Elsie Dinsmore

Elsie Dinsmore-part one<br /><br />Why I am even writing this in the first place.<br />I loved the Elsie Dinsmore, (ED), books when I was younger. In the last few years, as I have made some new friends and started to actually talk to my friends about what they thought about things I was surprised by all the criticism, and mockery of ED. I slowly began to see the Elsie books in that same light, until recently when I was asked what I thought about these books. I was confused: did I really like them enough to stand up for them, or were they just something that was forced upon me when I was younger? I decided to ponder it. I recently came to a conclusion.<br /><br />I have read every one of the 28 Elsie books, and loved them all.<br />Out of the dozens of people whom I have told that I enjoyed the Elsie Dinsmore series, only three, ( that I can remember), answered saying they agreed with me. Everybody else either gave me a look of disgust, laughed in my face, or replied with, "Well I don't read those books." After further talking with the same people I leaned that most of them haven't even read ED and only two, if memory serves, had read the first book. I have often asked myself, "What makes these books so disliked now, when they were once the nation's best sellers for over thirty years, (selling over twenty-five million copies)?" In this post I will be trying to answer that question and one that so many people ask me, which is, "Why do you even read those books?"<br /><br />Before I start I would like to say that if you have not read the books you can read the basic storyline of the first book here real quick. Second, I am not talking about the "fake ED books" in this post, I am talking about the "real ones".<br /><br />Okay, I am ready now. ;)<br /><br /><br /><br />How I first meet ED.<br />I was about six years old when my mother started to read the first book to my sister and me, and we loved it, and couldn't get enough of it! As we got older, we read all the books, ( there are twenty-eight in all), by ourselves around thirty times each. We later moved on to the Mildred Keith series, (which was also written by Martha Finley). The ED books really helped me learn how to trust God in all things, and that nothing is too small for God. They also showed me that I could go to God with all my problems. The ED books were exactly what I needed at that time in my life.<br /><br />The "problem book".<br />In the second book, Elsie's Holiday, is where a lot of Christians have their problems with ED. Elsie's father, ( who is not a Christan, and who openly mocks God and Elsie's faith in him), asks Elsie to read him a "worldly novel" on one Sunday, and just like most believers in E's day she explains to her father how she doesn't believe in doing "worldly things" on the Lords day. She asks him if he would excuse her from this task. Needless to say he, refuses to grant her that request. E holds firm to her convictions, and ends up disobeying her father, though not in an impudent manner. People argue that E's actions in this case encourage girls to disobey their parents. I disagree - I did not get this impression in the least. Whether or not I agree with Elsie's reason for not obeying her father in this instance, she was bound to have to do it at some point as her father was not a Christian, and kept provoking her. Also in later years, Elsie repents to her father of her disobedience, and she tells him that she made a mistake in her decision to not read the novel to him.<br /><br />She is too perfect.<br />This is the number one complaint when it comes to Miss Elsie. Let's stop and look at what we are really saying by this. First of all, she is not perfect. She makes lots of mistakes, and her father has to punish her for them. Yes, I will grant you that she is not nearly as naughty as Curious George or conniving as Tom in the Great brain books.<br />Elsie is a little girl, (well, in the first three books she is), who loves Jesus, and tries to live in a way that brings glory and honor to Him. Elsie is an example of how God wants us to live for Him. That is why Martha Finley, (MF), wrote these books in the first place - to encourage girls to live for God. When we say Elsie is too perfect, are we not saying that the way God wants us to live is too perfect? Elsie would not seem so perfect if we would get with it, and starting living for God, and not for ourselves all the time. The way Elsie lives is the way God wants us, and tells us, to live. Could it be that E's, (sometimes awkward), efforts to live for God's glory convict us of our own low standards, and we're just too ashamed and guilty to admit it?<br /><br /><br />A cry baby.<br />This is something that people really dislike about ED. I agree, she is a cry baby as a little girl, but when her father helps her to see this error, she tries to stop herself, and in a couple of years she gets over it. I realize that this bothers people a lot, and if they decide to not read these books because of this, that is their choice. Of all the reasons I have heard to not read these books, this is one I can understand. I do realize that not everybody has the same taste as I do :) , and if you choose not to read them because of that, go ahead, it's your life. It is also your loss (:D).<br /><br /><br />Martha Finley<br /><br /> * About Martha Finley<br /><br />Martha Finley, bad writer?<br />I have heard from a handful of people that they thought that Martha Finley was "a terrible writer", and "not worth reading". It is true that MF was not as great a writer as say, <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/18135.Romeo_and_Juliet" title="Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare" rel="noopener">William Shakespeare</a>, but it doesn't follow that she was "a bad writer". The ED books were mostly geared toward girls, ages six through twelve, (and therefore may not be as fun to read for older people), which also happens to be one of the hardest age groups to find good books for. Look through your library shelves for young girls' books, and most of the books you will find there are full of stories of girls living very impure lives. I know, I've looked. These are the books that encourage girls to live for themselves only, and teach them that they are smarter, and really know more then their parents do. The ED books were a life saver for my sister and I during that time, and not because they were the lesser of all other evils. We both just loved to read, and these were the perfect books for us. Like I said before, I understand that not everybody has the same taste as me, *what a world that would be*, and you may not enjoy these books for, "just because". I am just asking you to stop, think, and read before you cross them off your list. It's your choice to not read them, but it will also be your loss! This series is truly one in a million!<br /><br />What do you think?<br />All right, that finishes my rant for now. Since I've told you what I think about ED, now it's your turn to tell me what you think! ( please) Also, I was planning on doing some follow up posts on this, so if you have questions, comments, or other reasons why you dislike these books, tell me, and I will try to answer those in posts to come.<br /><br />P.S. Thank you for reading the whole post before you comment, and for leaving your name. :) and don't forget to vote on the poll!<br /><br /><br />Blessings,<br />~Ellie

