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Swan Place
After a series of family tragedies leaves fourteen-year-old Dove, her younger sister Molly, and their baby brother, Little Ellis, in the care of their seventeen-year-old stepmother, Crystal, Dove and Crystal risk everything to keep the family together, fleeing to a secret refuge called Swan Place, where they meet a group of women who change their lives in profound ways. Reader's Guide available. Reprint. 35,000 first printing.
- GenresFiction
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
29 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Augusta Trobaugh
15 books43 followersAugusta Trobaugh is the author of three previous novels, Sophie and the Rising Sun, Resting in the Bosom of the Lamb, and Praise Jerusalem!, a semi-finalist in the 1993 Pirates Alley Faulkner competition. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Georgia, with a concentration in American and Southern literature. Her work has been funded through the Georgia Council of the Arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 8, 2013
A great coming of age novel set in small town Georgia and Swan Place in South Carolina. Dove is a character that you will love. She has such great strength and yet a sweet vulnerability. After the death of her mama, Dove takes on the task of taking care of her siblings. Thanks to Aunt Bett, she manages to get by. After an unforeseen problem forces Dove and her family to take refuge with Buzzard at Swan Place, Buzzard steps in and helps Dove make one of the biggest decisions of her short life. And you will never forget Buzzard's prayer group, Circle of Jesus. These characters are ones that will live on in your mind for days after the book has been laid aside!
January 21, 2010
I read this again every once in awhile, when I need to run away from life. It makes me feel better, like mentholatum under my nose and a heating pad on my back.
Although there are aspects of this story which are a little too much on the "Hallmark Channel" side for some folks, it's still a book you should read. And here's why. It reminds you of what's important in life. May be hokey, but really, we all need that reminder from time to time, don't we?
Although there are aspects of this story which are a little too much on the "Hallmark Channel" side for some folks, it's still a book you should read. And here's why. It reminds you of what's important in life. May be hokey, but really, we all need that reminder from time to time, don't we?
August 8, 2014
Loved the Main Character What a wonderful book. The main character was such a lovely creature - and I read this book as fast as I could :)
Swan Place is an amazing southern read, and a true down home comfort book. As others before me have noted - you will fall in love with the main character, 14-year old Dove, right from page 1. The story centers on Dove & her family as they try to rise above one unfortunate event after another and maintain survival. And Dove does this with such grace and strength of character.
When Dove & her siblings become orphaned, their Aunt Bett steps in to help the children, even though as a widow, she has a home full of her own children. Dove & the kids find themselves at Swan Place, where a strong, generous black woman named Buzzard steps in and brings a sense of comfort & stability to these children who are in a state of chaos. Swan Place is a story of the deep ties of family, the power of love, and the strength of women of all ages.
Swan Place is an amazing southern read, and a true down home comfort book. As others before me have noted - you will fall in love with the main character, 14-year old Dove, right from page 1. The story centers on Dove & her family as they try to rise above one unfortunate event after another and maintain survival. And Dove does this with such grace and strength of character.
When Dove & her siblings become orphaned, their Aunt Bett steps in to help the children, even though as a widow, she has a home full of her own children. Dove & the kids find themselves at Swan Place, where a strong, generous black woman named Buzzard steps in and brings a sense of comfort & stability to these children who are in a state of chaos. Swan Place is a story of the deep ties of family, the power of love, and the strength of women of all ages.
May 23, 2022
I loved this book EVEN MORE than Trobaugh's marvelous novel, "Sophie and the Rising Sun." The protagonist in this story, Dove, is one of the most winsome, memorable teenagers I've read about in a while. She is earnest, honest, and loving - although she swears to stop loving people, after suffering very difficult losses and discovering that deep love so often results in deep pain.
And yet, her compassionate and responsible heart cannot help but love those who enter her life: a very young "stepmom" who is more like an older sister, the granddaughter of a neighbor who she relates to better than any of the girls at school, a larger-than-life maid named Buzzard who takes Dove and her family beneath her ample wing.
