Five Little Peppers Midway

I really tried hard to finish this, but some books just make it so difficult to like them. This is the second book in the series, supposedly taking place five years after the first. But the characters feel like they haven't aged, especially Phronsie who in many ways still behaves like a four year old. It's almost as if the author forgot that children grow up. And I didn't care for any of the characters, particularly Mr King, who does a thorough job of dominating his African American cook in the first chapter.
I didn't care for the author's writing either. There are abrupt jumps in plot without explanation and other idiosyncrasies that frustrated me. And I know this was written in the Victorian era, but it really annoyed me when the show more author said crying is weak.
Reading this book in the published order makes me wonder what was going through the author's mind. Obviously she had had her own ideas of what occurred in the intervening years, but she forgot to let the reader in on the secret, and this makes the jump between the books abrupt and somewhat confusing. The author eventually wrote other books to fill in the gap and I suggest that readers interested in this series follow the chronological order rather than publishing order. show less

The Peppers are back for more exuberance and family affection. It's something of a letdown after the first one, as the challenges the family faces seem insignificant compared to those in the first book.

What utter sentimental drivel.

If you liked the previous book, "Five little Peppers and How the Grew" you will like this one :)

unacceptable - Ruth
fair - Michael
keep - Katrina