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My Father's Daughter
Poor Little Rich Boy
Winston Carmichael has it all: a big house, servants, vacations in Palm Beach, and a fancy private school. But with overprotective parents and a sense of responsibility for his younger sister, Heidi, Winston sometimes feels more as if he's living in a prison than a dream.
Then one day a woman appears at the front door claiming to be Caroline -- Winston's half sister, who was kidnapped and presumed dead long before he and Heidi were born. Is she really Caroline? Is she an imposter? Or is she something far more complicated than either? And does she hold the key that could unlock the door to Winston's prison?
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
17 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Konigsburg
63 books1,493 followersElaine Lobl Konigsburg was an American writer and illustrator of children's books and young adult fiction. She is one of six writers to win two Newbery Medals, the venerable American Library Association award for the year's "most distinguished contribution to American children's literature."
Konigsburg submitted her first two manuscripts to editor Jean E. Karl at Atheneum Publishers in 1966, and both were published in 1967: Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler won the 1968 Newbery Medal, and Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth was listed as a runner-up in the same year, making Konigsburg the only author to win the Newbery Medal and have another book listed as runner-up in the same year. She won again for The View from Saturday in 1997, 29 years later, the longest span between two Newberys awarded to one author.
For her contribution as a children's writer Konigsburg was U.S. nominee in 2006 for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international recognition available to creators of children's books.
Konigsburg submitted her first two manuscripts to editor Jean E. Karl at Atheneum Publishers in 1966, and both were published in 1967: Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler won the 1968 Newbery Medal, and Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth was listed as a runner-up in the same year, making Konigsburg the only author to win the Newbery Medal and have another book listed as runner-up in the same year. She won again for The View from Saturday in 1997, 29 years later, the longest span between two Newberys awarded to one author.
For her contribution as a children's writer Konigsburg was U.S. nominee in 2006 for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international recognition available to creators of children's books.
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October 23, 2025
"(A) true wit never repeats himself; he lets others repeat his remarks for him."
—Father's Arcane Daughter, P. 38
E.L. Konigsburg novels as are distinct as Salvador Dali paintings. Her main characters' insight and cultural acumen is usually well above average; rich or poor, male or female, kid or teen, they have the intellectual ammunition to defend themselves. The wealthy Carmichaels lead a charmed life in Father's Arcane Daughter. Their material needs and wants are met in abundance, and servants are on hand to do anything the children ask. Winston is a normal seventh-grader, but his ten-year-old sister Heidi is not a typical child. She's kept out of the public eye due to her physical and mental disabilities, and is mostly ignored by her parents. Winston and Heidi's days bear a certain comfort in repetition until the bombshell announcement: Mr. Carmichael's daughter from his first marriage, believed to have been killed in a botched kidnapping years ago, is alive. Could there be a more dramatic way for a new member to join the family?
In her mid-thirties, Caroline has an astounding tale of how she survived and why she has lived overseas under an assumed name all these years. Mr. Carmichael is pleased to welcome her back, but his wife is skeptical. It seems rather convenient that Caroline is surfacing just weeks before the deadline to inherit her deceased mother's money. Mrs. Carmichael does her elegant best to trap Caroline in a lie, but if the young lady is a scam artist she's incredibly good at it. Not sure what to think of having a new sister, Winston decides to give her a frosty reception, but Caroline's good nature melts his resentment and soon he adores her. Heidi is slower to accept Caroline, but in time the long-lost Carmichael daughter breaks through Heidi's defenses by treating her as a human being and not the family's dirty secret. As Winston grows closer to Caroline he tries to ignore his suspicions that she might not be who she claims. What will happen if Caroline is outed as a fraud? Will Winston and Heidi's invigorating new life vanish with her?
"'I think that someone who has been in prison resents the person who frees him. Freedom interrupts something very important.'
'What?' she asked.
'It interrupts a person's self-absorption.'"
—Father's Arcane Daughter, P. 30
I don't believe it's an exaggeration to say I'm one of E.L. Konigsburg's biggest fans. The View from Saturday, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, About the B'nai Bagels, Journey to an 800 Number, The Dragon in the Ghetto Caper, and Silent to the Bone are just a few of her books I've loved. I can't say I feel the same about Father's Arcane Daughter. The plot is distant, convoluted, and far-fetched, though Ms. Konigsburg's inimitable wisdom flickers here and there. I'd rate this book one and a half stars; there are many better stories by the author. If you weren't sold on this one, I encourage you to try any of the books I mentioned earlier in this paragraph. Reading E.L. Konigsburg has been one of the joys of my literary life.
—Father's Arcane Daughter, P. 38
E.L. Konigsburg novels as are distinct as Salvador Dali paintings. Her main characters' insight and cultural acumen is usually well above average; rich or poor, male or female, kid or teen, they have the intellectual ammunition to defend themselves. The wealthy Carmichaels lead a charmed life in Father's Arcane Daughter. Their material needs and wants are met in abundance, and servants are on hand to do anything the children ask. Winston is a normal seventh-grader, but his ten-year-old sister Heidi is not a typical child. She's kept out of the public eye due to her physical and mental disabilities, and is mostly ignored by her parents. Winston and Heidi's days bear a certain comfort in repetition until the bombshell announcement: Mr. Carmichael's daughter from his first marriage, believed to have been killed in a botched kidnapping years ago, is alive. Could there be a more dramatic way for a new member to join the family?
