Tabitha at Ivy Hall

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25390

Title

Tabitha at Ivy Hall

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the rugged American West, this poignant coming-of-age story follows Tabitha Catt, a spirited young girl burdened by a name chosen by her father to spite the world. Through her bond with her ambitious brother Tom and the mysterious hermit who once betrayed their family, Tabitha learns resilience and forgiveness. A tale of redemption and family reconciliation, it appeals to readers of classic children's literature with its emotional depth and historical setting.

Summary up to 500 words

In Ruth Brown MacArthur's *Tabitha at Ivy Hall*, the narrative follows Tabitha Catt, a resilient young girl living in the harsh desert town of Silver Bow. Her life is defined by the mockery of her name, 'Tabitha,' a label chosen by her father, Lynne Catt, to spite the world after his own life as a miner was ruined by betrayal. Tabitha endures daily bullying, the absence of her mother, and the burden of caring for her family. Her world fractures further when her brother Tom prepares to leave for college in Reno, her friend Carrie is sent away to boarding school, and her father suffers a severe injury in a mining accident. With the family nurse unavailable due to illness, Tabitha must care for her sick father alone in the sweltering heat, a trial that nearly breaks her spirit. The story reaches its turning point with the return of Decker Simmons, known as the 'hermit of the hills.' Once a partner who cheated Lynne out of his fortune, Decker has returned to make amends. He reveals he has brought back the family's lost wealth and offers to help care for the injured father. As Lynne recovers, he confronts his past mistakes, apologizes for his harshness, and seeks forgiveness from his children. In a heartwarming resolution, the father offers Tabitha and Tom the chance to choose new names, but Tabitha, having learned that kindness matters more than labels, decides to keep her name. The novel concludes with the family united by love, financial stability, and a renewed commitment to a better future, illustrating the transformative power of forgiveness and the strength of familial bonds.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Schools