
Glengarry School Days: A Story of Early Days in Glengarry
by Ralph Connor
'Glengarry School Days: A Story of Early Days in Glengarry' Summary
Set in a Canadian backwoods community in the late 1800's, the story centers around the school, the pupils and master, and the families. There are spoilers from here on...
The teacher-pupil relationship with the first master, Archie Munro, is inspiring and the 'golden lessons' that he teaches...that the man that remains master of himself never knows defeat.'
I loved the chapter called, 'Examination day; ' The examination was the great school event of the year...its approach was attended with deepening excitement...'
I don't remember ever feeling that way about examinations. More like deepening anxiety. How great it would be if exams were like this again. Each person doing their best and encouraging others to do theirs.
And as the Master said, 'It is a good thing to have your minds trained and stored with useful knowledge, but there are better things than that. To learn honour, truth, and right; to be manly and womanly; to be self-controlled and brave and gentle-these are better than all possible stores of learning...'
The new master introduced at chapter 4 was certainly different. I did have some sympathy with him at first as it is never easy taking over a position that was previously held by someone loved. However, he soon lost my sympathy by his behaviour. He not only belted Thomas, the brave young fellow who volunteered to take the whipping for his younger fellow pupil, but he also little Jimmie who he volunteered for.
Connor's masterful description of the minister's son, Hughie and his descent into the clutches of the manipulative 'Foxy' and then his inner turmoil, makes this book more than just a sweet book of delightful nostalgic tales. It becomes a book of deep human understanding. Everyone of us at some time in our life has done something that we deeply regret and which burns a hole in our very soul if we don't take it to the Lord and the one(s) offended. I squirmed and ached every step of the way with Hughie and rejoiced with his emancipation. As Mrs Finch says, "It is a graund thing tae be free, is it no.' Masterfully done by one who knows the Master.
The description of working and being with the Finch family was also very well done. I have experienced similar myself and felt peace simply by reading about it. The Lord gave us work for a blessing and Mrs Murray and Mrs Finch both understood this principle. Connor obviously has a 'mother-love'. He either had a mother of great virtue and wisdom or else he didn't but knew of such in other families. Either way, he put mother at the centre of a loving strong healthy family.
The conversion of John Craven and the shinny match were well written. I was caught up in the excitement of the match and the way Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Finch ministered to others in a quiet feminine way. It was interesting to read that according to Hughie's mother, the purpose of the game was 'to teach the boys to control their temper.' and that 'he that ruleth his spirit it better than he that taketh a city.' I wish sportsmen today observed this philosophy.
Overall, wonderful well written book with deep understanding of the emotions and ideals of a community of people trying to live according to their beliefs and principles. This book is a keeper.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1902Genre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Authors

Ralph Connor
Canada
Charles William Gordon, or Ralph Connor, was a Canadian novelist, using the Connor pen name while maintaining his status as a church leader, first in the Presbyterian and later the United Church in Ca...
Books by Ralph ConnorDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Betty Gordon at Bramble Farm by Alice B. Emerson
The story follows Betty Gordon, a young girl who moves to Bramble Farm in Pennsylvania with her family. She quickly makes new friends, joins the local...

Kriloff's Fables by Ivan Krylov
Herein is a collection of 86 fables translated into English from the 201 written by Kriloff. Some of Kriloff's fables are translations from La Fontain...

Favorite Fairy Tales by Various
This book of favorite fairy tales was compiled and illustrated by Peter Newell. it includes Jack The Giant Killer; Cinderella; Sleeping Beauty; Little...

Harper's Young People, Vol. 01, Issue 25, April 20, 1880 by Various
This volume of Harper's Young People, published in 1880, is a treasure trove of stories and articles designed to engage young minds. It offers a blend...

Hans Christian Andersen: Fairytales and Short Stories Volume 1, 1835 to 1842 by Hans Christian Andersen
This book is a collection of some of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved fairy tales. These stories have been translated into more than 100 languag...

The Poor Little Rich Girl by Eleanor Gates
The Poor Little Rich Girl is a children’s fantasy about a little girl named Gwendolyn who is lonely and longs for a friend. But she is isolated by ric...

Rover Boys Out West by Arthur M. Winfield
The Rover Boys Out West is a classic children's adventure novel that follows the exploits of the three Rover brothers, Tom, Dick, and Sam. The story b...

Little Book of Profitable Tales by Eugene Field
'Little Book of Profitable Tales' is a collection of short stories written by Eugene Field for his daughter Mary. The stories explore themes of child...

Dandelion Cottage by Carroll Watson Rankin
Dandelion Cottage tells the story of four young girls who befriend a wealthy businessman named Mr. Black. The girls, seeking a playhouse, discover a d...

The Five Jars by M.R. James
A short story in a book form that’s more like a fantasy about a man who finds five jars in the woods and finds out how using the contents makes him aw...
Reviews for Glengarry School Days: A Story of Early Days in Glengarry
No reviews posted or approved, yet...