Emily of Deep Valley

When I found that this book was in print again after all these years, if I didn't jump up and down, it was only because I didn't want to look eccentric. This book was my introduction to Maud Hart Lovelace around 20 years ago, and although I loved reading about Betsy and Tacy, Emily is the character I always identified with most. Shy, intellectual, hindered socially by her dignity and her inability to banter, yet full of fun and lightning-quick in a debate, she went straight to my heart as a character I could relate to and love.Imagine my delight when, rereading her story after all these years, I find that it has even more to say to me now. Like Emily, I faced a time in my life when I felt cast adrift, as if my plans for my future had stalled; in fact, I imagine almost everyone has felt that way at one time or another. Emily's struggle with her feelings of displacement after graduating from high school and seeing all her friends go off to college makes her very real and touching, and it's wonderfully heartwarming to watch her take control of her life, start to shape her destiny, and gain self-confidence and poise. This seemingly simple tale has so much to tell about making the most of one's life and learning to find the treasures around you--yet it never seems preachy or dry. This is a book that I'll treasure, as I've treasured the memory of it all these years.

"Emily of Deep Valley" will enchant new and old lovers of Maud Hart Lovelace's work. Emily Webster graduates from the Deep Valley High School two years after Lovelace's famous Betsy and Tacy. A star debater, Emily can't attend college, but must stay home to keep house for her grandfather. Her development from a shy, backward-looking girl reliving her high school triumphs and clinging to her old friends into a young woman mature in love, and a formidable force in the integration of the Syrians into Deep Valley is a delightful and inspiring story. Don't miss it!

I've always enjoyed the Betsy-Tacy books but have never read Emily of Deep Valley...until about a month ago. By getting on this website and reading all the accolades, I had to discover for myself if it was worthy of five stars and I wasn't disappointed. What a wonderful book! Any girl that has ever been a "wallflower" as a teenager, can relate with Emily. Any girl that has ever suffered an unrequited love, can relate with Emily. Any girl that has cared for an older grandparent, can relate with Emily. Her kindness and optimism towards life was contagious and refreshing. Like someone else wrote, I to, would love to be Emily's best friend. I'm older now, but I enjoyed this book as much as if I were a teenager. In fact, I just shipped this book to my 17 year old daughter who's an exchange student in Switzerland. Emily will remain in your heart and mind long after you read the last word. The book made me smile and cry. She's a heroine for any young girl to emulate, and I thank Maud Hart Lovelace for creating such a character as Emily Webster. No wonder it was Lovelace's favorite work! She paints such a vivid picture of Emily and her friends and her grandfather and the home she lives which is situated over a marsh. The sights and sounds come alive of the year 1912, and of small-town America. Please do yourself a favor, and buy this book.

Emily of Deep Valley is about a character we've never met before. Emily is a few years behind Betsy in school, and we meet her as she is about to graduate from high school. Unfortunately, Emily's crowd of friends are leaveing for college, while she, who desires to further her education, is left behind to care for her beloved grandfather, who raised her upon the death of her parents. The book tells us of Emily's struggles to fill the void left after graduation, after leaving high school behind and being left behind by her friends. When I was at a point in my life where I felt that my life was empty of everything except for work, I read this book over and over again. It inspired me to fill my life as Emily filled hers, with worthwhile pursuits and interests. Betsy does make an appearance in this story, and you will find some other familar faces as well. Any fan of Maud Hart Lovelace will love this book and make it a part of her personal collection.

Maud Hart Lovelace spoke of "Emily of Deep Valley" as being her best book, and I can understand why. The book may have been set at the turn of the last century, but Emily's problems are eternal: loneliness, shyness (especially with boys!), and uncertainty about what to do with her life after high school. How she deals with her problems and finds happiness is a wonderful, very encouraging, story. I loved the Betsy stories, but truly empathized with Emily, as will anyone who was shy or retiring in high school. Please reprint it.