Review of Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield

[cschaubfalls]

"Understood Betsy" is the story of Elizabeth Ann who has been orphaned at 6 months old and is being raised by her Great-aunt Harriet and Aunt Frances. We are never told exactly where or when the story takes place; but, it seems to be mid-twentieth century in the midwest. The story begins with Betsy at age 9. The "aunts" have been very loving but overly protective in raising Betsy. Still, Betsy seems to be a happy child. However, circumstances occur which necessitate Betsy moving to temporarily live with other relatives. The Putneys have been described by Aunt Harriet as "stiff-necked, cold-hearted, undemonstratve and hard set New Englanders". Needless to say, Betsy is terrified.

This story is written in a very simple, folksy voice and is about some of life's simple lessons and pleasures. It was a nice detour from our current techno-obsessed world.