In her mid-thirties, Caroline has an astounding tale of how she survived and why she has lived overseas under an assumed name all these years. Mr. Carmichael is pleased to welcome her back, but his wife is skeptical. It seems rather convenient that Caroline is surfacing just weeks before the deadline to inherit her deceased mother's money. Mrs. Carmichael does her elegant best to trap Caroline in a lie, but if the young lady is a scam artist she's incredibly good at it. Not sure what to think of having a new sister, Winston decides to give her a frosty reception, but Caroline's good nature melts his resentment and soon he adores her. Heidi is slower to accept Caroline, but in time the long-lost Carmichael daughter breaks through Heidi's defenses by treating her as a human being and not the family's dirty secret. As Winston grows closer to Caroline he tries to ignore his suspicions that she might not be who she claims. What will happen if Caroline is outed as a fraud? Will Winston and Heidi's invigorating new life vanish with her?
"'I think that someone who has been in prison resents the person who frees him. Freedom interrupts something very important.'
'What?' she asked.
'It interrupts a person's self-absorption.'"
—Father's Arcane Daughter, P. 30
I don't believe it's an exaggeration to say I'm one of E.L. Konigsburg's biggest fans. The View from Saturday, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, About the B'nai Bagels, Journey to an 800 Number, The Dragon in the Ghetto Caper, and Silent to the Bone are just a few of her books I've loved. I can't say I feel the same about Father's Arcane Daughter. The plot is distant, convoluted, and far-fetched, though Ms. Konigsburg's inimitable wisdom flickers here and there. I'd rate this book one and a half stars; there are many better stories by the author. If you weren't sold on this one, I encourage you to try any of the books I mentioned earlier in this paragraph. Reading E.L. Konigsburg has been one of the joys of my literary life.
December 11, 2017
In 1952 Winston Elliot Carmichael has the best of everything that money can buy: a nice house with servants, an excellent education, clothing, parents who love him. There's the rub, as Shakespeare wrote. Winston has a little too MUCH parental love and it is smothering him. He's not allowed to go anywhere alone or do anything and spends much of his week looking after his little sister Heidi, who unlike her nickname, is not cute and sweet. Heidi is hard of hearing, poorly coordinated and super annoying. The Carmichaels lives change forever one day when a woman shows up at the door claiming to be Father's long-lost daughter Caroline. Father seems willing to accept her but Winston's mother isn't so sure. Long before Winston's mother, Winston and Heidi, Father had another wife and another life. Caroline was kidnapped on her way to college and a bungled attempt to get her back resulted in her disappearance. At first Winston resents the intrusion of his new sister but soon realizes his life is a prison and only Caroline can see a way out.
I enjoyed this story a lot more than I thought I would. It sounded dark and somewhat Gothic from the description. I got caught up in the mystery and until the very end, I never knew whether Caroline was really Caroline. She could be or she could not be depending on the evidence. I especially liked learning about Hilary/Heidi and the understanding and lack of understanding about her disability. I guessed what was going on there before the kids did.
Winston is not an easy character to like. He tests adults by being as smart-alecky as possible. He both loves and hates his sister. Most days he resents having to entertain her but when push comes to shove, she is his sister and he cares about her. His life is tied up with hers. Winston's perspective made me think about my niece and how she feels growing up with a little brother with some special needs. I think she feels like Winston sometimes.
Hilary, or Heidi as she is commonly known, is also a character who is tough to like at first. She is only a few steps ahead of Helen Keller before Annie Sullivan-wild and untamed. Heidi is deliberately bratty and bossy and everyone lets her get away with it. Once Caroline enters the story, the reader gets to know Hilary as Caroline sees her and I came to feel sympathy for the child.
As for Caroline, I wasn't sure what to make of her. The amazing E.L. Koningsburg did that on purpose. The title is ostensibly about Caroline- arcane: known or understood by very few; mysterious; secret; obscure; esoteric. Caroline is arcane and has a lot of arcane knowledge. I rather liked her once she became part of the family.
The title actually has a dual purpose! All is revealed at the end.
If you like this book, try Al Capone Does My Shirts another story about a boy with a sister who has special needs.
I enjoyed this story a lot more than I thought I would. It sounded dark and somewhat Gothic from the description. I got caught up in the mystery and until the very end, I never knew whether Caroline was really Caroline. She could be or she could not be depending on the evidence. I especially liked learning about Hilary/Heidi and the understanding and lack of understanding about her disability. I guessed what was going on there before the kids did.
Winston is not an easy character to like. He tests adults by being as smart-alecky as possible. He both loves and hates his sister. Most days he resents having to entertain her but when push comes to shove, she is his sister and he cares about her. His life is tied up with hers. Winston's perspective made me think about my niece and how she feels growing up with a little brother with some special needs. I think she feels like Winston sometimes.
Hilary, or Heidi as she is commonly known, is also a character who is tough to like at first. She is only a few steps ahead of Helen Keller before Annie Sullivan-wild and untamed. Heidi is deliberately bratty and bossy and everyone lets her get away with it. Once Caroline enters the story, the reader gets to know Hilary as Caroline sees her and I came to feel sympathy for the child.
As for Caroline, I wasn't sure what to make of her. The amazing E.L. Koningsburg did that on purpose. The title is ostensibly about Caroline- arcane: known or understood by very few; mysterious; secret; obscure; esoteric. Caroline is arcane and has a lot of arcane knowledge. I rather liked her once she became part of the family.
The title actually has a dual purpose! All is revealed at the end.
If you like this book, try Al Capone Does My Shirts another story about a boy with a sister who has special needs.
December 20, 2012
Not going to lie, I discovered this through the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "Caroline?" which was based on this book. I had seen the movie years ago when it first aired and I was young. And the mysterious story had stuck with me through the years. So I recently re-watched the movie and enjoyed it again. In the credits, I saw it was based on this book written by E.L. Konigsburg. So I read the book. And surprisingly, the book and the movie do not differ much. The book is better, because the writing is sharp and unlike many books written for younger audiences. But I still do enjoy the movie. The movie did not refer to the rather odd story line of 'Father' falling in love with Caroline (it would probably have been hard for Hallmark to portray that in a family-friendly way!), but most of the rest of it is the same. It's an intriguing story and the young characters are enjoyable. Caroline, herself, is intriguing, but almost martyr-like.