I tried to like this book. I really did. But it is perhaps one of the worst books about biblical girlhood I have ever read. <br /><br />From the very beginning, Elsie’s contrived flawlessness was nauseating and stifled the sympathy I might have felt for her. Her faultless adherence to every tiny rule made me believe she was more automaton than human. The entire plot (especially the parts regarding her father’s unreasonable punishments and emotional abuse) exists solely to “develop” Elsie’s static perfection. Despite completing that boring purpose within the first few pages, the storyline has no intention of going anywhere else. By the end of the book, I was wishing Elsie would just go drown herself to stop her incessant weeping and to liven up the stagnating plot. <br /><br />Aside from the technical aspects of the book, I think Martha Finley misses the beauty of Christianity. Everyone has sins and failures. Therefore, the Christian life is a constant molding and growing process. It is Christ’s great work despite our imperfections that makes life so beautiful and exciting. Although we strive to glorify Christ with our lives, we will never reach perfection here on earth. However, Elsie seems to exist outside this reality in a rigid Utopia of her own. No matter what doctrine Elsie spouts to the contrary, it seems like Finley's underlying message to girls is, “Look at Elsie. She is awesome and flawless. That’s exactly how you should act if you want to be a godly young woman.” This concept of attainable perfection is not only discouraging but also harmful to girls who read these books. Clinging to such an unrealistic idea can lead to legalism, depression, and even failed marriages.<br /><br />I've heard people try to defend this book by saying, "That's just the way they wrote in the 1800's. And that's the way girls and society were then." Ummm...excuse me? I can think of multiple books written in that same decade (e.g. <i>Stepping Heavenward</i> by Elizabeth Prentiss) that are much deeper, much better written, much more encouraging, and much more <u>realistic</u>.<br /><br />To be completely fair, I have not read the whole <i>Elsie Dinsmore</i> series. But I highly doubt the mindset, message, or writing style behind this first book radically changes later on. I feel bad for berating a book that the Christian community generally praises and which several close friends of mine have found “meaningful and uplifting.” But the painfully didactic plot, poorly created characters, and potentially damaging message leave me unable to recommend it to anyone. Although labeled as a “Christian Classic,” it falls far short of deserving that title. <br />

Dearest Savior, help me, please. Take away these sinful feeling of mine. I want to punch Elsie Dinsmore right in the kisser. What a sanctimonious little prat. And her father? I want to stab him in the forehead with a fork. In this horribly Christian tale, tears constantly roll down Elsie's cheeks as she strives - and fails -to be a Christian. As her stereotypical Mammy says, "Lawsy, Miss Elsie, we'se all sinners!"<br />So to achieve her preposterous Christian goal, Elsie ends up an abused child, desperately trying to please her tyrannical father, who -gasp! insists she play the piano on the Sabbath. Poor Elsie. What else can she do? She faints in horror, of course. Let's leave her lying on the floor while someone else plays a merry tune for us.<br />

I would rate this 0 stars if I could. This book gives me the creeps. Elsie is impossibly good and holy. Her father is abusive and the book makes it seem like his behavior is OK. The whole story has a very self-righteous, preachy, "You mustn't do this, gentle reader," sort of style. Elsie Dinsmore is probably one of the worst books I've ever read, and definitely not something I would allow my children to read. I wouldn't want my kids to read this and think it's OK if someone hurts you as long as they're related to you. Just... no. This book is terrible.

I learned that even though nobody may not love you, you can still trust Jesus' love.

