breed” Mexican, is totally reversed in this book. There is an interracial character, who the community as a whole despises , but not only does the author redeem him, she makes him a focal point of the story in a positive way. It makes me feel better about the past that there were people like Caroline Snedeker out there to balance out the Will Jameses.
The language might be a little tough for some kids, since the Quakers had to use Thees and thous, but I got over that really quickly. The only question for me is, can I get my students to read this book? I’m definitely going to try!
Next Up: Gay Neck, the Story of a Pigeon (for real this time)
If you just read the gold-stickered Newbery winners, of course you’re going to read some good books, but you’re not going to get a clear picture of what Children’s lit was like at that time. You’re going to miss the Charlotte’s Webs and the Because of Winn Dixies. Lots of the time, the real gems are the honor winners or even the books unmentioned by the ALA Youth Media Awards (Wonder and Okay for Now anyone?) With this in mind, I’ve decided that I want to try to read at least one honor from each decade. Hopefully, one that I’ve heard of or read before, or one that has gotten great reviews. For the 20′s I decided to pick up Downright Dencey by Caroline Dale Snedeker.
I picked it because I had read somewhere that Beverly Cleary really loved this book growing up, and I’m super glad that I did. If I had just read through the winners as planned, I would have totally missed this treasure of a novel. First, let me say that I have been really disappointed and a little confused by the winners of the 1920′s so far. With the exception of Dr. Dolittle, maybe, they have all been kind of dry, boring, and not at all kid friendly. There were two that I will probably hate for the rest of my life (The Dark Frigate and Smoky the Cow Horse). I was confused because I know that I’ve read kids books published before 1920 that I really liked. (Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, all of Nesbit’s books) So why are most of the 1920′s Newbery winners terrible? Then I realized that most of my favorite pre-1922 books were written by women, and for some reason, not a single woman won the Newbery in the first decade. A few got honors, such as Dencey, but not one woman won the gold. I don’t know if it’s just outright sexism, or if the committees were confused by the man on the medal, and thought that it had to go to a man, but yeah. No women won, which is a shame, because, even though I haven’t finished Gay Neck yet, the book that won in 1928, I can promise you, it’s probably not nearly as good as Dencey.(maybe I’ll eat my words next week, but I really doubt it) Downright Dencey is better than any of the previous Newbery winners, including Dr. Dolittle. The setting is terrific. Not only did it make me want to live in 1812ish Nantucket, but it kind of made me want to go live in a Quaker community now. The thing that upset me so much about Smoky the Cow Horse, the narrator’s contempt for the “half-breed” Mexican, is totally reversed in this book. There is an interracial character, who the community as a whole despises , but not only does the author redeem him, she makes him a focal point of the story in a positive way. It makes me feel better about the past that there were people like Caroline Snedeker out there to balance out the Will Jameses.
The language might be a little tough for some kids, since the Quakers had to use Thees and thous, but I got over that really quickly. The only question for me is, can I get my students to read this book? I’m definitely going to try!
Next Up: Gay Neck, the Story of a Pigeon (for real this time)
September 1, 2012
It is sometime shortly after the War of 1812, and twelve-year-old Dionis (Dencey) Coffyn lives with her parents, father Tom, who is a whaling ship captain and away for years at a time, mother Lydia, and baby brother Ariel, along with several cousins whose mother had died and whose father is also a sailor, her grandfather Coffyn, and the housekeeper Peggy Runnell, on Nantucket Island, MA, during the days when whaling was the chief occupation. They are all Quakers, except Grandfather Coffyn who is a Congregationalist (Tom became a Quaker to marry Lydia). Among the other residents of the island there is a boy, called Samuel Jetsam, who lives with the drunk half-breed Injun’ Jill. She claims him as her son, although most believe that Jetsam was brought to the island by a sailor and then abandoned.