The storyline and characters remind me somewhat of The Secret Life of Bees: strong, salt-of-the-earth Southern women, both black and white, full of faith, surviving by a hard work ethic, committed to loving "the least of these" and protecting the needy with every ounce of their strength. This particular story covers a year - from one Easter to the next - in Dove's life, one full of loss and transition, and full of strong women who teach her that she has more to lean on in this life than her own responsibility and grit.
The writing is beautiful as well, and Dove's own love of writing stories enriches this book as well.
The prologue gives the reader a true taste of what's to follow:
Every spring, I watch for the first tender assurances of the earth being born all over again - a particular, fragrant sweetness in the air, the green mist of newly sprouting leaves, a veil of dew on the grass early in the mornings, and the savage, melodious songs of young mockingbirds staking out their territories. And I am always drawn back to one particular spring, starting on an Easter Sunday morning when I was only fourteen years old, when I finally started becoming the woman I was destined to become - when I arrived, after a long year of losing and gaining all the strong women who became grafted into my being forever. A year of learning what it meant to get on with living, as Aunt Bett always said. But also of discovering that I had a secret place deep inside that was filled with the strength and love that came from that terrible and wonderful year. A year when I lost almost everything I had to lose - but when I finally came to realize that no howling storm of life buffeting me would ever be as ferocious as the throbbing breath of resolve deep inside, leading me, at last, to the song I was created to sing.
And yet, her compassionate and responsible heart cannot help but love those who enter her life: a very young "stepmom" who is more like an older sister, the granddaughter of a neighbor who she relates to better than any of the girls at school, a larger-than-life maid named Buzzard who takes Dove and her family beneath her ample wing.
The storyline and characters remind me somewhat of The Secret Life of Bees: strong, salt-of-the-earth Southern women, both black and white, full of faith, surviving by a hard work ethic, committed to loving "the least of these" and protecting the needy with every ounce of their strength. This particular story covers a year - from one Easter to the next - in Dove's life, one full of loss and transition, and full of strong women who teach her that she has more to lean on in this life than her own responsibility and grit.
The writing is beautiful as well, and Dove's own love of writing stories enriches this book as well.
The prologue gives the reader a true taste of what's to follow:
Every spring, I watch for the first tender assurances of the earth being born all over again - a particular, fragrant sweetness in the air, the green mist of newly sprouting leaves, a veil of dew on the grass early in the mornings, and the savage, melodious songs of young mockingbirds staking out their territories. And I am always drawn back to one particular spring, starting on an Easter Sunday morning when I was only fourteen years old, when I finally started becoming the woman I was destined to become - when I arrived, after a long year of losing and gaining all the strong women who became grafted into my being forever. A year of learning what it meant to get on with living, as Aunt Bett always said. But also of discovering that I had a secret place deep inside that was filled with the strength and love that came from that terrible and wonderful year. A year when I lost almost everything I had to lose - but when I finally came to realize that no howling storm of life buffeting me would ever be as ferocious as the throbbing breath of resolve deep inside, leading me, at last, to the song I was created to sing.
December 9, 2023
Well if you've read the book blurb, you've actually read the entire plot, you just have to read the ending for the rather predictable conclusion and epilogue. This was a fairly well-written journey down a really, really well-trodden road, with stock characters and overly-familiar situations. The narrator, Dove, was 14 years old but was incredibly naive. For awhile I actually thought the character was meant to be developmentally delayed although the author threw in a few conflicting challenges to that idea. Food for thought though if you're just picking this one up. I had absolutely loved a couple of the author's short stories so perhaps I would have liked this plot better in short story form, And perhaps this was a sunny summer book and suffered from being read in bah humbug December. 2 1/2 stars.
October 7, 2019
This was okay. It was a good story. I like the characters and the setting. I kind of felt that Dove came across a bit younger than she was supposed to be. I would have thought with everything she had been through that she would have been more adult and that she would have know what was going on with Crystal. Her mom had two other children and she was old enough to know what was going on at least age wise.
