Rosemary Mild

In a documentary style introduction, we meet our feisty heroine, Bertie Patchet. Most parents would be proud to have a daughter like Bertie, a hardworking college graduate, who aspires to become a teacher. However, when Bertie returns home after receiving her teaching certificate and awaiting an acceptance of her job application, she is met by an indifferent, slovenly, alcoholic mother and an unemployed, lecherous stepfather. Her attempt at improving their living conditions is rewarded by an unwanted, nocturnal visit by her stepfather. This time she is ready for him. She has her handy hatchet by her side. In the morning, she realizes she cannot live like this and decides on an adventure, to ride the rails across America, disguised as a male! After all it is the time of the Great Depression. She has no definite job awaiting her, little money left, after spending most of it to buy her mother some food, and has no real place to go to. She will become part of the hobo community, those who ride the rails, doing odd jobs for food and a bed.
Life on the rails becomes one adventure after another, fraught with danger from railroad police beating up those they find in the boxcars, to thievery from fellow passengers, hunger, rape, people who take advantage, accidents, fire and even murder. Along the way Bertie meets several fellow travelers and people who help her and become steadfast, lifelong friends. And she finds love, a family life she missed after the death of her father, and a satisfying career.
This book has everything you could ask for, non stop adventure, some history lessons (I enjoyed learning about how to make soda fountain drinks from the period.), villains and most importantly, highly likeable characters, who have to overcome every imaginable obstacle. This book would be enjoyable for adults too, not just those aged 12 to 18.… (altro)