A Little Country Girl

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27162

Title

A Little Country Girl

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A heartwarming tale of a shy country girl, Candace Arden, who finds belonging and confidence among her wealthy Newport cousins. Through summer adventures, lessons in French, and a profound reconciliation with her initially critical cousin Gertrude, Candace learns that true gentility lies in kindness and courage, transforming her from an outsider into a cherished family member.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Newport's summer season, *A Little Country Girl* by Susan Coolidge chronicles the transformative journey of Candace Arden, a timid girl from Connecticut, as she navigates her first long voyage by sea to stay with her wealthy cousins, the Grays. Initially overwhelmed by the sophistication of her new environment and the judgment of fashionable peers, Candace finds solace in the kindness of Captain Peleg King and the warmth of her cousin Mrs. Gray. She quickly bonds with the lively girls, participating in sailing trips, fishing expeditions, and morning surf baths. As the summer progresses, Candace embraces new challenges, including learning French and finding her voice. The narrative deepens when Candace's cousin Gertrude, who initially resented Candace's rustic nature, confesses her past cruelty and expresses deep regret. This moment of vulnerability leads to a powerful reconciliation, solidifying their friendship. As autumn arrives, the family prepares to leave Newport, but Candace is no longer afraid of separation, having found a permanent home and a new identity. The story celebrates themes of shyness versus courage, the transformative power of friendship, and the idea that true worth is found in character rather than appearance or social standing. Through her experiences, Candace evolves from a shy outsider into a confident young woman who understands that kindness and bravery define a person more than their background or attire.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27162.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27162.epub

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2026-07-04 13:16 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Family