Bambi

by Marjorie Benton Cooke

Novel following the endeavours of a young woman who marries a penniless dramatist and then devotes her life to making him a successful playwright.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Childrens, Romance, Classic Literature

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1914

About the author

Novelist and playwright, Marjorie Benton Cooke was born on 27 November, 1876, in Richmond, Indiana. She was the daughter of Joseph H. and Jessie Benton Cooke. Her father was a salesman and had once served as treasurer for the city of Richmond. Marjorie attended preparatory schools in Detroit and Chicago before entering the University of Chicago.

Not long after her graduation in 1899, she became a successful recitalist of original monologues and sketches. By 1909 she was being called "the cleverest reader of monologues in America". It was also around this time that she began writing one-act plays and poetry. In 1905 she wrote the lyrics to the ditty "Is Yo'? Yo' Is!". Her first book, "The Girl Who Lived in the Woods", was published in 1910 and was followed by "To Mother" (1911), "Dr. David" (1911), "Bambi" (1914), "The Incubus" (1915), "The Duel Alliance" (1915) "Cinderella Jane" (1917) and "The Cricket" (1919). In 1936 her book for young adults, "Bambi" (not the story with Thumper), was serialized on radio starring Helen Hayes. Cooke had also authored a number of popular short stories that appeared in magazines and several plays and screenplays before her career was tragically cut short.

Marjorie Benton Cooke died at the age of 43 on April 26 1920, at Manila, after coming down with pneumonia during an around the world cruise with her mother. Her father had passed away four years earlier in New York City.

(from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177468/bio)

Reviews

[Roni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the Bambi story of the Deer -
I just started downloading the free classics, because they were, well, free. By looking at the title, I thought it was about the Disney Animation "Bambi" since most Disney movies based on old stories. However, once I started reading, I was confused at first, then pleasantly surprised by this book. The story is light hearted and fun reading. I chuckled from time to time. Despite that some people express disappointment to have been by this book not being about deer, I enjoyed it completely none the less and dearly hope that you would give this story the benefit of the doubt and give it a chance.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a darling book! I enjoy reading a book that is cute and charming, but also real. Loved the characters and dialogue. All of it made me very happy.

[Roxie Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this story. I haven't enjoyed one quite as much in quite a long time.

I too made the mistake of purchasing this from the Kindle store under the belief that I would be reading about Bambi the deer, but I am much more pleased by the story I got instead.

[S. Spelbring · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally I picked up this ebook thinking it was the one that Disney's Bambi was based on. It's not.

What it is though is a fun read for someone like me. Bambi, Bambina, Francesca, Miss Mite, whatever you'd like to call her, marries Jarvis on a whim, because he needs taking care of and that what Bambi's done all her life for her mathematician father.

Jarvis is a playwright who's never sold a play, and Bambi is seeking a career for herself to take care of her charges. What ensues is a wonderful tale of making your dreams come true and finding love in old New York.

I think this may be a new (old) favorite for me.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Bambi doesn't once talk about cute little spotted fawns or big bucks or mama does. It is a story about an impetuous young lady that marries a fanatic and slowly bends his personality into someone you can love. It has twists and turns that are humorous and interesting, however amoral. She always comes out on top, even at the end when you wonder if she should. It is a great commentary on human nature and the desires we have for success....whatever that is!

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this book because it was free on the kindle and I was in the process of downloading about a hundred free classics. Yes, I made the mistake of thinking it was the story by Felix Salten that was made into a Disney movie, like most people who downloaded it without reading the details. After getting over the initial confusion, I've found I rather enjoy the story of Bambina and her adventures in the literary world.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're not into rom-coms, don't look here. If you're not into early twentieth century womens' media, again you're probably better off looking elsewhere. But, if you like both those things, you will love this!

Sweet, funny, frustrating in places (at least to modern eyes!) but always highly readable. Plus the ebook is free on Amazon, what more could you ask for?

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the story turned out to be quite different than I had expected (I thought this book was going to be about a deer), it was rather delightful in its own way. I did find myself getting into the story and wanting to see how it ended. This book may be more for female readers than men.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, lighthearted read in a similar vein as "Little Women."

[Lydia Calhoun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how the characters evolved but I also feel like she left a lot unsettled.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free on my Kindle thinking it was a story about a deer and what I got was so much better.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet little romance. well written though.

[Sam Woodfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fawn in sight but I loved this. The characters are all really endearing and Bambi as a lead is a great leading lady. A great unexpected lead.