Because of his background, Jetsam is the constant object of scorn and teasing by the children of Nantucket. Even Dencey joins in throwing stones at him, but it’s her stone that hits him and cuts a big gash in his shoulder. When she goes to apologize, he says that he won’t forgive her unless she gives him her one book that she always carries with her, a copy of Pilgrim’s Progress, and teaches him how to read it. However, Injun’ Jill doesn’t want him to learn how to read because that would make him better than she, so they have to carry out their plans in secret. One snowy winter night Dencey gets lost trying to find Jetsam and almost freezes to death, but Jetsam goes out to save her, although as a result he becomes quite ill and almost dies. Over time, Dencey and Jetsam become fond of each other. Will they be able to overcome the social strictures that keep them apart? What will Injun’ Jill do when she finds out about their plans? And how will Dencey react when it comes time for Jetsam to go to sea?
Downright Dencey was a Newbery honor book in 1928. One may not always agree with all the Quaker beliefs, but is good to read stories in which people are guided in their lives by a deep faith in God. There are a couple of things in the book that some people may not like. Jetsam uses a lot of “colorful,” euphemistic language—darn, tarnation, doggone, durned, Lordy, etc. He even uses the “d” word once but immediately apologizes. However, after he is converted, he decides that he mustn’t say those things any more. Also, Dencey does some lying and stealing, and a few have concluded that the book is saying that those things are all right if one’s purpose is good. However, Dencey realizes that her doing these things is wrong and eventually confesses them. The reader will learn a lot about early nineteenth-century New England Quaker life. The author wrote, “In naming the characters of this story I have chosen real Nantucket surnames with fictitious Christian names. All the characters are fictitious, though I have given to one of them a historical Nantucket experience.” And some good character traits are exhibited, such as learning how to let go of anger and hate, showing concern for the less fortunate, asking and granting forgiveness, and breaking down social barriers. Dencey’s story continues in The Beckoning Road.
Because of his background, Jetsam is the constant object of scorn and teasing by the children of Nantucket. Even Dencey joins in throwing stones at him, but it’s her stone that hits him and cuts a big gash in his shoulder. When she goes to apologize, he says that he won’t forgive her unless she gives him her one book that she always carries with her, a copy of Pilgrim’s Progress, and teaches him how to read it. However, Injun’ Jill doesn’t want him to learn how to read because that would make him better than she, so they have to carry out their plans in secret. One snowy winter night Dencey gets lost trying to find Jetsam and almost freezes to death, but Jetsam goes out to save her, although as a result he becomes quite ill and almost dies. Over time, Dencey and Jetsam become fond of each other. Will they be able to overcome the social strictures that keep them apart? What will Injun’ Jill do when she finds out about their plans? And how will Dencey react when it comes time for Jetsam to go to sea?
Downright Dencey was a Newbery honor book in 1928. One may not always agree with all the Quaker beliefs, but is good to read stories in which people are guided in their lives by a deep faith in God. There are a couple of things in the book that some people may not like. Jetsam uses a lot of “colorful,” euphemistic language—darn, tarnation, doggone, durned, Lordy, etc. He even uses the “d” word once but immediately apologizes. However, after he is converted, he decides that he mustn’t say those things any more. Also, Dencey does some lying and stealing, and a few have concluded that the book is saying that those things are all right if one’s purpose is good. However, Dencey realizes that her doing these things is wrong and eventually confesses them. The reader will learn a lot about early nineteenth-century New England Quaker life. The author wrote, “In naming the characters of this story I have chosen real Nantucket surnames with fictitious Christian names. All the characters are fictitious, though I have given to one of them a historical Nantucket experience.” And some good character traits are exhibited, such as learning how to let go of anger and hate, showing concern for the less fortunate, asking and granting forgiveness, and breaking down social barriers. Dencey’s story continues in The Beckoning Road.
October 14, 2017
I read the first chapter of this with a kind of horror, and then rapidly changed my mind. I quite enjoyed this book, and got quite involved. It’s a shame this is not more wildly circulated, because I’d say this is a quality Newbery medal winner. (I had to read it through interlibrary loan. I couldn’t find it anywhere else, and it was one of the hardest 1920s Newbery books for me to locate, and also one of my 1920s favorites.)
I loved how little Dencey/Dionis has certain Quaker rules drilled into her, and she believes if she breaks them she will go to hell. And yet she still feels compelled to break them, because her inner humanity is compelling her to do good for another. The lessons are subtle in their strength. And the relationship between Dencey and Jetsam is pretty sweet, including how it develops over the years.
