Thorpe

by Mary Dutton

from the book jacket:

In a dramatic novel that weaves a spell of enchantment, Mary Dutton skillfully blends humor, pathos, and violence. For Thorpe, the six-year-old protagonist, it all begins innocently enough. On the surface, Thorpe's family is living an idyllic rural existence — her father, Jim Torrance, is the highly respected principal of the local high school. But he is also a liberal and a friend of the Negro. Through the latter "failing," and it couldn't be considered anything else in the South of 1935, he loses his job. Venie, Thorpe's mother, though generous and basically warmhearted, is uncomprehending and totally unsympathetic toward Jim's actions. As a Southerner who is the victim of her own prejudices and who cannot free herself of a venomous older sister's domination, she fights a losing battle to keep things the way they always have been.

Not really understanding the crosscurrent in which she is caught, Thorpe lives in two worlds — one filled with love; the other with hate and ugliness. Her devotion to her best friend, Thee, the son of her mother's colored laundress, is juxtaposed against her view of Billy Bob, the son of a local pillar of respectability, who is a sadist and also, in fact, a rapist responsible for impregnating a young Negro girl.

Genres: Young Adult

254 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Justin Tate]

Haven't read this yet, but I'm researching an author and am studying every word she spoke and wrote. She gave a live review of this book at the annual "Guest Day Tea" given by the Varietas Study Club at the Lovett Memorial Library auditorium in Pampa, Texas. At the event, she introduced the author to the audience and proceeded to review the book "in the form of a dramatic reading in which she acted out the story's characters."

"Thorpe is the story of six-year-old Thorpe Torrance, a little girl in Arkansas in the depression year of 1935. Her father, Jim Torrance, is principal of the local high school. Her mother is warm-hearted and loving but is the victim of her inherited prejudices," said Nace.

She went on to say: "Not really understanding the crosscurrent in which she is caught, Thorpe lives in two worlds; one of them is filled with love and the other with hate and ugliness. Her devotion to her best friend, Theotis, the son of her mother's colored laundress, is juxtaposed against her view of Billy Bob Jackson, the son of a local pillar of respectability and a bullying sadist. Torn by conflicting interests, Thorpe watches her family struggle through the depression for moral and financial survival. Eventually she is forced to understand that sometimes principles must be abandoned in the interest of survival--and that searing violence can become a part of every life."

After the book review refreshments were served from a table decorated appropriately for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. More specifically, "The table was covered with a lace-trimmed white linen cloth. The centerpiece of assorted white mums and green shamrocks was flanked by tall white tapers with silver tea service and crystal dishes."

Source: Pampa Daily News, Sunday, March 9, 1969.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a young teenager and remember being thoroughly entranced-I wanted my daughter to read it so I looked on ebay and found it. It is a story about racism as seen through the eyes of a 6 year old girl in Arkansas in the 30's-the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the ending is sort of unsatisfactory-you want the bad guys to get their just desserts and only one actually does-but I think that's kind of the whole gist of the book (now that I've reread it as an adult)-even good people sometimes do bad things.

[Sraah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am blown away by how well written this was. I loved it so much, the characters were so perfectly portrayed. It broke my heart. Reading about racism in the 30s from a six year olds perspective really broke my heart. It makes me more than upset this is the world we live in.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Thorpe is a gifted child, perceptive, curious, yet still innocent. We see the world through her eyes at a time when she is becoming aware of prejudices.

The author makes her point w/o dwelling on blatant cruelty.

The descriptions are beautifully composed.

p 64: Over in the corner beside the dresser a possum was curled on the floor asleep. Curled except for one leg. That leg stuck out straight because it had a splint on it. You never saw so many books. The books were on shelves that went all around the room and up to the ceiling. I couldn't help looking toward the books and trying to read the titles of some of them, even while Mister Martin was still talking to us.

p. 94 Martin asked, "How is the schoolgirl today?"
It was a nice thing to say. I wouldn't really be a schoolgirl until Monday, but that was one of the nice things about Martin. He always knew what to say, because he knew things without being told, things like people being sick inside because nobody slowed down long enough to listen. You came away from Martin's house feeling better because he showed you that the important thing was to listen and keep on trying to understand. Martin was kind, like Daddy, but with more time.