I am now going to visit and revisit more books written by E.L. Konigsburg.
I am now going to visit and revisit more books written by E.L. Konigsburg.
December 14, 2017
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
Father's Arcane Daughter was originally published in 1976. In 2008, it was re-released with a slightly altered title, My Father's Daughter.
The narrator of the story is Winston Carmichael, a privileged kid living in a household filled with hired help. His mother, Grace, babies his little sister,
Heidi, to hide the fact that she has some disabilities, and his father, who has been married before, has a daughter, Caroline who was kidnapped as a teenager and is now presumed dead. The main action of the story takes place in the late 1950s, as Winston reflects on the September Thursday on which a woman claiming to be Caroline arrived on his doorstep. Each chapter begins with a snippet of conversation from the present-day 1970's, where Winston reminisces with a female member of his family who is not identified until late in the book.
For such a short book, a lot happens in Father's Arcane Daughter. The main themes seem to be family dysfunction and repression, money and entitlement, sibling relations, overcoming disability, and most importantly, the question of whether Caroline is an impostor or a true member of the Carmichael family. Though this is a children's book, it doesn't feel like one. Rather, it seems like Konigsburg almost disregards her audience while she is writing, and simply remains true to the story, whatever that truth turns out to be. I could tell from this story that she really respects her readers - though she is writing about very adult issues, she doesn't dumb them down or over-explain them. She gives credit to children's intelligence, and assumes they are smart enough to follow along.
While, this isn't my favorite Konigsburg book, it's the only one I've read so far in this little exercise that gave me a little thrill of excitement when I reached the ending. It takes a strange turn in the last 30 pages or so, which I think keeps it from achieving the greatness of Konigsburg's more famous novels, but it was still quite good. I also think, even though the book is dated, kids might be more accepting of it, because it is intended to take place during a very specific year, which is named early on in the book. It might not have been written as historical fiction, but I think maybe it can be read as such.
Father's Arcane Daughter was originally published in 1976. In 2008, it was re-released with a slightly altered title, My Father's Daughter.
The narrator of the story is Winston Carmichael, a privileged kid living in a household filled with hired help. His mother, Grace, babies his little sister,
Heidi, to hide the fact that she has some disabilities, and his father, who has been married before, has a daughter, Caroline who was kidnapped as a teenager and is now presumed dead. The main action of the story takes place in the late 1950s, as Winston reflects on the September Thursday on which a woman claiming to be Caroline arrived on his doorstep. Each chapter begins with a snippet of conversation from the present-day 1970's, where Winston reminisces with a female member of his family who is not identified until late in the book.
For such a short book, a lot happens in Father's Arcane Daughter. The main themes seem to be family dysfunction and repression, money and entitlement, sibling relations, overcoming disability, and most importantly, the question of whether Caroline is an impostor or a true member of the Carmichael family. Though this is a children's book, it doesn't feel like one. Rather, it seems like Konigsburg almost disregards her audience while she is writing, and simply remains true to the story, whatever that truth turns out to be. I could tell from this story that she really respects her readers - though she is writing about very adult issues, she doesn't dumb them down or over-explain them. She gives credit to children's intelligence, and assumes they are smart enough to follow along.
While, this isn't my favorite Konigsburg book, it's the only one I've read so far in this little exercise that gave me a little thrill of excitement when I reached the ending. It takes a strange turn in the last 30 pages or so, which I think keeps it from achieving the greatness of Konigsburg's more famous novels, but it was still quite good. I also think, even though the book is dated, kids might be more accepting of it, because it is intended to take place during a very specific year, which is named early on in the book. It might not have been written as historical fiction, but I think maybe it can be read as such.
August 9, 2010
What an odd egg that E.L. Konigsburg is... also, the 70's were a truly strange time in fiction for young people! This definitely falls into the bizarre-70's-empowerment-fiction genre.
Winston is a wordy, awkward, strange child of a Pittsburgh millionaire. He detests his younger sister Heidi -- he calls her a "troglodyte", "a golliwog," "repulsive," etc -- but primarily, it seems, because she's manipulative, spoiled, and acts cutesy-babyish. The father is distant; the mother escapes to get her hair done; the children are imprisoned in their castle of privilege. It's gradually revealed that Heidi actually has a host of disabilities, from hearing loss to mobility issues, but that the family simultaneously babies her and pretends that everything's fine.
Meanwhile, Caroline arrives: she claims to be the father's long-lost daughter, kidnapped sixteen years previously and back just in time to claim her share of the family fortune.
Regardless of whether she's the real thing -- oddly, there's no discussion of what happened with her kidnappers, why she's back now, or anything logistical like that -- Winston connects with her immediately. The book's primary plot is actually not about Caroline's authenticity but her mission to rescue the siblings from their castle/prison by proving that Heidi is extremely intelligent and needs accommodations and confidence rather than babying.
This being an early Konigsburg, though, it's not quite that linear. There are wacky stylistic choices, a severe lack of contractions, and a sufficiently confusing story that I had to go back and reread pages several times. Who *were* the middle-school readers of the 70's and early 80's that devoured these books, and what are they like now?
Winston is a wordy, awkward, strange child of a Pittsburgh millionaire. He detests his younger sister Heidi -- he calls her a "troglodyte", "a golliwog," "repulsive," etc -- but primarily, it seems, because she's manipulative, spoiled, and acts cutesy-babyish. The father is distant; the mother escapes to get her hair done; the children are imprisoned in their castle of privilege. It's gradually revealed that Heidi actually has a host of disabilities, from hearing loss to mobility issues, but that the family simultaneously babies her and pretends that everything's fine.