My only qualm is that now I have to go find the sequel.
I loved how little Dencey/Dionis has certain Quaker rules drilled into her, and she believes if she breaks them she will go to hell. And yet she still feels compelled to break them, because her inner humanity is compelling her to do good for another. The lessons are subtle in their strength. And the relationship between Dencey and Jetsam is pretty sweet, including how it develops over the years.
My only qualm is that now I have to go find the sequel.
March 21, 2010
It took me a bit of reading to care about the characters in the book. I think it is just an older style for one thing and Jetsam was so dirty and rough I didn't think he would be interesting to me. Then the story of Dencey's parents meeting pulled me in and then her dilemma with Jetsam and hencer her mother and then I could hardly put it down.
September 8, 2013
This is one of the best books I've ever read, hands down. It's a favorite of mine and has been for almost a decade. I will never stop loving it. Snedeker wrote one of the most touching, powerful, beautiful stories ever told about love, trust, and faith. Anyone who is interested in history or romance or religion should make this a must-read.
November 7, 2007
If you can get past casually thrown out epithets like "nigger-face" and "Portugee", the low opinion of Native Americans, and the relentlessly crushing guilt that guides these Nantucket Quakers' everyday lives, you'll find a pretty good story of compassion, belonging, adventure, and love.
November 13, 2013
Lovely and elegant novel for children and adults. Publishing in 1946, Downright Dencey was written at a time when authors sought to write great literature for children and adults. Excellent historical novel with wonderful characters and setting.
September 5, 2024
This story was a delight. The historical setting of Quaker Nantucket mid 1800s was perfect, and the story just zipped along. No dull moments, beautiful writing and so much to consider. I look forward to reading more by this author.
May 2, 2023
"I am often asked how I came to write for children. I reply that I do not. I write for myself. I write the story in the best words I know to express the story. If it is simple the words are
simple; if it is a complicated subject-and I do write these I use complicated accurate words. I am never afraid children and young people will not understand me."
(Caroline Dale Snedeker in The Junior Book of Authors)
Four stars for Downright Dencey!
Mrs. Caroline Snedeker is a very talented authoress. I really enjoyed her novel, A Triumph for Flavius, in school but I had no idea that this was the same authoress until I finished Downright Dencey. I related to Dencey so much in her sense of righteousness, her pity, kindness, and especially her impulsiveness. While Dencey does a lot of things wrong as a girl of 9 years old, she has a wonderful heart and deep down, a tremendous desire to do good. The whole story swept you along from beginning to end in adventure, delight, and refreshing goodness. Of course, true to life, you also endure sorrow, pain, and anxiety along with the characters. I don’t know a whole lot about Quakers but in this book, they are an upright and virtuous people, even if they are a tad strict. Their strict rules form incredible character. But a reader of this book must look beyond the Quaker sect and be inspired by the lessons Dencey learns, the treasures of home and family, the openness to the Will of God, and the beauty of the Nantucket Island. Even if you gain nothing from the lessons and virtues that exude so seamlessly from this story, you’re sure to enjoy the gorgeous east coast island scenery. I most certainly did.
simple; if it is a complicated subject-and I do write these I use complicated accurate words. I am never afraid children and young people will not understand me."
(Caroline Dale Snedeker in The Junior Book of Authors)
Four stars for Downright Dencey!
Mrs. Caroline Snedeker is a very talented authoress. I really enjoyed her novel, A Triumph for Flavius, in school but I had no idea that this was the same authoress until I finished Downright Dencey. I related to Dencey so much in her sense of righteousness, her pity, kindness, and especially her impulsiveness. While Dencey does a lot of things wrong as a girl of 9 years old, she has a wonderful heart and deep down, a tremendous desire to do good. The whole story swept you along from beginning to end in adventure, delight, and refreshing goodness. Of course, true to life, you also endure sorrow, pain, and anxiety along with the characters. I don’t know a whole lot about Quakers but in this book, they are an upright and virtuous people, even if they are a tad strict. Their strict rules form incredible character. But a reader of this book must look beyond the Quaker sect and be inspired by the lessons Dencey learns, the treasures of home and family, the openness to the Will of God, and the beauty of the Nantucket Island. Even if you gain nothing from the lessons and virtues that exude so seamlessly from this story, you’re sure to enjoy the gorgeous east coast island scenery. I most certainly did.