[Alexa Betwarda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most heart wrenching book from the perspective of the sweetest little girl, who taught me to never look away from discrimination and to always stand up for what’s right

[Suzanne Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book. Reminiscent of "To Kill a Mockingbird", 6 year old Thorpe is growing up in rural Arkansas during the depression in 1934. Her father loses his job as the local school principal, when he lets black children read unused reference books from the school library. Thorpe is constantly in trouble for saying Theotus, the little boy down the street is her "best friend". Told through Thorpe's eyes is the racist south of then (and possibly still now).

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly interesting read and perspective on the South, racism, and life in general in the 1930's from a little girl who in some ways reminds me of Scout from "To Kill A Mocking Bird."

[Cheryl Alsippi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story about innocence amid the harshness of prejudice
This is one of my favorite books. I still have my copy from 1967 and have read it many times. I just re-read it this month. It's a similar theme as To Kill a Mockingbird with the main character being a young girl who has a difficult time understanding the harshness of the prejudice she lives among. Through all the rough content, the light of the good people/characters shines through. Thorpe is a sweet, smart girl with a strong will and a kind heart who refuses to follow in the footsteps of many of those who try to force their ideas on her of how "it's just the way life is." She knows in her heart that it doesn't have to be.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in middleschool in the late 60s my mom encouraged me to read this book.
Somewhat similar to To Kill a Mockingbird and in the same time period (the 1930s), it's the story of a young girl confused by the world of prejudice around her. Thorpe can't understand why her mother doesn't want Thee, an African-American boy, to be her friend. She doesn't understand why her father was fired from his job. She doesn't understand things she overhears the adults say about "White Supremacy", and the Night Riders. It is a compelling and tragic story about a child who is caught in an adult's world of prejudice.

[Wendy]

I loved this book. I LOVED it. The writing is wonderful and real. The story is unique and so very real. I don't know how else to say this, but I really loved this book. Thorpe is a fascinating 5 -6 year old girl who is trying to make sense of the world in which she lives--1932 Arkansas. It's funny and heart-wrenching and wise. Read it. Don't wait.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ripped my heart out. Trigger warnings for racial slurs and rape. It takes place in a small southern town during the Depression and the main character is a young, poor white girl whose best friend is the little black neighbor boy. Some parts are so wholesome they make you cry, other parts will just plain make you cry.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was in a box of older books. Many of the books had not survived their sojourn in storage but this one did.
I'm thankful to whoever placed this book in a box "who knows how many years ago."
It has been compared to To Kill A Mockingbird. I had never heard of this book...and I doubt I will ever forget it.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

6

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story line was one that was interesting, and very well written from a six year old girl's point of view. The end of the book came up short on a few charaters' personalities that had been clearly established from the beginning. I found it hard to believe, and in the end, there was not much for closing happiness, as very little had changed in the way of the views and mentality on slavery. If you enjoyed "To Kill a Mockingbird," you will probably enjoy this book.

[Alana/MiaTheReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

So close to To Kill a Mockingbird, it feels like reading plagiarism, although I have no idea about the dates and all that. Anyway, if you liked To Kill a Mockingbird, you'll probably enjoy reading this.

[Solomong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very similar in many respects to To Kill A Mockingbird and written slightly after it. Takes place in Arkansas during the depression - narrated by a young white girl living in a small town. Her daddy was a teacher - read to find out more.

[taylor :) · Rating 1 out of 5]

i probably should’ve stuck with this. there are a lot of positive reviews about how good this is but the use of the n word from all the white characters just made me uncomfortable. i know this is a book about racism but it just didn’t sit right with me and i wasn’t enjoying it

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Starts slowly, but wow. Really good, thoughtful study of racism and class in the South.

[Erika Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. One of my favorites. Finished it a second time ten years later on July 16, 2021. Just as good the second time. Reminds me of To Kill A Mockingbird without the trial.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this when I was a teenager. Similar to "To Kill A Mockingbird."

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very eye opening about how are country was about color.