"So no one had thought of noticing when she dropped behind to tune her Violin and practise by herself; it was a thing she did every day, they all knew, for she could not practise when the children pulled her gown all the time, and wanted to dance. She had chosen the place well, having been on the lookout for it all day, ever since Le Boss told her what he meant to do..."
Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards (27 February, 1850 – 14 January, 1943) was an American writer. She often published as Laura E. Richards & wrote more than 90 books including biographies, poetry, and several for children.
Her father was Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, an abolitionist and the founder of the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind. She was named after his famous deaf-blind pupil Laura Bridgman. Her mother Julia Ward Howe wrote the words to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".
I simply cannot get enough of this book. I have read 'Marie' more than any other book, and the story only grows sweeter. The ending always brings tears to my eyes. This book is perhaps my most treasured. The story is simple, but inspiring, and Marie herself is easy to fall in love with. I, sadly, cannot understand the French, and still need to research to remind myself of the meaning of certain songs and words, but that takes nothing away from the beauty of the tale. Five out of five stars, as always.
Excellent. Less than 100 pages. Do yourself a favor and read it in one sitting. She packs more wallop in those few pages than most authors do in many times more.