What do you think?
Rate this book
Somewhere Besides Denver
A Grand Tour!
It’s 1907, and best friends Violet and Marion are excited about their upcoming trip to Europe—a rite of passage for wealthy teens after high school. But they’re not too excited that Helen, a rancher’s daughter with a rich aunt, is joining them.
All three teens know the rules for well-bred young ladies: Don’t go anywhere without your chaperone! Don’t speak to strangers, especially men! And when you return to Denver, settle into a life of boring parties and pleasing your husband.
But they’re already restless.
What awaits Helen, Violet, and Marion in Paris, where society rules aren’t as strict? Where they meet a famous fashion designer, a ground-breaking female artist, and some fancy-dressed dogs? And in London, where they join the fight for women’s rights?
Will their chaperone Lena, a rule-breaker herself, keep them out of serious trouble while giving them the freedom they need to become women of the new century?
Ages 11 and older will love meeting young women of the early twentieth century in this charming young adult historical novel.
It’s 1907, and best friends Violet and Marion are excited about their upcoming trip to Europe—a rite of passage for wealthy teens after high school. But they’re not too excited that Helen, a rancher’s daughter with a rich aunt, is joining them.
All three teens know the rules for well-bred young ladies: Don’t go anywhere without your chaperone! Don’t speak to strangers, especially men! And when you return to Denver, settle into a life of boring parties and pleasing your husband.
But they’re already restless.
What awaits Helen, Violet, and Marion in Paris, where society rules aren’t as strict? Where they meet a famous fashion designer, a ground-breaking female artist, and some fancy-dressed dogs? And in London, where they join the fight for women’s rights?
Will their chaperone Lena, a rule-breaker herself, keep them out of serious trouble while giving them the freedom they need to become women of the new century?
Ages 11 and older will love meeting young women of the early twentieth century in this charming young adult historical novel.
172 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 4, 2020
Not only was i attracted to it because it is historical fiction, one of my favorite genres, but I wanted to see if it would be interesting to my teen granddaughters. I can say that the book succeeds on all counts. It is especially appealing now when we are all so limited geographically during the pandemic. Anyone, but especially teens and preteens would enjoy joining this enchanting expedition to Europe. It is full of surprises and great vicarious experiences.
April 1, 2024
Book Review: "Somewhere Besides Denver"
by Sara Webley and jo schaffel ✨
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Dive into the enchanting world of "Somewhere Besides Denver," where the year is 1907, and the spirit of adventure beckons three young women to defy the constraints of their time. Sara Webley and jo schaffel takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through Europe, where the rules of society clash with the aspirations of Violet, Marion, and Helen.
👉As the trio embarks on their Grand Tour, leaving behind the familiar confines of Denver, they step into a realm where tradition meets revolution. From the cobblestone streets of Paris to the elegant salons of London, the girls find themselves amidst a whirlwind of experiences that challenge their preconceived notions and ignite their inner fire.
👉What sets this novel apart is its meticulous attention to historical detail and the nuanced exploration of themes that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. Through Webley's and jo schaffel eloquent prose, we witness the gradual transformation of these young women—from obedient daughters to bold trailblazers who dare to defy convention.
👉At its heart, "Somewhere Besides Denver" is a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of youth. Through moments of laughter and tears, triumphs and setbacks, Violet, Marion, and Helen forge bonds that transcend the barriers of class and circumstance, reminding us of the power of solidarity in the face of adversity.
👉But perhaps the most poignant aspect of this novel is its portrayal of the fight for women's rights—a timeless struggle that continues to reverberate in our modern world. As the girls navigate through a landscape fraught with inequality and injustice, they embody the courage and determination of those who dared to dream of a better tomorrow.
👉In weaving together a tapestry of adventure, romance, and social commentary, Webley and jo schaffel invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you're a young adult on the brink of adulthood or a seasoned reader seeking inspiration, "Somewhere Besides Denver" promises to captivate your heart and ignite your imagination.
by Sara Webley and jo schaffel ✨
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Dive into the enchanting world of "Somewhere Besides Denver," where the year is 1907, and the spirit of adventure beckons three young women to defy the constraints of their time. Sara Webley and jo schaffel takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through Europe, where the rules of society clash with the aspirations of Violet, Marion, and Helen.
👉As the trio embarks on their Grand Tour, leaving behind the familiar confines of Denver, they step into a realm where tradition meets revolution. From the cobblestone streets of Paris to the elegant salons of London, the girls find themselves amidst a whirlwind of experiences that challenge their preconceived notions and ignite their inner fire.
👉What sets this novel apart is its meticulous attention to historical detail and the nuanced exploration of themes that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. Through Webley's and jo schaffel eloquent prose, we witness the gradual transformation of these young women—from obedient daughters to bold trailblazers who dare to defy convention.
👉At its heart, "Somewhere Besides Denver" is a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of youth. Through moments of laughter and tears, triumphs and setbacks, Violet, Marion, and Helen forge bonds that transcend the barriers of class and circumstance, reminding us of the power of solidarity in the face of adversity.
👉But perhaps the most poignant aspect of this novel is its portrayal of the fight for women's rights—a timeless struggle that continues to reverberate in our modern world. As the girls navigate through a landscape fraught with inequality and injustice, they embody the courage and determination of those who dared to dream of a better tomorrow.
👉In weaving together a tapestry of adventure, romance, and social commentary, Webley and jo schaffel invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you're a young adult on the brink of adulthood or a seasoned reader seeking inspiration, "Somewhere Besides Denver" promises to captivate your heart and ignite your imagination.
July 27, 2019
A historical fiction which resonates with modern themes
Three friends on the cusp of womanhood visit Paris and London as a Grand Tour in the company of a hired chaperone. As well as a coming-of-age novel it’s an exploration of the position of young women in society at the dawn of the 20th century, in a patriarchal social system where women are trying to assert themselves (is it really that different to the 21st century??), and with beautifully evoked period settings. We see the girls gradually become more self-reliant, self-confident, and more feminist as the novel progresses. Although aimed at ‘YA’s it will also resonate with those parents who have experienced the guilty tension between wanting to guide and develop teenage offspring and having to let them make their own way, and make their own mistakes, in order to learn and become themselves.
Three friends on the cusp of womanhood visit Paris and London as a Grand Tour in the company of a hired chaperone. As well as a coming-of-age novel it’s an exploration of the position of young women in society at the dawn of the 20th century, in a patriarchal social system where women are trying to assert themselves (is it really that different to the 21st century??), and with beautifully evoked period settings. We see the girls gradually become more self-reliant, self-confident, and more feminist as the novel progresses. Although aimed at ‘YA’s it will also resonate with those parents who have experienced the guilty tension between wanting to guide and develop teenage offspring and having to let them make their own way, and make their own mistakes, in order to learn and become themselves.
August 13, 2020
This is a delightful story about three lively young women travelling to Europe at a time when society's expectations of them were high, but they are seeking adventure. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews