Mother Mason

This is the 3rd book I've read by Aldrich and I just love this author. She writes about either pioneer life (1870-1900) or small town life (1900-1920). This particular book was about Mrs. Mason, a woman with 5 children and a banker husband. It told of the trials and the happy times of the family. Mrs. Mason is witty as well as wise. Just a delight! 269 pages

Originally published in 1924, Mother Mason by Bess Streeter Aldrich was her first novel and the start of her producing wise and witty women characters who are the heart and strength of their family. Mother Mason is in her fifties and although at times she rebels against being needed as much by her community as her family, in general she lives a happy and fulfilled life. Her children listen to her and follow her advice and her husband, a bank president, is always at her side and ready to support her.

The story is under 300 pages, and each chapter focuses on a different member of the family as they face a particular challenge and find a happy resolution, from her youngest, a son through three daughters, her husband and the live-in show more housekeeper and friend. Full of gentle humor and likeable characters, Mother Mason is a light hearted read that carries one back in time.

Mother Mason is set in a small American town, just after World War I and is an enjoyable domestic drama full of charm and will remind the reader of Meet Me in St. Louis and L.M. Montgomery’s stories. show less

Funny and touching in an old-fashioned way. A series of episodes in the lives of the Mason family - parents and children - that amuse and illuminate life in small town America at the turn of the last century. I have always enjoyed Bess' writing, and there are many touches here that remind me of "Lantern in Her Hand" without being at all repetitious. Recommended for those who love memoirs of another time.

I've always loved Ms. Aldrich's homey tales of average folks and this is no exception. Consider me charmed.

Very nice collection of short stories about an American family. Reminded me of Katherine Mansfield, L.M. Montgomery, Meet Me In St. Louis, and Penrod.

A collection of stories about a year in the life of the Mason family of Springtown, Nebraska. No problems are insurmountable for Mother Mason. There is one chapter about each of her five children, her husband and herself. Of course, the momma is behind the scenes managing everything expertly.