The Penderwicks
By Jeanne Birdsall
A review by Leyla Akay
Four
sisters, a summer adventure, and two rabbits are a sure equation for a good
book. The Penderwicks is just
that; full of nostalgic charm, it is a delightful reminder of a bygone era.
Gardening in particular seems to feature a particular role in this wise and
witty book.
Mr.
Penderwick, a widow since his wife died of cancer four years previously, is a
professor of botany in the Penderwick’s hometown of Camden, Massachusetts.
Sometimes speaking in Latin, he offers advice and plant names to his daughters,
always counseling them to vultus pro vos insulto, or “look before you leap.”
As
the story begins, the Penderwicks are on their way to a vacation cottage in the
Berkshires. Along the way, they spot many farms and even get free tomatoes from
Harry the Tomato Man, the local gardener. When the Penderwicks arrive at their
cottage, they find it is actually part of a huge estate called Arundel, famous
for its beautiful and extensive gardens. Cagney, the gardener, meets them as
the Penderwicks unpack. He and Mr. Penderwick instantly become friends as they
exchange plant names.
Arundel’s
gardens play a major role in the plot: It is through a hole in the hedge that
Skye, the second daughter, meets Jeffrey, the boy who lives in Arundel.
However, due to Skye’s headstrong behavior and a misunderstanding, Skye
accidentally insults Jeffrey. It is up to Jane, the third daughter, to soothe
wounded feelings. Soon they are all friends as Jeffrey rescues the youngest
girl, Batty, from an angry bull’s garden.
The
idyllic summer progresses as the Penderwicks and Jeffrey have many adventures--
hiding in garden urns, exploring the grounds, and avoiding Jeffrey’s mother,
Mrs. Tifton, who whole-heartedly disapproves of the Penderwicks.
However,
on one fateful day, Mrs. Tifton hosts a gardening contest. Although they are
reminded repeatedly by Rosalind, the eldest, Skye, Jane, and Jeffrey forget the
garden contest and have a loud and raucous soccer game. Unfortunately the
soccer ball sails into the garden, upsetting Mrs. Tifton but amusing the
judge.
With
a surprise ending and quite a few twists and turns, The Penderwicks is sure to become a classic. A sequel, The
Penderwicks on Gardam Street, is
available and the author plans to write five altogether.