Anna Balmer Myers

'Patchwork: A Story of the Plain People' by Anna Blamer Myers is an enchanting story of a ten year girl in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She was raised as a United Brethren or as some people knew them, the Dunkards. The Dunkards are one of three Plain People religious groups who believed in pacifism and simplicity.

Phoebe, the main character hasn’t decided on whether or not to be “plain” when she becomes a woman. She lives with her father and her Aunt Maria in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Her mother had died when she was an infant. Aunt Maria has a tendency to be quite stern. She seems to be uncomfortable with mothering. She teaches Phoebe church doctrine, chores, and sewing but doesn’t show her love for her with hugs or kisses. Phoebe craves the tenderness and sweetness that she sees her friends’ mothers.

Phoebe has a real appreciation for nature. She gets so thrilled with the native flowers and bird song. She also has a love of bright colors, patterns and decorations. She can’t imagine being plain when she grows up. She has visions of being a fine lady in Philadelphia who wears beautiful clothes. It is not that she thinks she is too good to be a Dunkards, not all. She just craves color, and can’t understand why she can’t wear something prettier when birds outside do. She says; just look at the red wing blackbird, the tanager, and the cardinal wear beautiful colors. Her love of nature connects later with her decision of whether or not to be plain when she grows up.

Phoebe is so charming, intelligent and inquisitive. She is a character with faults but you love her anyway. She seems like she is talking to you right out of the story. The author gradually changes her voice as she get older. Even though the author wrote this book the writing is so vivid and clear. I often forget what time period the story was set in.

This story tells of how Phoebe took initiative to get a mother, how she managed to get to Philadelphia. It is a coming of age story in the sense of growing up and reaching maturity and deciding what is best for her.

I enjoyed this book very much and learned about the Dunkards doctrines and way of life. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the different kinds of plain people.… (mer)

Finished: 14/01/10

Genre: Romance/Classic

Rated: C

Opening Sentence: ‘…The scorching heat of a midsummer day beat mercilessly on the earth…’

Written in 1921, and set in Pennsylvania, this is a gentle read about a young girl growing up - being educated, becoming a teacher and finding her true love. There are wonderful references to a time long gone - a more basic way of life.

Martin had been the boy next door for all of Amanda's life. She always knew he was going to be her husband, but unfortunately Martin didn't see what was right under his nose. Still they say that you don't know what you've got till its gone. It takes a series of drama's for the two to finally become a couple - but life still has a few curve balls to throw at them. Good will overcome bad but it takes a while for some people to learn that what they have is bad before they can search out what is good.

A sweet little story, that I read as a free e-book download… (mer)