November 3, 2008
Warm and delicate like a southern breeze
Trobaugh returns to her southern roots with Swan Place, a coming-of-age tale of familial hardships and triumphs, that unfolds in a sleepy little town in Georgia. Despite the cloud of sad events, Swan Place allows glimmers of hope and contentment to break through, at the characters develop and grow.
At the heart of the story is Dove, a sensitive 14-year-old who loves her mother dearly, and has a sense of responsibility beyond her years. Dove, along with two younger siblings, is raised by her fun-loving “honky-tonking” Mamma who works as a hairdresser at home, and her simple kind-hearted husband, a step-father to the children. Despite the struggles to make ends meet in the small town, the family are close-knit and happy, and manage to instill respect and a sense of duty in their young daughter.
The story unravels with wistful delicacy, as Dove must overcome seemingly insurmountable struggles in the formative years of her childhood — the heartbreak of watching her once vibrant mother wither away with a terminal illness; assuming the household duties and the role of ‘mother’ to her two younger siblings; and the remarriage of her step-father to Crystal, an inexperienced 17-year-old and former bar dancer, a child herself in many ways.
After yet another family tragedy, Crystal, Dove and the two babies are left to fend for themselves. Ridiculed at school, and fearful of losing her dear siblings, Dove comes to discover that writing offers solace, as she pens stories and experiences in her journals and notebooks.
When Doves dead-beat biological father returns, threatening to break apart the little family, the girls’ only choice is to go into hiding. They enlist the help of Dove’s Bible-thumping Aunt Bett and an interesting array of newfound friends, to assist in their escape. The girls ultimately find themselves in the keep of the gruff but lovable “Buzzard” – the housekeeper of an affluent estate, hidden away on the outskirts of town, known as Swan Place. Buzzard and her fellow devout black women's Christian group keep the girls safe and help them to bear up under trials.
A common thread throughout most of Trobaugh’s books, Swan Place attests to the strength of love, familial relationships, and spirituality and how, combined, they can be a formidable foe in opposition to hopelessness, poverty and racism. It is a simple yet touching – and sometimes saccharine – read that will not be easily forgotten.
Trobaugh returns to her southern roots with Swan Place, a coming-of-age tale of familial hardships and triumphs, that unfolds in a sleepy little town in Georgia. Despite the cloud of sad events, Swan Place allows glimmers of hope and contentment to break through, at the characters develop and grow.
At the heart of the story is Dove, a sensitive 14-year-old who loves her mother dearly, and has a sense of responsibility beyond her years. Dove, along with two younger siblings, is raised by her fun-loving “honky-tonking” Mamma who works as a hairdresser at home, and her simple kind-hearted husband, a step-father to the children. Despite the struggles to make ends meet in the small town, the family are close-knit and happy, and manage to instill respect and a sense of duty in their young daughter.
The story unravels with wistful delicacy, as Dove must overcome seemingly insurmountable struggles in the formative years of her childhood — the heartbreak of watching her once vibrant mother wither away with a terminal illness; assuming the household duties and the role of ‘mother’ to her two younger siblings; and the remarriage of her step-father to Crystal, an inexperienced 17-year-old and former bar dancer, a child herself in many ways.
After yet another family tragedy, Crystal, Dove and the two babies are left to fend for themselves. Ridiculed at school, and fearful of losing her dear siblings, Dove comes to discover that writing offers solace, as she pens stories and experiences in her journals and notebooks.
When Doves dead-beat biological father returns, threatening to break apart the little family, the girls’ only choice is to go into hiding. They enlist the help of Dove’s Bible-thumping Aunt Bett and an interesting array of newfound friends, to assist in their escape. The girls ultimately find themselves in the keep of the gruff but lovable “Buzzard” – the housekeeper of an affluent estate, hidden away on the outskirts of town, known as Swan Place. Buzzard and her fellow devout black women's Christian group keep the girls safe and help them to bear up under trials.
A common thread throughout most of Trobaugh’s books, Swan Place attests to the strength of love, familial relationships, and spirituality and how, combined, they can be a formidable foe in opposition to hopelessness, poverty and racism. It is a simple yet touching – and sometimes saccharine – read that will not be easily forgotten.
