Dorothy's Travels

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25630

Title

Dorothy's Travels

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this charming 1908 adventure, Dorothy and her friends embark on a steamship journey from New York to Nova Scotia. Along the way, they encounter social class differences, a runaway friend named Alfaretta, and a mysterious benefactor. The story blends youthful camaraderie with a heartwarming mystery about Dorothy's true heritage, culminating in a joyful reunion with her long-lost family.

Summary up to 500 words

In Evelyn Raymond's *Dorothy's Travels*, a spirited group of school friends, including the orphaned Dorothy, embarks on a steamship journey from New York to Nova Scotia for a summer vacation. The narrative opens with a chaotic departure aboard the *Mary Powell*, where the impulsive mountain girl Alfaretta impulsively joins the trip despite lacking sufficient funds. Her friends, particularly Dorothy and Molly, scramble to secure her ticket, highlighting themes of loyalty and the dangers of prejudice against those of humble means. Onboard, the group encounters diverse social dynamics, including the wealthy but aloof Mrs. Stark and her son Monty, as well as the deaf teacher Miss Greatorex. The journey serves as a backdrop for discussions on social standing versus character, with the wealthy Stark family eventually choosing to shed their pretenses to live more simply with the others. As the boat heads toward the sea, the story deepens by exploring the mystery surrounding Dorothy's origins. Raised with love by foster parents after being found as a baby on their doorstep, Dorothy has long wondered about her biological lineage. The voyage is filled with sightseeing, interactions with various characters, and moments of moral growth that emphasize kindness over wealth. Upon arriving at the hospitable estate of Deerhurst, the friends gather for an 'infair.' Here, the hostess, Mrs. Calvert, reveals a long-held secret through a sealed document. She discloses that Dorothy is her long-lost great-great-niece, the daughter of Cecil Calvert and Miriam, who died in poverty in the American West. Mrs. Calvert explains that she raised Dorothy as her own, though she acknowledges that the girl's true worth lies in the love of her foster family. The novel concludes with a heartwarming resolution. Mrs. Calvert invites Dorothy's foster parents, Johnnie and Martha, to join her household, uniting the biological and adoptive families into one happy unit. The revelation resolves Dorothy's mystery, validating her identity while affirming that true worth is defined by actions and the heart rather than birth or fortune. The tone remains wholesome throughout, celebrating friendship, moral integrity, and the enduring power of kindness to bridge social divides.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg25630.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction
• Travel