part II

I had picked up this book sometime between 2006 and 2007 during a ‘Book Fair’ organized in my school. And throughout the years this book found its place among a pile of such miserably abandoned novels being antiqued by the never ending dust until recently I dug the book out accidentally and pondered over my indifference towards it. I glanced at the rest of the books with equal contemplation and decided to see the end of all those books.

Going through the first few chapters, I realized that as a 6th grader back in 2006, I could never have understood this book in all its essence. Even now, it was quite a task to tame my mind to capture an interest in Historical Fiction. What led to the birth of true curiosity was the fact that this book was molded to give the painting “Laurel and the Girl” by Winslow Homer circa 1879 a history.

The book’s plot is mediocre at its best. It entails Miss Aurelia Sandborn’s discovery of her family post a shipwreck which disconnects the teenager from her parents. Sadly, the synopsis itself is a spoiler. That’s all there is to it except for a tiny and negligible plot twist. Luckily, my uncanny abandonment throughout the years has been the sole driver for me to finish the book. But in case you indulge in Historical Fictions, do place this book on your list. It will surely take you on a safe, companionable and quiet journey. And the next time you ever happen to revisit the 1879 painting, you are sure to undergo a rather sweet train of thought.