Meanwhile, Caroline arrives: she claims to be the father's long-lost daughter, kidnapped sixteen years previously and back just in time to claim her share of the family fortune.
Regardless of whether she's the real thing -- oddly, there's no discussion of what happened with her kidnappers, why she's back now, or anything logistical like that -- Winston connects with her immediately. The book's primary plot is actually not about Caroline's authenticity but her mission to rescue the siblings from their castle/prison by proving that Heidi is extremely intelligent and needs accommodations and confidence rather than babying.
This being an early Konigsburg, though, it's not quite that linear. There are wacky stylistic choices, a severe lack of contractions, and a sufficiently confusing story that I had to go back and reread pages several times. Who *were* the middle-school readers of the 70's and early 80's that devoured these books, and what are they like now?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2017
I love how this is a book of just 118 pages, but with so much depth. Every page is essential and the reader is engaged, even to the end of that crucial very last page. Konigsburg does more in this brief span than all the newer YA authors who invariably need 300+ pages.
Konigsburg does a wonderful job of creating a unique narrator and of setting up the intriguing situation. The Pittsburgh setting is good - it's got character. The early 1950s period is brought to life through recollections after some 20 years, which I think works well - it's not strictly an historical novel; it's contemporary (we don't get enough of the 1970s to make it seem dated).
Now that I have read the book, I have to say that changing the title was a gross error.
Konigsburg does a wonderful job of creating a unique narrator and of setting up the intriguing situation. The Pittsburgh setting is good - it's got character. The early 1950s period is brought to life through recollections after some 20 years, which I think works well - it's not strictly an historical novel; it's contemporary (we don't get enough of the 1970s to make it seem dated).
Now that I have read the book, I have to say that changing the title was a gross error.
Read
August 9, 2016Why was this book re-titled?
If you don't know what a word means, look it up. That's what dictionaries are for. Was Ms. Konigsburg consulted before the retitling (before her death)?
The production of this book by Hallmark Hall of Fame (as Caroline?) made me find a copy and read it. I was not disappointed. But then I have yet to be disappointed by any of Ms. Konigsburg's work.
Publishers, please go back to the original title. I am so glad MY copy has it.
If you don't know what a word means, look it up. That's what dictionaries are for. Was Ms. Konigsburg consulted before the retitling (before her death)?
The production of this book by Hallmark Hall of Fame (as Caroline?) made me find a copy and read it. I was not disappointed. But then I have yet to be disappointed by any of Ms. Konigsburg's work.
Publishers, please go back to the original title. I am so glad MY copy has it.
March 27, 2015
I read--and loved--this as a middle schooler, and I'm pretty confident that I completely missed the finer plot points as a 12 year old. (Is this book really meant to be marketed toward middle school readers?!) Konigsburg is a fantastic writer--I was wholly sucked in by the weaving of present-day and past stories, and the reveal got me, as I'm sure it did as a younger reader. I had to go back and reread each of the italicized sections to see what magic Konigsburg wove in her plot.
[grumble grumble, back in my day...] I don't understand why they changed the title for newer audiences, but if that means the book is still in print, so be it.
Also, the book was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie called Caroline? that I would love to track down.
[grumble grumble, back in my day...] I don't understand why they changed the title for newer audiences, but if that means the book is still in print, so be it.
Also, the book was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie called Caroline? that I would love to track down.
December 31, 2017
I agree that this one should have stayed titled "Father's Arcane Daughter", I don't know why it was changed but I don't like the change. This one was was intriguing and actually gets 3.5 stars from me. It certainly did offer a great deal in only a few pages. It definitely gets you to thinking of the effect your attitudes and biases have on others, especially your children.
A couple of quotes that tickled me:
"And she was not like certain relatives of mine who gave me books as gifts - books that I knew they had never read themselves, but ones that were GOOD BOOKS, and that they wanted me to associate with them. There were more people who know what to read than there were people who read."
"And I spent the trip home wishing for a bath and thinking of appropriate deaths for the man who invented cotton candy. I though he should be rolled in his product and then set on an ant hill."
A couple of quotes that tickled me:
"And she was not like certain relatives of mine who gave me books as gifts - books that I knew they had never read themselves, but ones that were GOOD BOOKS, and that they wanted me to associate with them. There were more people who know what to read than there were people who read."
"And I spent the trip home wishing for a bath and thinking of appropriate deaths for the man who invented cotton candy. I though he should be rolled in his product and then set on an ant hill."
January 5, 2008
A gem of a book about a family that's wonderful on the surface, and deeply flawed within. Their shallow, pretty lives will never be the same when Caroline, their father's daughter from his previous marriage, shows up years after being kidnapped and declared dead. Is she Caroline, or is she an imposter after the family fortune? What she mostly seems interested in is helping her two half-siblings break free of their mother's smothering influence. Lovely, funny, sad and full of twists.
November 21, 2017
17 Jahre nach ihrer Entführung kehrt die älteste Tochter nach Hause zurück. Während der Vater sie mit offenen Armen empfängt, reagieren ihre Stiefmutter und die Halbgeschwister mit Eifersucht und Misstrauen.
Ein intelligentes und spannendes Buch für Jugendliche und erwachse Leser von einer in Deutschland leider kaum bekannten Autorin.
Ein intelligentes und spannendes Buch für Jugendliche und erwachse Leser von einer in Deutschland leider kaum bekannten Autorin.
April 7, 2020
I can't believe this is a children's book.
The theme seems so deep, emotional, and powerful to be meant for a child but boy, did it send the message across!
Winston Elliot Carmichael!
At first I didn't like this character, he's such a brat in all sense of the world. Plus he hates spending time with her sister! He calls her a golliwog and invests in building a vocabulary just to call her names.
