Helen Reimensnyder Martin (1868–1939)

Helen Reimensnyder Martin was born in 1868 in Lancaster, Pennsyvania (died 1939). I found little said about her mother in my quick research, but her father was an immigrant German clergyman.

But whatever their station, Helen's parents must have been progressive because she studied at Swarthmore and Radcliffe; and in the end she became a progressive writer, arguing for children's and women's rights.

The novel was the means she chose to make her points. And the 'picturesque' Amish and Mennonite settlements in her home state became the source of both setting and character. From them she drew her heroines, and her more memorable villains.

Tillie is one example. She is a young girl from a large family. But unlike her siblings and the other children of her community she adores school, and indeed 'there is something special about her'. She longs to better herself, and even dreams of becoming a school teacher, but standing between her and her dreams is a stern, tyrannical father. This male figure is described as stingy, bullying, and the sort of person who feels that his children are his slaves until by law they can escape. When the naturally superior Tillie begins to rebel --by sneaking books-- she is beaten.

NOVELGUIDE writes that "Martin was criticized for her description of the Pennsylvania Dutch, but she claimed that she got many letters from them which testified to the truth of her portrayals." There's no footnotes for either declaration in the article, but suffice it to say that Readers should realize that "Tille" is a preachy bit of fiction, that however well written, has a point to make.

Now let's consider what the modern Reader ought to expect from this book 'as a read'. Since Helen was a grad of some fine schools, you are safe in assuming that the grammar and language are well done. The plotting also is well thought out -- although personally I thought the book was a little long. For those who are reading the book to get an idea of the lifestyle of the era, I think you'll find some tidbits that satisfy. Helen writes about farm life, describing the labor and chores. She includes some of the patois and accents of the area, as well as some of the prejudice.

But disregarding the 'preachy' lessons, Tillie is a romance at heart. And those who read today's old-style, sexless, romances will find a predecessor here.

THE SKINNY:::
"Tillie" is a 'message piece'. Though well conceived and written, it's very preachy and I would think that most modern readers wouldn't be motivated to get all the way through.

Personally, I don't know why I continued reading it. I guess the language and novelty was compelling enough.

Not for everyone, but if you're curious, "Tillie" is available for free at GoogleBooks, for Kindle, and at Archive.org. I think it's worth reading the first 1/4 of the book, just for the education and exposure of it.

I read this on Kindle. There are no drawings in this (ASIN: B000JQUKUA) version. There are also some typos: William Perm for William Penn. Not too many, but some.

Pam T~
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