November 2, 2017
It gets 3 stars because I couldn't condemn it to 2 solely on the basis of one character, Aunt Lovesta. I really wanted to love this one: a young girl rights a wrong she did to a the town outcast by teaching him to read; that it's an act of rebellion would make it even better. I try to keep an open mind while reading these older Newberys, but...so many buts, so many! Our heroine Dencey is rightfully Dionis Coffyn, a Quaker (more properly a Friend) girl who lives on Nantucket. Because she's a Coffyn she's in the upper echelons of Nantucket society; because she's a Quaker that isn't supposed to be a thing,(pride is a sin), but it definitely is (to her, her mother, the other Friends). Her father, Tom, is a whaling boat captain who converted (Congregationalist) in order to marry her mother, Lydia - a business that caused unconsirable consternation among the islanders, Friends and not. From various actions and gifts, I have to conclude he didn't quite understand what becoming a Friend truly meant. Reading this from a 20th-21st c perspective what is clear is that Lydia loved him so deeply that she was only emotionally and mentally whole when he was home which was infrequently (gone for years at a time in the South Pacific) - not a fan of the "my man completes me" trope. As a result she wasn't really an understanding parent and wasn't "there" for Dencey. The outcast Dencey teaches is a boy called Jetsam, the "child" of the impoverished drunk Injun Jill - I really expected better of the Friends who were a majority on the island at time of our story. Jetsam is rough and rude, crude and unsavory, pretty much the least appealing boy you could imagine. The act that changes Dencey's and Jetsam's lives takes place when D is walking to Coffyn school (Friends and upper class - see the pride?) with her friend Hopestill. They cross paths with some boys going to the Fragmenters' school (why Fragmenters? I have no clue). These boys begin to harass the two girls; Hopestill is a good, pious girl and ignores them; Dencey is less so and finds ignoring them difficult. Jetsam appears, diverting the attention of the Fragmenters by swearing he doesn't go to school, then maligns Dencey by calling her niggerface and portugee girl (she is a dark brunette). The boys take off after him throwing stones and so does Dencey! It's her stone that strikes, drawing blood, and dropping Jetsam to the ground. The boys run off, D goes to help J.All she wants is his forgiveness which he refuses, Later she tries to bribe him but he will only settle for her book, A Pilgrim's Progress, and when she finds out he can't read , she promises to teach him. Violence, personal forgiveness, bargaining! Dencey really isn't a good, pious Friend. But there's a reason. At one point in the girl's life, she and her mother move into the big house with Grandfather Coffyn and things get a bit more difficult or perhaps confusing for Dencey. Grandfather tells her about the Congregationalist Hell and other theology, and causes all sorts of conflicts, especially post-rock throwing incident. And of course D's mother, Lydia is hopeless at understanding and helping her daughter here and later when D admits to lying and stealing - all to help Jetsam. Instead Mother Lydia has Grandfather whip Dencey (mom can't because she's a Friend! Hypocrite much?) before confining D to her room on bread & water until she promises bit to see J ever again. The sole good Friend in the book is Aunt Lovesta; without her D would have even more messed up. So in this book about the Quakers (known for their historically anti-slavery stance) we have more casual racism than in many of the other books I've read (e.g. Smokey the Cowhorse's evil half-breed): Injun Jill, portugee, Fiji heathens, etc. I read this for my 2017 Reading Challenge and my Newbery Challenge (Honor Book 1928).
February 26, 2010
I didn't expect to enjoy this so much! Beverly Cleary lists it as one of her favorites while growing up. She said, "Downright Dencey, I think is still a fine book, and I'm very sorry it's out of print, but I suspect it's because there is a character who is referred to as 'Injun Jill.' But Downright Dencey is really a very fine book." Even knowing that, I still didn't expect to get so drawn into the story and to care about the characters as much as I did! I agree with Beverly Cleary that it is really "a very fine book." I was cheering for Jetsam as he learned how to read and as he searched for Dencey when she was lost in the storm. I was also very interested to learn a bit about the Quaker faith. I didn't realize that they really do have meetings where everyone sits and is quiet unless moved upon by the Spirit. I soon got used to the Quaker use of "thee" and just enjoyed the setting, the story, and especially the characters. This is a very fine piece of historical fiction.
March 18, 2015
This wonderful Newbery honor book from 1927 tells the story of a young Quaker girl named Dencey and her friendship with an outcast boy. Yes, the writing style is “old-fashioned” (more formal), but I didn’t find it off-putting at all. In fact, given the Quaker setting, it seemed to fit. I learned so much about Quaker beliefs and practice as well as the Nantucket whaling culture and what it meant for families (fathers absent for years at a time). The characters are so richly drawn. Recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction, New England, or just a good story! Now I’m off to track down the sequel, The Beckoning Road. . . .
March 2, 2018
The first time I read this I really didn't like it. This time I did more research and understood the characters better, but still didn't care for it much. I thought the ending too abrupt and not very credible.
February 23, 2010
Wavering between a 3 and a 4.
January 4, 2016
A fascinating book that addresses many serious issues.
Disappointing that the only Maginel Wright Barney illustrations were the front cover and the little black-and-white chapter headings.
Disappointing that the only Maginel Wright Barney illustrations were the front cover and the little black-and-white chapter headings.
August 20, 2020
I read it because it was a Newbery award book. I did learn a lot about Quaker life in the whaling era. But I can't imagine it being interesting to a child.
October 27, 2021
I'm always surprised when I end up liking one of the older Newbery books even to the point where I want to keep reading it, but that's how I felt about this sweet book.
Dencey is a young Quaker who her mother, Lydia, doesn't quite understand. Dencey tries to do what's right but it's rough. She's often ashamed of her behaviors, such as when she yells at the town punching bag, Sammie. Sammie lives with "Injun Jill" and is ill-clothed, ill-fed, and ill-tempered. He's a child who hasn't known love or kindness. In an effort to make amends Dencey gives Sammie her prized possession, a copy of Pilgrim's Progress, and offers to teach him to read.
A tentative friendship builds between the two but when Dencey's family finds out they aren't thrilled. Dencey stubbornly refuses to abandon Sammie. She needs to save his soul, gosh dang it!
I loved watching Sammie and Dencey with each other, it was very sweet. I also loved Lydia. Her relationship with Sammie and how she treated him was probably my favorite part of the story.
While I enjoyed this book I'd really only recommend it to people on the Newbery Quest. The "thees" and "thous" got to be a bit much. I understand that's how Quakers spoke but it was kind of annoying to read.
Dencey is a young Quaker who her mother, Lydia, doesn't quite understand. Dencey tries to do what's right but it's rough. She's often ashamed of her behaviors, such as when she yells at the town punching bag, Sammie. Sammie lives with "Injun Jill" and is ill-clothed, ill-fed, and ill-tempered. He's a child who hasn't known love or kindness. In an effort to make amends Dencey gives Sammie her prized possession, a copy of Pilgrim's Progress, and offers to teach him to read.
A tentative friendship builds between the two but when Dencey's family finds out they aren't thrilled. Dencey stubbornly refuses to abandon Sammie. She needs to save his soul, gosh dang it!
I loved watching Sammie and Dencey with each other, it was very sweet. I also loved Lydia. Her relationship with Sammie and how she treated him was probably my favorite part of the story.
While I enjoyed this book I'd really only recommend it to people on the Newbery Quest. The "thees" and "thous" got to be a bit much. I understand that's how Quakers spoke but it was kind of annoying to read.
January 22, 2026
I love the character of Dencey. I love the overly sappy storyline that felt like a warm hug. I love the character of Dencey's aunt and the interludes that gave a peek at Quaker society in early America History.
There is so much that is sweet and lovely about this book. But make no mistake this is an old book. The assumptions the author makes about Native Americans and passing comments about characters having dark skin are not lovely.
Unfortunately the little known second book in the series undoes any message that birth does not define worth.
If you can read this as a book not only about history, but written at a different time in American history. A time where the author had no awareness of their racial bias. Then there is so much to enjoy.
