The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m sure I read this as a child – I MUST have read this as a child, since I devoured these kinds of old-fashioned books – but no specific elements of the book made me say, “yes, I remember that moment!” Still, the whole atmosphere of the book felt intensely familiar – the children, their plans to have more thrilling Saturdays, the comfortable housekeeper, the accidents and mishaps and charm of the thing.
This is one of those stories that you have to experience to appreciate – the plot summary doesn’t do it justice – and I found the audio version an excellent way to experience it. Pamela Dillman’s voice suits the world of the story nicely, giving distinct voices to each character and adding to the old-fashioned charm.
Without any hesitation, I’d recommend this as a great family read-aloud or audiobook for a car trip. While it’s hard to imagine kids today having as much freedom to roam as the Melendys, in any town but especially in New York, it only makes the story more magical 70 years after it was written.
Source: my public library
4 comments
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October 26, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Ms. Yingling
I adore this one. Found a ratty old Enright treasury on sale at the library that included this, making it well worth the 50 cents!
October 26, 2011 at 2:54 pm
layoffthebooks
I love this book! I read it as a kid but it’s definitely a book that stood the test of time well as I re read it awhile ago and still loved it. Can’t believe it was written in 1941, it’s a very timeless story. I found out recently that it’s the first of four books about the Melendy family, I’ve got to find the other 3.
November 2, 2011 at 3:41 pm
veropartners
Coincidentally, I just picked it up from the post office yesterday, I can’t wait to read it with Caroline!
November 4, 2011 at 12:10 pm
jessmonster
Isn’t it fantastic? I’ve since read (listened to) The Four-Story Mistake and I’m looking forward to the others. I love a book that stands the test of time like this.