Priscilla Bailey: A Story of the Great Depression

by J.D.R. Peterson, Diana Reimer (Contributor)

Based on a true story, this coming-of-age novel is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. When Priscilla Bailey's family moves to a small town in California so her father can take a job with the WPA, Priscilla dreams her life will change. Soon the days of living in a frigid tent in the winter or in a car beside the road will be gone. However, the ravages of the past have marked her family. Her mother, obsessed with her own abusive childhood, is unable to show the kindness or provide the love Priscilla needs. Her father is still grieving over the death of Priscilla's brother. Priscilla hopes to be able to find some small measure of dignity in her new home. She hopes for a friend. But even Priscilla cannot imagine how her life will change, how all their lives will change, with the unbelievable gift of a loving dog.

196 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I managed to finish this one, but it was difficult. The description on the cover gave me the impression that this was a middle-grade or Y. A. book. The content turned out to be for an adult audience, and even I cringed at some of the passages.
The mother of Priscilla and Ruby needed some serious help. Today’s doctors would be treating her for bipolar disorder and depression. One minute this woman is hugging her children, then switching her youngest daughter’s legs until they bleed, because the child talked in church. I know the setting is the 30’s, but, sheesh. Even the dad took the mom to task a few times.
The best way I can describe the feeling I got while reading this book is uncomfortable. And relieved when I finished it. The typos and grammatical errors didn’t help, either, and there were quite a few.