You're rich, you have chauffeur and servants, you go to a private school, you never had to hold physical money(!!!) AND yet you still find so much to complain about?! WHAT MORE COULD THE UNIVERSE POSSIBLY OWE YOU?
And apparently, a lot? I just wasn't seeing the big picture.
But by the eight page, I have figured it out, he acts like this because he's been taught to act like this. And by "taught" I meant by actions.
She got up from the ottoman, and I watched as she brushed at her dress, and then I asked her if she was finished.
“Finished what?” she asked.
“Finished being patient.”
Mother rushed a worried glance over toward Heidi, and I could read her look of relief when she realized that Heidi hasn't heard. I had deliberately spoken softly.
Hilary/Heidi Carmichael!
At first I thought she's deaf and that's why she goes to a different school than her brother but a few more pages and I figured she's also missing her fine motor skills. Her diagnosis was never explicitly said but it was said she's special. But the fact that everyone can talk to her and her answer them is proof she's on the higher end of the spectrum.
The plot twist at the end is just *chef's kiss*
And there's so many good lines from the book??? How dare EL Konigsburg be this brilliant? I have no choice but to stan her.
“I had always known that Caroline was the shadow under which I was growing up. I wanted, at last, to learn the shape of that shadow.”
“Did you think that once defined, it would disappear?” she asked
“I thought that it would grow smaller when exposed to full light. Shadows are supposed to.”
When shadows are all he has, a prisoner learns to tell time by the light coming in through a slit under the door
I wish I could be unaware of the favorable impression I made, or second best - not enjoy it. I often wondered what kind of brother I would be if I didn't have to be the kind I was
“You keep making references to prison...”
“But, of course, I do. It was that.”
“When did you realize that it was?”
“When I got out. If you're raised inside a huge shelter, one that you've never seen from the outside, how would you know that it was a prison unless you saw it from the outside?”
It was so good!
The theme seems so deep, emotional, and powerful to be meant for a child but boy, did it send the message across!
Winston Elliot Carmichael!
At first I didn't like this character, he's such a brat in all sense of the world. Plus he hates spending time with her sister! He calls her a golliwog and invests in building a vocabulary just to call her names.
You're rich, you have chauffeur and servants, you go to a private school, you never had to hold physical money(!!!) AND yet you still find so much to complain about?! WHAT MORE COULD THE UNIVERSE POSSIBLY OWE YOU?
And apparently, a lot? I just wasn't seeing the big picture.
But by the eight page, I have figured it out, he acts like this because he's been taught to act like this. And by "taught" I meant by actions.
She got up from the ottoman, and I watched as she brushed at her dress, and then I asked her if she was finished.
“Finished what?” she asked.
“Finished being patient.”
Mother rushed a worried glance over toward Heidi, and I could read her look of relief when she realized that Heidi hasn't heard. I had deliberately spoken softly.
Hilary/Heidi Carmichael!
At first I thought she's deaf and that's why she goes to a different school than her brother but a few more pages and I figured she's also missing her fine motor skills. Her diagnosis was never explicitly said but it was said she's special. But the fact that everyone can talk to her and her answer them is proof she's on the higher end of the spectrum.
The plot twist at the end is just *chef's kiss*
And there's so many good lines from the book??? How dare EL Konigsburg be this brilliant? I have no choice but to stan her.
“I had always known that Caroline was the shadow under which I was growing up. I wanted, at last, to learn the shape of that shadow.”
“Did you think that once defined, it would disappear?” she asked
“I thought that it would grow smaller when exposed to full light. Shadows are supposed to.”
When shadows are all he has, a prisoner learns to tell time by the light coming in through a slit under the door
I wish I could be unaware of the favorable impression I made, or second best - not enjoy it. I often wondered what kind of brother I would be if I didn't have to be the kind I was
“You keep making references to prison...”
“But, of course, I do. It was that.”
“When did you realize that it was?”
“When I got out. If you're raised inside a huge shelter, one that you've never seen from the outside, how would you know that it was a prison unless you saw it from the outside?”
It was so good!
May 24, 2022
ENGLISH: This short novel is full of mysteries: The first is: Is Caroline Caroline? The second: Who is father's arcane daughter? The third: Who are the two people talking at the beginning of each chapter? Some of the mysteries are easier to solve. Others must wait until the end of the book.
This is the story of a multiple liberation: a) from the shackles of wealth; b) from the fetters of excessive protection; c) from the dead weight of disability and impairments. The key paragraph in the book is this: "I want you to kidnap me." This novel has much more gist than it appears at first sight.
ESPAÑOL: Esta novela corta está llena de misterios: El primero: ¿Caroline es Caroline? El segundo: ¿Quién es la hija arcana del padre? El tercero: ¿Quiénes son las dos personas que dialogan al principio de cada capítulo? Algunos de los misterios son fáciles de resolver. Otros deben esperar hasta el final del libro.
Esta es la historia de varias liberaciones: a) de las cadenas de la riqueza y la vida social; b) de los grilletes de una protección excesiva; c) del peso muerto de la invalidez y la discapacidad. El párrafo clave del libro es este: "Quiero que me secuestres". Esta novela tiene mucho más sentido de lo que parece a primera vista.
This is the story of a multiple liberation: a) from the shackles of wealth; b) from the fetters of excessive protection; c) from the dead weight of disability and impairments. The key paragraph in the book is this: "I want you to kidnap me." This novel has much more gist than it appears at first sight.
ESPAÑOL: Esta novela corta está llena de misterios: El primero: ¿Caroline es Caroline? El segundo: ¿Quién es la hija arcana del padre? El tercero: ¿Quiénes son las dos personas que dialogan al principio de cada capítulo? Algunos de los misterios son fáciles de resolver. Otros deben esperar hasta el final del libro.