March 30, 2015
I loved this book, its plot, its characters, and the sincere beautiful language and understanding through which the story is told. This is the first book I have read of this author, and most certainly, it won’t be the last.
What I liked most about this book is the courage and strength of the main character, be it a fourteen-year old girl, who tells a grown-up story. Looking at adults through her eyes, her insight, her good-will and even her misconceptions have been a delight.
The novel hovers around dysfunctions: of the family, of the characters, and of the society with cultural overtones of the South.
Swan Place is the story of Dove who loved her mother, and after her death, tried to do her best to survive and to bring up her younger siblings. Although one unlucky incident after another keeps hitting her family, Dove stays strong, despite all the difficulties plus her classmates’ taunts with the help of a few adults who were good to her. One of these adults is her Aunt Bett and the other is Buzzard. Both of these women try to make Dove’s and her family’s lives a bit more livable. Moreover, there are some untold things about her family and her own background that Dove finds out as the story progresses.
What makes this story a perfect example of Southern fiction is: The splendid flow, fantastic characters, deep family ties, religious thought that doesn’t preach to the reader, quirky and well-developed characters, steady pace even through the twists, and the most wonderfully sincere storytelling through Dove’s point of view. If Faulkner’s specialty is known as the Southern Gothic, I would think Augusta Trobaugh should be known as the Southern Hope.
What I liked most about this book is the courage and strength of the main character, be it a fourteen-year old girl, who tells a grown-up story. Looking at adults through her eyes, her insight, her good-will and even her misconceptions have been a delight.
The novel hovers around dysfunctions: of the family, of the characters, and of the society with cultural overtones of the South.
Swan Place is the story of Dove who loved her mother, and after her death, tried to do her best to survive and to bring up her younger siblings. Although one unlucky incident after another keeps hitting her family, Dove stays strong, despite all the difficulties plus her classmates’ taunts with the help of a few adults who were good to her. One of these adults is her Aunt Bett and the other is Buzzard. Both of these women try to make Dove’s and her family’s lives a bit more livable. Moreover, there are some untold things about her family and her own background that Dove finds out as the story progresses.
What makes this story a perfect example of Southern fiction is: The splendid flow, fantastic characters, deep family ties, religious thought that doesn’t preach to the reader, quirky and well-developed characters, steady pace even through the twists, and the most wonderfully sincere storytelling through Dove’s point of view. If Faulkner’s specialty is known as the Southern Gothic, I would think Augusta Trobaugh should be known as the Southern Hope.
June 18, 2018
SPOILERS EVERYWHERE
I must have read a different book than everyone else.
The dialogue was unemotional with most of it being "do this, get that, go here". And the dialogue overwhelmed the book.
Also, the kids' mom dies on Easter Sunday. By June her step-dad (real dad?) who was the mom's high school boyfriend I think and her one-true-love from how it's described, anyway, step-dad is married again to a 17 year old girl, Crystal.
Then a week later, step-dad is dead in a car accident, and EVERYONE ACCEPTS THAT THIS 17 YEAR OLD GIRL THEY'VE KNOWN A WEEK IS GOING TO STEP UP AND BE THE PARENT AND BE TRUSTED WITH THESE THREE KIDS. And everyone is on board with them running away to hide at a neighbor's relative's house.
Excuse me a moment, because I can't even.
The circle of Jesus group seemed very random and just something to add some bulk to the story.
The characters don't even go to Swan House until after 50% into the book.
It's a nice feel-good story, but it was unrealistic and I feel all of the high ratings and glowing reviews led me astray.
I must have read a different book than everyone else.
The dialogue was unemotional with most of it being "do this, get that, go here". And the dialogue overwhelmed the book.
Also, the kids' mom dies on Easter Sunday. By June her step-dad (real dad?) who was the mom's high school boyfriend I think and her one-true-love from how it's described, anyway, step-dad is married again to a 17 year old girl, Crystal.