Note: I read the original wording, not the revised Life of Faith edition.<br /><br />My summery of Elsie Dinsmore: <br />Elise *weeping*<br />Nice lady: What's wrong?<br />Elsie: The teacher treated me unfairly and blamed me for my cousin's bad behavior.<br />Nice Lady: I would cry to<br />Elsie: Oh, you mustn't think that is why I was crying. I was crying because I was so wicked as to think they were being mean.<br />Nice Lady: ...<br />Elsie: And that's not the worse thing I did today. My father had also drawn a line in the hallway I wasn't to cross and I accidentally stepped across it. What a naughty child I am. *weeps*<br />Nice Lady: You realize they were being wrong to you and you shouldn't feel shame for those actions.<br />Elsie: *blinking* I suppose you just don't love Jesus like I do, or you wouln't say that.<br /><br /><br />Full <s>Rant</s> Review<br />I read this once when I wasn't much older the Elsie. At that time, most of my friends thought these were the best books ever and it was heresy almost to say otherwise. I buried my deep hatred for these books (it sounds harsh, but I was a harsh youngster) and was silent most of the time unless pressed, and usually regretted saying anything against Elsie.<br /><br />I thought maybe the years would soften my opinion. Perhaps I don't hate these books with the same passion, but it deeply disturbs me that so many have held up Elsie as a godly example to their daughters. Why? Allow me to back it down.<br /><br />At first glance, this book has many things I like. Strong Christian content, a girl willing to do what's right no matter what others around her say, and a simple vintage story. However, let me explain why this failed to deliver.<br /><br />Everyone, with few exceptions, is cruel to Elsie, even to the point of emotional and mental abuse. Does this make Elsie shrink? Stand up? become a confused child? Nope, it makes her weep at her own ungodly attitude. No Christian seems to even express to Elsie that she is being unfairly treated. No one calls out other people's bad behavior to their face. Nope, the best she ever gets is quiet and private acknowledgments that others were in the wrong. It bothered me greatly, even in a book from this time, that no one ever stood up to those mistreating Elsie to their face.<br /><br />Elie's Dad was horrible. Their relationship was sickening. Elsie gets in trouble for the slightest infractions and is deprived of some of the few things in life she takes pleasure in. Yet her goal in life is to please her father. The only time she stands up to him is because she wants her to play something that isn't a hymn on a Sunday, and she weeps and faints. Her father is a selfish man, worried only about himself. Any love he thinks he has for Elsie is really for himself. <br /><br />Elsie herself drove me up a wall. She cries easily. Her two main emotions are guilt and sadness. The only times we see her happy are when she is reading her Bible, or her father is *so gracious* as to show her affection. What a horrible example to our daughters. Shouldn't we teach them that it's okay to get angry at unfair treatment, but that they can turn the other cheek? Shouldn't we teach them to repent of their sins, but not feel shame just because someone wants them to? <br /><br />Basically, this book shows a girl being emotionally abused by her father and relations and no one ever standing up for her at all. <br /><br />Note: There are some African-American characters in this story that are cast in typical molds of the day and some terms that are unacceptable today. I will say they are overall treated with some respect, just not well by today's standards

Amazing book that teaches morals and standards. Growing up I learned a lot from Elsie, though only read this one book. She taught me how to stand up for what I believe in and love all who are around me no matter who they are. To see the beauty in everyone.

I am giving the entire series of 28 books the four stars. While most readers today probably would not, it is important to keep in mind that they were published between 1867 and 1905 and were meant for children and young ladies. Morality and faith abound. The first book begins with Elsie as a young girl and by the last she is a grandmother many times over but the focus of the series has shifted to the younger generations. I found them in early high school by looking up a reference to Elsie in L.M. Montgomery's Emily Climbs and managed to convince my mother to buy them all for me. They are very quaint and idealized, and they also contain a ton of oral history tales in the later books. Seriously, the characters are sitting around on a yacht, sharing stories and songs about American history. So, not for every 21st century gal, but for a girl who is in love with historical fiction of a 19th century sort, then this may be a place for her to go after Alcott, Montgomery, Wilder, and perhaps even Austen and the Brontes.

Personally, I find perfect people boring and somewhat annoying. Elsie grated on me a lot...She cries incessantly, she's not particularly witty, and she seems to be out of touch with reality. And...is it just me, or does it seem kind of weird that she's all concerned with ethics, but her family owns slaves? I guess I can understand it for now, because she's young, but in the following books...I feel bad for not liking this book, because it really does tell a good message. Even when you're all alone, Jesus is all you need. But Elsie is just waaaaay too flawless (and too RICH) to be able to like or relate to...It would've been better to see Elsie being developed spiritually through her relationship with God. Character development is an essential part of a good book, and I found this element lacking in Elsie...She starts off perfect and weepy and ends perfect and weepy...She's like the Christian version of the Mary Sue.

Elsie, I adore you. Your father's kind of horrible (at the ripe old age of 27!) but you love him anyway. That takes guts, kid. I like following along with the Bible passages, and the writing is adorable. I'm on board for the next 27.