Esta es la historia de varias liberaciones: a) de las cadenas de la riqueza y la vida social; b) de los grilletes de una protección excesiva; c) del peso muerto de la invalidez y la discapacidad. El párrafo clave del libro es este: "Quiero que me secuestres". Esta novela tiene mucho más sentido de lo que parece a primera vista.
December 11, 2017
I gave this a very high rating awhile back and did not bother to explain myself. It remains one of my favorite books of all time because the arcane daughter explains to the brother that he will not be able to reach his his highest goal if his disabled sister is not enabled to reach hers. The sister appears to be partially disabled by birth: hearing, speech and coordination issues, but her condition is exacerbated by neglect. The "arcane daughter" appears and has her assessed by a specialist, and explains to "Heidi" how hard she will have to work to reach her ends. The book ends beautifully, with the brother a writer as he was destined to be and Heidi in control of what she was destined to be (I won't spoil it for you). But best of all their liberation is the product of some less than honest machination that all works toward the greater good. This book is a theological masterpiece, although I doubt the author was entirely aware of the message she brought. Angels unaware and all that. But then having read and loved (George) I am not so sure about the unaware part. Thanks, E.L.Konigsburg.
December 26, 2017
Intense. Merits an immediate reread, once the plot has been deciphered.
I bet a lot of readers, the first time through, miss bits like "Caroline was waiting for me in the breakfast room.... What right had she to deprive me of the only time... when I could be totally alone? ... nobody's brother and nobody's son and nobody's pupil. What an awful thing for her to do, to come between the Winston and the Carmichael."
Be good for discussion groups. Do schools ever have buddy reads, to enable mini book-clubs? Or maybe a family could read it together. For example, if (somehow) I'd read this as a child, I would have not understood the bit about Father's struggle with his love for adult Caroline, and so, without discussion, would have missed one of the themes of the book. Another example, what's up with the name choice for Grace?
I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars because, the more I think about it, and skim bits in lieu of a reread, the more I like it. Fans of Harriet the Spy and Catcher in the Rye would probably like it even more, as this has the vibe of angst and brooding (though, fortunately, there is a real plot, not just neurotic characters).
I bet a lot of readers, the first time through, miss bits like "Caroline was waiting for me in the breakfast room.... What right had she to deprive me of the only time... when I could be totally alone? ... nobody's brother and nobody's son and nobody's pupil. What an awful thing for her to do, to come between the Winston and the Carmichael."
Be good for discussion groups. Do schools ever have buddy reads, to enable mini book-clubs? Or maybe a family could read it together. For example, if (somehow) I'd read this as a child, I would have not understood the bit about Father's struggle with his love for adult Caroline, and so, without discussion, would have missed one of the themes of the book. Another example, what's up with the name choice for Grace?
I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars because, the more I think about it, and skim bits in lieu of a reread, the more I like it. Fans of Harriet the Spy and Catcher in the Rye would probably like it even more, as this has the vibe of angst and brooding (though, fortunately, there is a real plot, not just neurotic characters).
June 1, 2016
I've about given up on E. L. Konigsburg. I find few of her characters sympathetic, and none in this...well, whatever it is. Novella? Long story?
This text reminded me strongly of Shirley Jackson's short story "Louisa, Please Come Home" except of course Jackson is a much better writer, showing instead of telling. This is mostly tell, and the telling is choppy and...well, "coy" is the only word I can come up with. I felt the whole time that I was being manipulated by the author, and it's not a feeling I like.
I'm very glad I don't live in any of Konigsburg's worlds.
This text reminded me strongly of Shirley Jackson's short story "Louisa, Please Come Home" except of course Jackson is a much better writer, showing instead of telling. This is mostly tell, and the telling is choppy and...well, "coy" is the only word I can come up with. I felt the whole time that I was being manipulated by the author, and it's not a feeling I like.
I'm very glad I don't live in any of Konigsburg's worlds.
April 22, 2016
It was original and thought-provoking, but otherwise I'm sorry to say I found the characters very annoying and the story quite boring. It wasn't my kind of book at all.
March 21, 2014
4.5 stars
Konigsburg is one of my author-heroines. The thought of her passing still saddens me.
The Konigsburg is a capital author. Her sensory descriptions don't just make you feel or see something in your head, it also makes you feel the emotions that come with the sights/sounds/feelings/tastes/smells. Her writing is clever, witty, funny, and insightful. It's rare to read YA books, especially ALA-favourited ones, that treat the reader as an intelligent being who knows how to use a dictionary and understand clever references and jokes.
After reading many of her books, I can't help but notice a pattern. All her characters are very intelligent people. This gets old after a while, but I must excuse The Konigsburg. All her stories aren't exactly the most happening, though they centre on strange and unusual circumstances or scenarios. Her stories usually reveal some insight and truth. Those are never overbearing (well, maybe with the exception of "The View from Saturday," but...).
So, this book has the usual Konigsburg combination: clever, witty writing, with masterful sensory detail that makes you feel emotions, an intelligent narrator, a strange happening, and truth - lots and lots of truth.
She just pulls it off so well.
I love the Plato's Cave references.
I prefer the old title, "Father's Arcane Daughter" to the new one, "My Father's Daughter." I find the latter more nondescript. I mean, don't you love the inclusion of an unordinary word - arcane? I wonder what the reason for this change is.
Konigsburg is one of my author-heroines. The thought of her passing still saddens me.
The Konigsburg is a capital author. Her sensory descriptions don't just make you feel or see something in your head, it also makes you feel the emotions that come with the sights/sounds/feelings/tastes/smells. Her writing is clever, witty, funny, and insightful. It's rare to read YA books, especially ALA-favourited ones, that treat the reader as an intelligent being who knows how to use a dictionary and understand clever references and jokes.
