A harum-scarum schoolgirl

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24645

Title

A harum-scarum schoolgirl

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A spirited American girl, Diana, arrives at a British boarding school only to find its beloved headmistress has suddenly left for war. As the new term begins under a strict but ambitious principal, Diana's arrival disrupts the status quo. Through her own adventurous past and a series of misunderstandings involving missing essays and secret societies, she transforms the school's atmosphere, turning a potential crisis into a tale of friendship, discovery, and resilience.

Summary up to 500 words

In Angela Brazil's *A Harum-scarum Schoolgirl*, the narrative centers on Diana Hewlitt, a spirited American girl who arrives at Pendlemere Abbey just as its beloved headmistress, Mrs. Gifford, abruptly departs to join her husband in France. The school is left in the capable but reform-minded hands of Miss Todd, whose modern educational methods clash with the traditionalist sentiments of the student body. Diana's arrival immediately disrupts the status quo; her lively spirit and penchant for adventure cause a stir among the girls, who initially misunderstand her eccentric behavior. This misunderstanding escalates when Diana is suspected of stealing a prize-winning essay, leading to her confinement in a solitary attic room. However, her innocence is soon vindicated when it is revealed that a senior student, Hilary, had accidentally submitted the wrong manuscript. While imprisoned, Diana discovers a hidden door in her room leading to a forgotten attic filled with valuable antique furniture. This discovery resolves a significant subplot: the furniture is sold to fund the education of Loveday, a senior student, transforming a mystery into a generous windfall. The story weaves together Diana's recounting of her daring exploits in the American West—such as retrieving a stolen pony during a blizzard—with the school's internal dramas. Themes of loyalty, the clash between old and new methods, and the unexpected bonds formed among the girls drive the plot forward. By the end of the term, the school community has grown closer, celebrating a period filled with humor, mystery, and heart. The narrative concludes with the anticipation of the return of friends from the war, leaving the girls looking forward to a future united by shared experiences and renewed friendships.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Schools