I don't know how to recommend this book because it is a children's book and I don't think many children are ready for the level of critical thinking this book ought to be read with. But then again there are so many Disney movies that were less old and almost as problematic.
There's a lot to enjoy about this book. I have reread my favorite parts many times. But I couldn't leave out of my review that this book is not necessarily good for its target audience namely children.
There is so much that is sweet and lovely about this book. But make no mistake this is an old book. The assumptions the author makes about Native Americans and passing comments about characters having dark skin are not lovely.
Unfortunately the little known second book in the series undoes any message that birth does not define worth.
If you can read this as a book not only about history, but written at a different time in American history. A time where the author had no awareness of their racial bias. Then there is so much to enjoy.
I don't know how to recommend this book because it is a children's book and I don't think many children are ready for the level of critical thinking this book ought to be read with. But then again there are so many Disney movies that were less old and almost as problematic.
There's a lot to enjoy about this book. I have reread my favorite parts many times. But I couldn't leave out of my review that this book is not necessarily good for its target audience namely children.
May 8, 2023
I first read this when I was about ten and really enjoyed it, probably because it was "different". I had just read Pilgrim's Progress myself, and was interested in the Quakers. There wasn't much available in our small rural library, so the librarian gave me this. Fast forward to about 1990 and I had the chance to buy it in a second hand bookstore, but for some reason I didn't. I looked back on that untaken chance and wondered.
I found it on the Internet Archive and re-read it, and was glad I hadn't bought it. The adult me sees so much "loverin'" as Louisa May Alcott put it, from repressed Lydia's all consuming adoration of her sea captain husband, to the village girls playing at ro-mance, to Dencey and Samuel's...well, whatever it is--that I really didn't enjoy it much at all. All that "loverin'" just got tiresome. It doesn't really seem like a "children's book" at all now.
In those days I had no idea there was a second book; today, I'm not interested.
I found it on the Internet Archive and re-read it, and was glad I hadn't bought it. The adult me sees so much "loverin'" as Louisa May Alcott put it, from repressed Lydia's all consuming adoration of her sea captain husband, to the village girls playing at ro-mance, to Dencey and Samuel's...well, whatever it is--that I really didn't enjoy it much at all. All that "loverin'" just got tiresome. It doesn't really seem like a "children's book" at all now.
In those days I had no idea there was a second book; today, I'm not interested.
August 4, 2018
The contrast between the supposed equality of the Quaker sect and the rigid social castes and racism of the island was not commented on quite enough for my taste. The respect for the religion and the obvious possibilities to corrupt the system was better balanced. I think this story would likely be YA instead of Children's, if written in a time when those distinctions existed, but it was a very interesting view of Nantucket life, and an engaging story. The ending was abrupt, when it could have been less so, even with the uncertainty.
July 21, 2019
Probably 3.5 stars. I remembered reading this as child, but nothing more than the title. Now that I know more history, especially about Nantucket, I enjoyed it even more. Dencey is an engaging heroine, who is determined to make amends, even when doing so goes against everything she was brought up to believe. Her foil is the ragamuffin, Jetsam, whose origins are unknown. It was very interesting to watch the two of them as they grew up — especially once Jetsam's conscience awoke. Recommended.
July 2, 2023
I did not expect this to be a love story. It was written in 1926 so there are a few references that will be shocking- but I judge books from the time period that they are written. Strong characters. I would have liked more details about Quakers and their beliefs. Once I started understanding some ideas the characters seemed to contradict my understanding. So, I’m disappointed I did not come away with a stronger sense about their religious beliefs. I was not bothered by the vernacular, but other readers may not enjoy that aspect.
September 30, 2021
The author published this almost 100 years ago, writing about a time on Nantucket over 200 years ago, but much of it felt relevant today. School children taunt a dark-skinned boy with ragged clothing and their parents tell them to stay away from him. The author emphasizes the strict religiosity and charity of the families so the hypocrisy is clear. I enjoyed the descriptions and the story of unlikely friendships. I recommend it to third graders and above.
February 11, 2025
There were aspects of this I really enjoyed and aspects I didn't. Parts of it don't hold up well and parts of it do. The ending left me wanting - very much the way I feel when I finish LM Montgomery's Magic for Marigold. But I also laughed and cried. So an interesting book that I really want to know how it read at the time it was published.