After reading many of her books, I can't help but notice a pattern. All her characters are very intelligent people. This gets old after a while, but I must excuse The Konigsburg. All her stories aren't exactly the most happening, though they centre on strange and unusual circumstances or scenarios. Her stories usually reveal some insight and truth. Those are never overbearing (well, maybe with the exception of "The View from Saturday," but...).
So, this book has the usual Konigsburg combination: clever, witty writing, with masterful sensory detail that makes you feel emotions, an intelligent narrator, a strange happening, and truth - lots and lots of truth.
She just pulls it off so well.
I love the Plato's Cave references.
I prefer the old title, "Father's Arcane Daughter" to the new one, "My Father's Daughter." I find the latter more nondescript. I mean, don't you love the inclusion of an unordinary word - arcane? I wonder what the reason for this change is.
February 10, 2019
Please keep in mind that this is my review, built on my personal tastes, and won't necessarily be universally agreed upon.
I've noticed that Konigsburg often places elements in her stories that are atypical for children's book. This one is a glaring example of her tendency. I'm frankly surprised that this one is categorized as a children's book. Maybe being published in 1976 made a difference, before "anything goes" behavior had brought so much harm? Perhaps because it was a "message" book about our "intolerant" past?
The story seems to go "above the heads" of most middle-grades readers. There was a lot of adult activity (divorce, alcoholism, adultery) that is relevant to the plot. The bulk of the story -- including all of the characters, the conflict, and the resolution -- revolves around adults. I just can't see how a kid would find this interesting at all. From perusing the reviews and having seen the Hallmark movie years ago, it seems as though grown ups enjoy this story more than kids.
I can see how many in the 2010s might understand the story to be a rebuke on the wealthy, but just remember the story's outcome: who inherits a fortune? Who runs the multimillion dollar corporation at the end? Who endows the private school? If you read this little book, please keep in mind that the accumulation of wealth receives equal portions of negative and positive.
I've noticed that Konigsburg often places elements in her stories that are atypical for children's book. This one is a glaring example of her tendency. I'm frankly surprised that this one is categorized as a children's book. Maybe being published in 1976 made a difference, before "anything goes" behavior had brought so much harm? Perhaps because it was a "message" book about our "intolerant" past?
The story seems to go "above the heads" of most middle-grades readers. There was a lot of adult activity (divorce, alcoholism, adultery) that is relevant to the plot. The bulk of the story -- including all of the characters, the conflict, and the resolution -- revolves around adults. I just can't see how a kid would find this interesting at all. From perusing the reviews and having seen the Hallmark movie years ago, it seems as though grown ups enjoy this story more than kids.
I can see how many in the 2010s might understand the story to be a rebuke on the wealthy, but just remember the story's outcome: who inherits a fortune? Who runs the multimillion dollar corporation at the end? Who endows the private school? If you read this little book, please keep in mind that the accumulation of wealth receives equal portions of negative and positive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2020
This story is being told by one person to another, don't know who one of the two people is. The one telling the story is talking about his life when he was ten and his differently-abled/disabled sister is about six. They are kids of a couple who met after the father lost his daughter in a kidnap-for-ransom that went v. wrong. The daughter or an imposter shows up 15 years after the kidnapping, is she the real daughter? Why did she wait so long to return if she is? Who are the two people talking at the start of each chapter and what is their current situation?
i've never read a bad sentence by E.L. Konigsburg, such a gifted writer.
i hope i come back to this book in ten years to see if it is still as powerful. Note to self if i do, i couldn't decide if the people at the start of each chapter were shrink/client or writer/prisoner or family member/prisoner. i didn't know until the end when the author did her reveal.
i've never read a bad sentence by E.L. Konigsburg, such a gifted writer.
i hope i come back to this book in ten years to see if it is still as powerful. Note to self if i do, i couldn't decide if the people at the start of each chapter were shrink/client or writer/prisoner or family member/prisoner. i didn't know until the end when the author did her reveal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
This book surprised me. I did not enjoy the way it started. I felt that the main character, Winston, was unlikable, and the family dynamic of the Carmichael’s was very broken. The father is distant, the mother is controlling, and the main character is terrible to his younger sister with special needs. However, the book goes in a new direction when a woman appears on the doorstep, claiming to be the long-lost daughter of Mr. Carmichael.
The story shows the gradual way in which Caroline—the daughter—changes the family. The impact she has on Winston and his sister Heidi is very well done, and we see the characters growing while still falling back into their weaknesses. By the end of the book, I had grown to love Winston and Heidi and Caroline.
There is a twist at the end that definitely confused me for a moment, and I had to reread a few sentences a couple times to feel like I understood it, but overall a good book.
3.5 stars
The story shows the gradual way in which Caroline—the daughter—changes the family. The impact she has on Winston and his sister Heidi is very well done, and we see the characters growing while still falling back into their weaknesses. By the end of the book, I had grown to love Winston and Heidi and Caroline.
There is a twist at the end that definitely confused me for a moment, and I had to reread a few sentences a couple times to feel like I understood it, but overall a good book.
3.5 stars
August 11, 2020
I have to agree with the vast majority of positive reviews posted here about this book. I found it well written, paced and intriguing. Wile the mystery of if Caroline is who she says she is or isn't for me was secondary to what i thought is the main plot. A story about a promise, respect, loyalty and admiration between two women who only knew each others under the most dire and grim circumstances and from that hatched a plan not only to send one to a peaceful rest, the other to keep a promise, but to save a life from not reaching it's potential and from that act helping many lives reach their potential.
A fantastic read, could it have been better, maybe but not by much. The underlying theme is marvelous and a lesson that can serve us all well. This book is a 5 start reader and a worthy companion to the movie.
