By the Shores of Silver Lake

This is the fifth of nine books in the "Little House" historical fiction series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The book starts with the news, in the first chapter, that Laura's older sister Mary has gone blind. The information is related matter-of-factly, "Her blue eyes were still beautiful, but they did not know what was before them, and Mary herself could never look through them again to tell Laura what she was thinking without saying a word." (p. 2)Laura has to become Mary's eyes and see for her, describing in detail what she is seeing so that Mary, too, can "see." The perceptive reader understands how central this experience, this role, was in shaping the future author of this series of books which are enduring across generations of readers, young and old.Much later in the book, in the chapter, "On the Pilgrim Way," a much beloved, Reverend Alden is visiting, passing through with a very young (boy preacher) Reverend Stuart, and has just said to Ma, "I am sorry indeed, Sister Ingalls, to see the affliction that has come to Mary."The reply comes, "Yes, Brother Alden," Ma answered sadly, "Sometimes it is hard to be resigned to God's will. We all had the scarlet fever in our place on Plum Creek, and for a while it was hard to get along. But I'm thankful that all the children were spared to us. Mary is a great comfort to me, Brother Alden. She has never once repined."Brother Alden extends encouragement and comfort, "Mary is a rare soul, and a lesson to all of us...We must remember that whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth, and a brave spirit will turn all our afflictions to good. I don't know whether you and Brother Ingalls know that there are colleges for the blind. There is one in Iowa."The account continues, "Ma took tight hold of the edge of the dishpan. Her face startled Laura. Her gentle voice sounded choked and hungry. She asked, 'How much does it cost?'"In this book, perhaps more than the other books in the series, the author develops the subtleties of what the Ingalls family is all about, the close interrelationships of its members, their self-sacrificing devotion to one another. With the news that there are colleges for the blind, Laura determines to work hard so that the family can afford to send Mary to one, a theme that carries throughout other books in the series.The author does a nice job of developing the central characters, especially Mary, whose blindness does not in any manner stop her from being a valuable, contributing member of the family. For example, it is Mary who warms and entertains baby Grace on her lap in the rocking chair by the fire, a repeated sweet scene.Mary is mentally sharp and keeps the free-spirited, free-wheeling Laura on her toes, particularly when it comes to being truthful and describing accurately what she (Laura) is seeing. When Laura tells her the road in front of them has disappeared, Mary objects, saying that is impossible. Laura struggles to explain. In the chapter, "The Shanty on the Claim," Laura describes the shanty, which is papered with black tar paper fastened with yellow lath strips as "tiger-striped." Mary corrects her and points out that tigers are yellow with black stripes.Laura gets her first glimpse of her future husband Almanzo Wilder, who along with his older brother Royal, passes the Ingalls family, the Wilder boys standing in a wagon, driving a beautiful, matched set of horses. Laura's attention is consumed completely by the beautiful horses, and she seems to scarcely notice the young men.We cover this series, as well as the prequel series (The Martha Years, The Charlotte Years, The Caroline Years) and the sequel series (The Rose Years) in our home school curriculum with my grandchildren, who are currently 11, 8 and 6. My grandson enjoys the books at least as much as my granddaughters.

We love all of the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but this was particularly special because we listened to it on the way to De Smet South Dakota (there the book takes place). This is the ultimate homeschooling/unschooling unit. Literature, history, and folk music. The book gives kids insight into the struggles the pioneers faced, how daily life revolved around work before modern conveniences. The family is loving and joyous and they make the best of things and have gratitude for the little that they have. (Soda crackers and canned peaches were a BIG DEAL). All of the Little House books have had an enormous influence on my sons' character, work ethic, and gratitude. This is my dad's favorite of the Little House books too. He still remembers his 4th grade teacher reading it aloud to his class 50+ years ago.(P.S. you can stay on the Ingalls' homestead in really nice (weatherproof) "covered wagons" and experience all sorts of prairie activities. You can visit Silver Lake and the original Surveyor's House that they live in for most of this book too! all in De Smet South Dakota. Look it up! )

Fo anyone who likes Little House. Great book series

I could not be happier reading these books. I read them as a child and read them to mine, and now re reading as an adult. Absolutely my most favorite time to read about. I am so thankful for these books and I hope they are available to the young forever.

Had an itch to reread this series again after visiting my niece who was in the process of reading them for the first time. I do confess that I found the majority of the books in the series available to read for free online. But my search came up empty for a free read of "By the Shores of the Silver Lake". Fortunately I am a Prime member. and got a great purchase price. And I've just discovered that with Prime Reading I can "return" books purchased and checkout another selection from the library. Amazon Prime---why did I wait so long to join? Don't think my subscription will ever be cancelled even if the benefits and perks stop at what is currently offered. But Amazon continues to add new perks, deals, and special offers every month or two ! Keep up the superior service Amazon.

Cherry Jones once again brings the characters from Laura's story to life in a unique way.I look for excuses to travel in my car just to be able to listen to another segment of the story!I have read all the books in the series, but I am discovering many aspects for the first time,simply by having them read aloud to me with such care.I bought the first set of CDs to try it out - then I couldn't get the rest of them quickly enoughto keep up with my renewed enthusiasm for the stories.My only regret is that one day, I WILL reach the end of my supply!Of course, I can wait a little while & then start listening all over again -but at the moment I am relishing the freshness that comes with each CD.They are, indeed, American classics - but even as an Australian, I see the universality of thesubject material, especially as read (& sung) by Cherry Jones.These stories are timeless and profound.My admiration for the family of Charles & Caroline Ingalls grows daily.They are absolutely still alive in these recordings - the voice, the music, the story.We get to know Laura and her family & friends a little better.I will probably always re-read the books with the voice of Cherry Jones in my head - this is a good thing!Thank You!

Some of the books in the series are better than others and this one is one of the better ones! It is very descriptive of the history of the time while also rich in detail in making the characters come to life. My 9 yo granddaughter and I are reading the series aloud.

Great classic series my 9 year old loves

西部開拓時代の実の歴史を理解することができる。ダコタの準州に土地を求めて役所に殺到する移民の様子などは、歴史書には書いてない史実である。この時代に使われた英語が良くわかる。例えば、boardは船に乗るでなく「賄い、下宿」の意味で、racketはテニスのラケットではなく「大騒ぎ」の意味である。

L'ensemble des ouvrages écrits par Laura Ingalls est vraiment plus que passionnant, car elle décrit avec des détails vraiment très précis le mode de vie quotidien des pionniers de l'ouest américain. On ne pêut être qu'ébahi et admiratif devant le courage et l'ingéniosité de ces gens qui faisaient absolument tout avec rien. Un must à lire par tous les passionnés de l'époque.

Great book. Perfect condition. Thank you!

子供の頃からずっと訳本で読んできて、今回久々に原書で読んで、「こんな話だっけ」と衝撃を感じました。　冒頭、疲れ切った一家の姿。父さんも母さんもまるですり切れてしまったよう。　もちろん、覚えている訳文と原文に違うことが書いてあるわけではないのです。それが昔以上に胸に迫るのは、私が年を取ったからなのか、原文ならではの臨場感のせいなのか。　開拓して成功するという夢に破れ、崩壊寸前の家族が新天地で再生に向かう物語。40を超えた自分にはそんな風に読めました。　年と共に感想は変わるものなのですね。　　シリーズも５作目ですが、どちらかというと後半の「デ・スメット篇」の第１巻という印象の方が自分の中で強い。そしてこの作品では時代の変わっていく様が鮮やかに描き出されています。　このシリーズ原文に挑戦する少し前に 世界の歴史 23 (23) (中公文庫 S 22-23) という本を読んだのですが、その中では南北戦争後にアメリカの社会が急速に変化していったことが述べられていました。　まさにその時代。作中で、何もなかった大草原に線路が敷かれ、開拓者が押し寄せ、あっという間に町が建つ様子はすごい。変化する時代のパワーを感じます。　思えば、ローラたちも初めは暖を取るのも夜の明かりも暖炉であり、丸太小屋に住んでいたのに、いつの間にか製材した木材でできた家に住むのが当たり前になり、そこには石炭ストーブや石油ランプがあるようになっています。　この時代に生きたローラたちはどんな風に感じていたんでしょう。彼女が亡くなるまでに更に世の中は変わっていったわけですし。　英文の方ですが、今回も「農場の少年」から一段活字のポイントが小さくなり、英語力不足の私としてはだいぶ根性が必要になってきました。でも次作の「長い冬」でも同じポイントでしたので、これ以上字は小さくならないのではと思っています。（でも普通のペーパーバックに比べれば大きい字です）　あと、作者の生き生きとした描写力は「メアリイの目になる」という体験から磨かれたものかな、と。　その辺、訳本でも語られていましたが、原文で読むとしみじみそう感じられました。私がお世話になったのは恩地さんの訳文で、大変いい訳でしたが原文の持つ躍動感には一歩及ばないところがあるので。　本作もニューベリー賞受賞作です。そしてやはりカラー版がおすすめ。 世界の歴史 23 (23) (中公文庫 S 22-23)