December 16, 2018
This was one of the better older Newbery books that I read. It is simple but interesting. Kind of reminds me of Little Women (although not as good).
October 23, 2022
The second book I have read by this author. The first was "The Forgotten Daughter". They are both just beautiful. I think she is one of my favorite authors now.
Want to Read
June 12, 20251928 Newbery honor book
May 27, 2017
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
One day, while walking home from school, young Quaker girl Dionis "Dencey" Coffyn joins in with some of her schoolmates in throwing stones at a boy named Sam Jetsam, who is universally disliked by all the children on Nantucket because his mother, Injun Jill, is frequently drunk and might be a witch. When her stone hits Jetsam and draws blood, Dencey becomes immediately contrite, and begs the boy to forgive her. At first, he resists, even when Dencey visits him at his home and offers him gifts, but then he decides she can have his forgiveness if she will give him her copy of Pilgrim's Progress and teach him how to read it. Though Dencey will be in serious trouble with her own family if she is caught, she can't bear the thought of not being forgiven, so she agrees to this plan. Thus begins the friendship that will serve to convert Jetsam and rescue him from his squalid and abusive living arrangements.
Though I was skeptical at first when my husband recommended this book, it ended up being quite manageable and enjoyable. Though the friendship between Dencey and Jetsam is at the center of the story, there are many other intriguing plot points that kept me reading: the history behind Dencey's parents' marriage, the differences between Dencey's Quaker beliefs and those of her Congregationalist grandfather, the abuse of Jetsam by Injun Jill and the community's willingness to look the other way, the influence of the War of 1812 on children whose fathers were sailors, and the day-to-day routines of a Quaker household. Each of these threads provides valuable insight into a slice of history which most kids today probably will not encounter in their regular social studies lessons. The story also celebrates the good of religion, showing the ways in which patience and love toward a non-believer, or toward someone whose life has involved great pain, can slowly bring about conversion.
The language in this book is a bit rough in some places, especially by contemporary standards. There are racial epithets and other strong language, and Injun Jill's drunken tirades are not easy to swallow, especially knowing how badly she treats Jetsam. These are not flaws in the book, just illustrative details that help the reader understand the characters' motivations and actions, but it does make me think a reader ought to be over the age of 10 or so before attempting to tackle this book. The second part of the book regarding Dencey's parents' marriage, and Jetsam's and Dencey's own thoughts about possible marriage as they mature, also may not appeal to a younger child. I would probably not choose to read this book aloud, either. There is so much dialect that I could hear well enough in my head but would have no idea how to speak out loud and have it sound the way it is intended.
Downright Dencey reminds me a lot of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, and I think reading the two books together and comparing them would make a great middle school language arts assignment. This book will also be of interest to anyone who has read Honey Bear by Dixie Willson, as the illustrations in both books are by Maginel Wright Barney. The pictures in Downright Dencey are limited to small black and white drawings at the start of each chapter and one full-color cover image, which is not necessarily what I expected when the cover said, "Illustrated by Maginel Wright Barney," but it was still worthwhile to check out this different style from Barney.
One day, while walking home from school, young Quaker girl Dionis "Dencey" Coffyn joins in with some of her schoolmates in throwing stones at a boy named Sam Jetsam, who is universally disliked by all the children on Nantucket because his mother, Injun Jill, is frequently drunk and might be a witch. When her stone hits Jetsam and draws blood, Dencey becomes immediately contrite, and begs the boy to forgive her. At first, he resists, even when Dencey visits him at his home and offers him gifts, but then he decides she can have his forgiveness if she will give him her copy of Pilgrim's Progress and teach him how to read it. Though Dencey will be in serious trouble with her own family if she is caught, she can't bear the thought of not being forgiven, so she agrees to this plan. Thus begins the friendship that will serve to convert Jetsam and rescue him from his squalid and abusive living arrangements.