Then a week later, step-dad is dead in a car accident, and EVERYONE ACCEPTS THAT THIS 17 YEAR OLD GIRL THEY'VE KNOWN A WEEK IS GOING TO STEP UP AND BE THE PARENT AND BE TRUSTED WITH THESE THREE KIDS. And everyone is on board with them running away to hide at a neighbor's relative's house.
Excuse me a moment, because I can't even.
The circle of Jesus group seemed very random and just something to add some bulk to the story.
The characters don't even go to Swan House until after 50% into the book.
It's a nice feel-good story, but it was unrealistic and I feel all of the high ratings and glowing reviews led me astray.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2013
This novel is set in an unknown place (probably the deep South)and in an unknown year (possibly the early 60's). We walk with 14 year old Dove Johnson during an extremely turbulant year of her life. Dove will face numerous changes during this year. The most significant will be a constant flow of loved ones in and out of her life.
The lessons she learns amidst all the changes will teach her that she is stronger than she realizes. It examines issues of responsibility, love for family and new friends, the lengthy time required to change long held mores, and learning to say good-bye and living through the pain that can bring.
Although the main character is a teen, this is definitely adult-worthy reading. Ms. Trobaugh continues her rating of five solid stars with me. She has the rare ability to pull you into a story to the point where you can smell the cornbread and feel the starch in a good Sunday dress.
The lessons she learns amidst all the changes will teach her that she is stronger than she realizes. It examines issues of responsibility, love for family and new friends, the lengthy time required to change long held mores, and learning to say good-bye and living through the pain that can bring.
Although the main character is a teen, this is definitely adult-worthy reading. Ms. Trobaugh continues her rating of five solid stars with me. She has the rare ability to pull you into a story to the point where you can smell the cornbread and feel the starch in a good Sunday dress.
January 6, 2016
An enjoyable, albeit somewhat predictable read, full of lessons about faith and family. Loved the Christian messages!
September 4, 2021
Augusta Trobaugh captivated me with her words once again. Her writing is like music. When you’re caught in the melody, it sweeps you away to the place where the story is unfolding. She is a master of dialogue, which is Southern in flavor, but natural and uncontrived.
I seldom read books a second time, but this is a book that becomes more personal and sweeter with each reading. Eleven year old Dove tells her family story with honesty, warmth, courage and wisdom. It may sound like a contradiction, but Dove’s family story is one of triumphant losses. Every obstacle that surfaces, every circumstance that threatens to separate Dove from her siblings is met with strength, resilience and faith.
Along the way, Dove is supported by her Aunt Bett and her large brood, and by Aunt Mee, Savannah, and Buzzard, and the prayers of the ladies in The Circle of Jesus society. Life is hard. Unexpected things happen, but Dove discovers that if you keep giving, loving and trusting, you can rise above life’s challenges.
I highly recommend this book, especially during these troubled times.
I seldom read books a second time, but this is a book that becomes more personal and sweeter with each reading. Eleven year old Dove tells her family story with honesty, warmth, courage and wisdom. It may sound like a contradiction, but Dove’s family story is one of triumphant losses. Every obstacle that surfaces, every circumstance that threatens to separate Dove from her siblings is met with strength, resilience and faith.
Along the way, Dove is supported by her Aunt Bett and her large brood, and by Aunt Mee, Savannah, and Buzzard, and the prayers of the ladies in The Circle of Jesus society. Life is hard. Unexpected things happen, but Dove discovers that if you keep giving, loving and trusting, you can rise above life’s challenges.
I highly recommend this book, especially during these troubled times.
April 18, 2023
Swan Place is a truly sweet story about young children who may have come on hard times, but thanks to a loving aunt's smart thinking are spared of being neglected. Indeed, Dove, the center character about 14 years old, and her smaller sister Molly, and brother Little Ellis, are being welcomed at Swan Place, where Buzzard is running the house. I can't say much more than that as not to give away spoilers.
This is a very charming and maybe a bit of a naïve story, but it certainly warms the heart to know that are good people on earth, who are ready to tell a white lie to save children's life for the better.
This is a very charming and maybe a bit of a naïve story, but it certainly warms the heart to know that are good people on earth, who are ready to tell a white lie to save children's life for the better.
