Book Review: Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
I have to say first of all that I thought Hattie Big Sky was well-written and that the heroine was likable. It was also set in an interesting transitional historical time period, which I appreciated. I also liked the theme of trying to find a home, and the lesson that first you must be at home inside yourself.
SPOILER ALERT! (Stop reading if you’re planning on reading this yourself, because I’m going to talk about the ending.)
I did not, however, like the ending. Even the historical Hattie, on whom the book was based, got a better ending than fictional Hattie. I felt cheated that she ended up hoping for something better, rather than settled and happy, and that all the things she found and loved were taken away.
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so, you don’t care for unhappy endings?
You’re right, usually, I don’t like unhappy endings. However, in this case, my argument is more that the ending is not redeeming. Hattie learns a lesson, but in the process loses everything she’d gained– her friends, her home, her own place, a sense of ownership and belonging. It’s not redeeming and, for a children’s book, I think redeeming is very important. In my mind, there was no reason to take all of that away from Hattie. It didn’t make the point more poignant or serve the story in any way.
Dear Sonja,
I am sorry you were disappointed in the ending. I have been taken to task for the way the book ends but may I say that I really felt the ending was “just right.” In my mind, Hattie did get what she wanted, which was a place to belong. The twist was that she learned “belonging” is not about a physical place but about places of the heart.
I so appreciate your reading Hattie Big Sky! Keep reading and keep blogging about what you read.
Best,
Kirby Larson
Wow, Kirby, thank you so much for stopping by! I do agree with your point that belonging is not about a physical place, and I really liked that theme in the book. Thanks again for coming by and thanks for writing Hattie Big Sky. As I said, I really very much appreciated your great writing and the lovely character you created!