A fantastic read, could it have been better, maybe but not by much. The underlying theme is marvelous and a lesson that can serve us all well. This book is a 5 start reader and a worthy companion to the movie.
November 28, 2018
I was initially drawn toward this book by its original title, Father's Arcane Daughter, and its updated title is not nearly as creative or unique. Still, the only version I could find was the updated one, so it'll have to do.
Konigsburg has been rather hit-or-miss for me, but this one is a solid hit, right on the bullseye. The characterization is spot-on, the family politics are subtle yet troubling, and even if you're determined not to let Konigsburg fool you, she still twists the ending into something you weren't expecting but is better than you expected. I also like that we can see Winston is flawed, even though he's the narrator, and that those around him (for the most part) don't chastise him for how he feels about Heidi. What a great book.
Konigsburg has been rather hit-or-miss for me, but this one is a solid hit, right on the bullseye. The characterization is spot-on, the family politics are subtle yet troubling, and even if you're determined not to let Konigsburg fool you, she still twists the ending into something you weren't expecting but is better than you expected. I also like that we can see Winston is flawed, even though he's the narrator, and that those around him (for the most part) don't chastise him for how he feels about Heidi. What a great book.
February 19, 2018
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2013
This book reminded me oddly of The Westing Game.
I enjoyed this book, but it felt rushed. The story would have been better served had it not been squished into a 115-page young adult novel. (On the other hand, I might not have read it had it not been squished into a 115-page young adult novel.)
I enjoyed this book, but it felt rushed. The story would have been better served had it not been squished into a 115-page young adult novel. (On the other hand, I might not have read it had it not been squished into a 115-page young adult novel.)
February 18, 2011
Very different from Konigsburg's other books, and it really struck me as an adult novella, rather than a young adult novel. Though my memories of the tv movie are dim, it all seemed to match up quite nicely in my head. A fun read, but not anywhere near the level of Konigsburg's best work.
August 6, 2011
I am a sucker for Konigsburg but this was one of her weaker works. You can see some ideas and themes being worked out here that she did a better job of tackling later on. Still worth a read for the mood she evokes.
August 25, 2020
suuuuuuuuuch a well told story. i'd forgotten how much i enjoyed konigsburg books, and when i saw this one sitting on my dining room table i picked it up and read it in an afternoon. it was so fun, vaguely coming of ageish? also a little dark and idk. it was a fun time.
Read
October 22, 2007You know, I did read this, but I have no recollection whatsoever.
September 4, 2025
*3.75 stars
Welcome to an official Charlotte’s BookNook book review! Make sure to go follow my YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@charlottes_bookn...) if you haven’t already. I post video reviews and all sorts of clean bookish content! Now let’s get this review started.
To be honest, I wasn’t loving this book until towards the end when the pace picked up and I felt more invested. It had quite an interesting plot, but I felt like the way it was written coming from a young rich boy’s POV made it very dry and boring. But towards the end, I really enjoyed having the mystery solved. I guess I never really realize that it was a mystery book until this point. And I thought the aspect of Heidi not actually being special needs, but really just being raised without any guidance was really interesting. I liked how it showed her a successful businesswoman at the end when she stepped into who she really could be if she worked hard and stopped being babied. I thought the conversations in italic at the beginning of each chapter were very poetic and had a lot of cool analogies, too. Overall, this was a pretty good book, but not one of my favorites.
Language:
A few misuses of God’s name.
LGBTQ+:
None
Romance:
Mentions of a woman falling in and out of love, mentions of a woman kissing a lifeguard in front of children, mentions of a boy staring a little too long at a naked baby girl. Mentions of a character being in love with a married man.
Violence:
A main part of the story is a kidnapping of a man’s daughter. If the man doesn’t pay the kidnappers lots of money they will kill his daughter. Mentions of bodies dead and burned too bad to identity them. No details.
Religious Views:
Mentions of people evolving from monkeys, mentions of a catholic nun piano teacher. A family says prayers each in their own way, some being respectful and some being humorous. Mentions of following the schedule of one’s horoscope.
Authority Roles:
The parents are rich and have little time for their children. There aren’t many scenes involving adults and when there are they’re stuck up rich people.
Welcome to an official Charlotte’s BookNook book review! Make sure to go follow my YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@charlottes_bookn...) if you haven’t already. I post video reviews and all sorts of clean bookish content! Now let’s get this review started.
To be honest, I wasn’t loving this book until towards the end when the pace picked up and I felt more invested. It had quite an interesting plot, but I felt like the way it was written coming from a young rich boy’s POV made it very dry and boring. But towards the end, I really enjoyed having the mystery solved. I guess I never really realize that it was a mystery book until this point. And I thought the aspect of Heidi not actually being special needs, but really just being raised without any guidance was really interesting. I liked how it showed her a successful businesswoman at the end when she stepped into who she really could be if she worked hard and stopped being babied. I thought the conversations in italic at the beginning of each chapter were very poetic and had a lot of cool analogies, too. Overall, this was a pretty good book, but not one of my favorites.
Language:
A few misuses of God’s name.
LGBTQ+:
None
Romance:
Mentions of a woman falling in and out of love, mentions of a woman kissing a lifeguard in front of children, mentions of a boy staring a little too long at a naked baby girl. Mentions of a character being in love with a married man.
Violence:
A main part of the story is a kidnapping of a man’s daughter. If the man doesn’t pay the kidnappers lots of money they will kill his daughter. Mentions of bodies dead and burned too bad to identity them. No details.
Religious Views:
Mentions of people evolving from monkeys, mentions of a catholic nun piano teacher. A family says prayers each in their own way, some being respectful and some being humorous. Mentions of following the schedule of one’s horoscope.
Authority Roles:
The parents are rich and have little time for their children. There aren’t many scenes involving adults and when there are they’re stuck up rich people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews