The Little House books are such a loaded topic. Where do I even begin? I fell in love with them in 2nd grade. At the time I didn’t read the entire series. All it took was having the original Little House on the Prairie book read to me by my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. B. At age 7, I also loved the TV show, even if I would be hard pressed to watch it now. In my 7 year-old head, I wanted to be Laura of the Little House books. I wanted to move with my family, meet new people, see new scenery, and learn new things. In fact I distinctly remember a few of my favorite dresses from that year. In my mind, they were similar enough to the dresses worn by Laura (Melissa Gilbert) in the TV show to count. I simply wanted to inhabit a world of endless adventure, even if it just meant catching reruns of the TV show as part of my afterschool routine. Little did I know just how much those books would mean to me as an adult.
It was through Little House on the Prairie that I first became aware that books could end up as TV shows or movies. At age 7 it was a new concept to me. Today I cringe when I think of the liberties Michael Landon took as he created the TV show. In fact, I’m conflicted. I can understand why so many loved and continue to love the show. It is just so hard for me to get around the fact that the books are so much better. In my mind I have to completely separate the TV show and the books. If I didn’t, as an author, the entire situation angers me deeply. I can only imagine what Laura herself would think of the TV show.
As an adult, I took the time to read all of the books. I love the fact the books can be equally enjoyed by children and adults alike. I also love the fact that the books do not talk down to children. What I truly admire is the writing style. It is simple, yet elegant. While the events are based upon true events in the life of Laura, there are definite elements of fiction in there as well.
I cherish knowing the fact that Nellie Olsen is indeed a fictionalized character based on three little girls from Laura’s childhood. In combining the worst traits from bad little girls she knew, Laura created one of the best female villains in children’s literature. I love blurring the lines between fiction and non-fiction. Laura did that extremely well.
It took me rereading all of the Little House books, along with other writings by Laura Ingalls Wilder, to fully appreciate the extent to which the books are unique. Through those books an intriguing era in westward settlement of the United States is preserved through the eyes of a young girl. Another element of the series that inspires me as a writer is the way in which the voice of the author grows as Laura grows throughout the series. Laura somehow captures just the right voice whether speaking as a child, a school girl, or a young married woman. As a writer, I can’t imagine a time when I will not be inspired by her body of work.
Image via Wikipedia
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Interested in Almanzo Wilder? Read: http://www.americanpopularculture.com/archive/bestsellers/almanzo.htm
Thanks for the info. Wayne! It’s an interesting read. Both the characters/real life personas of Almanzo Wilder and Mr. Edwards have always intrigued me. I guess I just wanted to know more. I always thought Laura’s sister-in-law Eliza Jane made for an interesting character as well. In the case of Eliza Jane it almost seemed as though Laura didn’t want to include more because there were hard feelings there – or at least a misunderstanding. Fascinating stuff.
Lindsey