Though I was skeptical at first when my husband recommended this book, it ended up being quite manageable and enjoyable. Though the friendship between Dencey and Jetsam is at the center of the story, there are many other intriguing plot points that kept me reading: the history behind Dencey's parents' marriage, the differences between Dencey's Quaker beliefs and those of her Congregationalist grandfather, the abuse of Jetsam by Injun Jill and the community's willingness to look the other way, the influence of the War of 1812 on children whose fathers were sailors, and the day-to-day routines of a Quaker household. Each of these threads provides valuable insight into a slice of history which most kids today probably will not encounter in their regular social studies lessons. The story also celebrates the good of religion, showing the ways in which patience and love toward a non-believer, or toward someone whose life has involved great pain, can slowly bring about conversion.
The language in this book is a bit rough in some places, especially by contemporary standards. There are racial epithets and other strong language, and Injun Jill's drunken tirades are not easy to swallow, especially knowing how badly she treats Jetsam. These are not flaws in the book, just illustrative details that help the reader understand the characters' motivations and actions, but it does make me think a reader ought to be over the age of 10 or so before attempting to tackle this book. The second part of the book regarding Dencey's parents' marriage, and Jetsam's and Dencey's own thoughts about possible marriage as they mature, also may not appeal to a younger child. I would probably not choose to read this book aloud, either. There is so much dialect that I could hear well enough in my head but would have no idea how to speak out loud and have it sound the way it is intended.
Downright Dencey reminds me a lot of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, and I think reading the two books together and comparing them would make a great middle school language arts assignment. This book will also be of interest to anyone who has read Honey Bear by Dixie Willson, as the illustrations in both books are by Maginel Wright Barney. The pictures in Downright Dencey are limited to small black and white drawings at the start of each chapter and one full-color cover image, which is not necessarily what I expected when the cover said, "Illustrated by Maginel Wright Barney," but it was still worthwhile to check out this different style from Barney.
September 14, 2013
As other reviewers have said, if you can get past the racial epithets it really is an enjoyable read. Lots of interesting information about Nantucket.
"Here was to be seen, as in a diminishing glass, a tiny New England, delicately outlined--intensified--in a word, islanded. Here were the New England character and hardihood, its God-fearing and mental eagerness, yet all sensitivity changed, individualized, so that they became Nantucket and no other. Instead of the stony fields of New England, the Nantucketers plowed the wide ocean, and at this period of their history, their harvest was gathered from pole to pole. By its industry, this low, sandy island, eighteen miles long, produced enough whale oil to light half the cities of the world, including London. Clearly defined smallness on the one hand, world wideness on the other, made the Nantucket life different from all others."
Of Nantucket being founded by a man escaping persecution from the Puritans in Massachusetts: "All Puritanism was a protest, but Nantucket was a protest against protest."
Description of a cottage: "It was one of those tiny gray cots that can be glimpsed beyond the fluid rolling of the moors like loneliness made visible."
"Wonderful times were those in the great basement kitchen of the Fair Street house, wonderful for a little girl to experience, and, in remembrance, a fragrance for the whole of her life. Big as a town hall, that kitchen was, with a broad fireplace to match. Always crowded, full of the vivid life that youngsters bring, as one brings into the warmth the invigorating air of a winter night."
"Here was to be seen, as in a diminishing glass, a tiny New England, delicately outlined--intensified--in a word, islanded. Here were the New England character and hardihood, its God-fearing and mental eagerness, yet all sensitivity changed, individualized, so that they became Nantucket and no other. Instead of the stony fields of New England, the Nantucketers plowed the wide ocean, and at this period of their history, their harvest was gathered from pole to pole. By its industry, this low, sandy island, eighteen miles long, produced enough whale oil to light half the cities of the world, including London. Clearly defined smallness on the one hand, world wideness on the other, made the Nantucket life different from all others."
Of Nantucket being founded by a man escaping persecution from the Puritans in Massachusetts: "All Puritanism was a protest, but Nantucket was a protest against protest."
Description of a cottage: "It was one of those tiny gray cots that can be glimpsed beyond the fluid rolling of the moors like loneliness made visible."
"Wonderful times were those in the great basement kitchen of the Fair Street house, wonderful for a little girl to experience, and, in remembrance, a fragrance for the whole of her life. Big as a town hall, that kitchen was, with a broad fireplace to match. Always crowded, full of the vivid life that youngsters bring, as one brings into the warmth the invigorating air of a winter night."
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