August 29, 2023
Mesmerizing story
Swan Place is a mesmerizing tale of a young girl, Dove, growing up fast through trials and tribulations. Augusta Trobaugh's writing is reminiscent of the descriptive, rich plot and characterization of Harper Lee's classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. You can smell the biscuits baking in Buzzard's oven, hear the uplifting gospel singing in church, and feel the sorrows and joys Dove experiences. I want to read this book all over again!!!!
Swan Place is a mesmerizing tale of a young girl, Dove, growing up fast through trials and tribulations. Augusta Trobaugh's writing is reminiscent of the descriptive, rich plot and characterization of Harper Lee's classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. You can smell the biscuits baking in Buzzard's oven, hear the uplifting gospel singing in church, and feel the sorrows and joys Dove experiences. I want to read this book all over again!!!!
February 4, 2018
Great coming of age story about love and learning that circumstances may choose you but you choose how to react to them. The book brought up issues of family, poverty, and racism. It kept me on my toes. There were plot twists I didn't see coming!
May 14, 2020
Swan Place
Enjoyed the story of Dove. Love and family and life in a simpler time. Great journey you could say she had a hard row to hoe but then stuff happens to everyone.
Enjoyed the story of Dove. Love and family and life in a simpler time. Great journey you could say she had a hard row to hoe but then stuff happens to everyone.
January 26, 2021
Great read
Such a great book about love, family, loss and moving forward in life. Excellent character development, and coming of age story.
Such a great book about love, family, loss and moving forward in life. Excellent character development, and coming of age story.
January 28, 2021
I absolutely loved this book!! A great read for anyone needing a little hope.
January 11, 2023
Loved this novel, reminded me of my mom, women are just strong.
September 28, 2024
A charming story of a young teenage girl who finds the strength she needs after a series of tragedies falls on her family.
October 23, 2025
such a sweet and tender story. i absolutely adored the main character & wasn’t sure where the story was going to end for a good majority of it
June 21, 2008
The girl(forgot her name), and her YOUNG step-mom and step-siblings in this book are forced to go into hiding to protect their family from being torn apart. During which they find safety and sanctuary at "Swan Place". A coming-of-age book that brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. If you want a happy feel-good read this is it!
August 26, 2010
Yet another Southern novel that I really enjoyed. Trobaugh did a wonderful job with characterization and capturing the language of people of different ages and races – all of the voices rang with authenticity.
Dove is a young girl with big hardships and a lot of responsibility. The relationships in her life are very satisfying and the plot was not predictable. Highly recommended.
Dove is a young girl with big hardships and a lot of responsibility. The relationships in her life are very satisfying and the plot was not predictable. Highly recommended.
June 27, 2010
This sweet book was a wonderful treat to read in a day's time while being sick in bed. I loved the characters, the wisdom, the family bonds and humility of it all. I cried while reading the final pages and feel like those characters will be with me for a long while.
May 30, 2012
Dove is a strong fourteen year old who is the oldest child in her family. She has more and more s responsibilities after her mother dies. Her step-father marries a 17year old. Tragedy strikes again. Dove has some important decisions to make.
July 23, 2013
I love Trobaugh's writing style. Get your cup of coffee, put your feet up and enjoy this book. The story is not earth shaking, it won't keep you up at night, but it will take you away for awhile. A bit of an insight into how we treat each other, but not preachy
December 5, 2014
A perfectly wonderful book! The characters are believable and likable. The storyline is interesting and carries some surprises. I'll have to check out more of Augusta Trobaugh's books. This one is five stars.
March 18, 2008
I really have loved this author so far. Yet again, I love her characterization (loved the protagonist Dove!) and her way with language. Great read. Sad at times and funny at others.
October 2, 2008
this is one of those hallmark special type books, but good nonetheless. A girl and her 2 much younger siblings keep having their parents die on them, and people help her out.. pretty good read..
December 8, 2008
Quick, easy read, a little bit predictable but kind of fun. Another southern author, a little to godly for me but I enjoyed it.
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