In the novel titled, A Northern Light, by Jennifer Donnelly, we find Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey who has much stress being the oldest in her family. Mattie dreams big and desires to go live in New York City for a much better education. My personal opinions on this novel so far vary from it keeping me wanting to read more, to just having enough of it. To further my opinions, I could describe this book as one of those in which the protagonist has a very difficult life and struggles with her daily routines due to her their family not giving them the chance to spread their wings and go somewhere in life. To make matters even worse, Mattie's mother has passed away, leaving seven of her family members to fend for themselves. "When Mamma was alive, she could make breakfast for seven people, hear our lessons, patch Pa's trousers, pack our dinner pails, start the milk to clabbering, and roll out a piecrust. All at the same time and without ever raising her voice. I'm lucky if I can keep the mush from burning and Lou and Beth from slaughtering each other." (9) Although the author is describing the hardships in which Mattie faces in life, I do find myself getting a little exhausted from reading this type of writing. In many books I have read in the past, such as The Glass Castle, the protagonist finds themselves facing hardships in living their daily lives due to their parents lack of support. Also, Mattie's father gives Mattie a very difficult time, He doesn't let her follow her dreams and get somewhere in life. He believes that she should work on his farm for the rest of her life. "'Can I work at one of the camps this season? Maybe the Glenmore? Abby's old enough to get the meals and look after everyone. I asked her and she said she's be fine and I thought that if I-' 'No.' 'But Pa-' 'You don't have to go looking for work. There's plenty.'" (23) With a father like this, it is a challenge for anyone to have a guide on their own life. Mattie's father seems to control her and guide her in the path that he wants to take her. However, Mattie finally overcomes everything that has sent her back in life and applies to a college in New York named Bernard College. To this , Mattie is accepted and receives a letter from the college. "'It says I'm accepted,' I finally said. 'And that I've got a scholarship. A full scholarship. As long as I pass my exams.'" (65) Mattie is a very smart and intelligent girl. The only thing holding her back is her father. This letter proves her intelligence and how much she really cares about her education. In all, I have very mixed opinions about this novel. The only major problem I have with this book is that it seems to be too plane and can relate to many other books in its category. It just doesn't seem to stand out from all the rest.
I agree with you about the novel being difficult to relate to at times and easy to relate to at others. I think Mattie is an inspiring character in the fact the she doesn't give up on her dream regardless of what her family thinks. Unfortunately, Mattie is also like so many other heroines who have to overcome ridiculous obstacles to achieve success. I believed in the beginning that the book was well written but dull, and reading your post has given me more examples from a well-written story that lacks a true sense of originality and adventure.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your views on the book so far. I want to keep reading to find out more about the murder and about Mattie's quest for college, yet I do not want to keep reading because I do find the beginning of the book to be dull. In addition, I like your connection to the Glass Castle. I did not think about the hardships of Mattie and Jeannette. The hardships the that both families face seem to rip apart the families. Lawton runs away from home after an argument with Pa, and the lack of parental support in the Glass castle cause the children to become closely knit. Also, in response to your view on Pa, I believe that the only reason he treats her like this is because he does not want another family member to leave him.
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