Betsy in Spite of Herself

After her social whirlwind of Freshman year, Betsy is determined to recapture her skills as a writer. But socially, she’s still trying to figure out who she is. As with many teens, she’s certain that she would be better liked if she were just more daring and mysterious, or more worldly, or really anything other than what she is. And with her put on airs, she snags a wealthy boy with a shiny red automobile, Phil Brandish. She hangs on his every word, lets everything be about him and he is smitten. Betsy is not. She’s pleased with herself, but certainly not smitten. You, dear reader, will be also not be smitten. Phil Brandish is an absolute bore (and a bit of a boor if you ask me). You will yawn as he drones on about his automobile, cringe at his terrible lack of humor and be ready to smack him when he gets spoony.

But Betsy is Betsy, in spite of herself. When Phil tries to jam his fist in her pocket, Betsy holds her ground declaring “You might as well know, I don’t hold hands, I just don’t hold hands!” And eventually, at a crowd gathering, she lets herself have fun and be silly with Tacy and ends up losing Phil. Luckily, she’s got friends and family to walk her through her disappointment, and emerges again as Betsy, much to the relief of everyone she knows, including every boy who is not Phil.

As with Heaven to Betsy the vocabulary is more advanced than in the first four books. A sampling: benevolence, invariably, sangfroid, condescension, ostentatious, inveigle, paucity. Furthermore, a trip to visit dear Tib in Milwaukee leads to sprinklings of German throughout several chapters. Some can be determined in context, but other times you’ll just have to shrug your shoulders and smile like Betsy.

Great For: Strong women! Betsy is not afraid to show her smarts, nor are her friends. Older sister Julia may have a multitude of suitors, but none lure her from her dream of being on the stage (Do you hear that Ella?) Carney may date a string of star football players, but also goes out for debate. Who says brains (and glasses) aren’t beautiful? And although our dear Betsy plays around and sometimes forgets herself, her dream of being a writer is no whim.

Historical Fiction Written a Long Time Ago Alert: Asians are referred to as Orientals and a porter on the train is said to be colored.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – There is joking about weddings and being married. There is a sketch of Mrs. Ray in a slip (covering everything). There is occasional kissing between Mr. and Mrs. Ray. Julia gets serious about a boy, but has a chaperone when taken out. The boys bring mistletoe to try to kiss Betsy, but she escapes unkissed. Tib is described as having a rounded bust. Aunt Dolly wears a low cut gown. There is a proposal. Creepiest bit? A teacher is sweet on Julia and gives her flowers; he comes to Sunday lunch with all the kids. They say he must only be 23 but still, ew.
Profanity – In her journal Betsy describes some people as being full of the “D…..” she does not write out what the “D…..” is. “Darn,” “Darned” twice, “Heaven preserve us, “Dummkopf”
Death, Violence and Gore – Winona says she wishes a teacher were boiling in oil. When playing a game to determine who your future husband will be Winona writes the name of her teacher but announces she will commit suicide if she pulls him to be her husband. When they listen to Tom’s grandmother tell stories they mentions that she remembers the time Indians went on the warpath in the valley, Indian massacre. Birthday spankings are doled out. When Tacy has stage fright, Betsy consoles, “Maybe the school will burn down”
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – As the friends chat about Ivanhoe, Tony asks “What’s Ivanhoe? Sounds like a cigar.” Mrs. Poppy passed out cigars to gentlemen after dinner. Tib’s grandfather manufactures beer kegs. In Milwaukee, Tib’s family tends to have alcohol at dinners and parties, including offering sips to the underage boys. This is a reflection of their more European attitude towards alcohol. There is no drunkenness. Phil smokes a pipe, but gives it up for Betsy (pompous, loathsome boy).
Frightening or Intense Things – None.