The Windy Hill by Cornelia Meigs

“The Windy Hill”

is a classic children’s novel by Cornelia Meigs, first published in 1922. The story is set in a small New England town in the early 20th century and follows the adventures of two young sisters, Deborah and Dorcas, as they explore their rural surroundings and discover the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

The novel opens with the arrival of the sisters in their new home, a small farmstead nestled in the hills of New England. They are eager to explore the countryside and meet their new neighbors, but they soon discover that life in the country can be challenging. They must adapt to a new way of life, learn to work hard on the farm, and adjust to the rhythms of the natural world.

Despite these challenges, Deborah and Dorcas find joy in their new surroundings. They spend long hours exploring the countryside, climbing trees, and playing in the fields. They make new friends, including the local blacksmith, Mr. Jerry, and the kind-hearted Dr. Brown, who becomes a mentor and father figure to the girls.

As they explore the countryside, Deborah and Dorcas discover the wonders of nature. They marvel at the changing colors of the leaves in the fall, the beauty of the snow-covered hills in winter, and the abundance of new life in the spring. They learn about the cycle of life and death, the importance of conservation and stewardship, and the power of the natural world to heal and renew.

The girls also face challenges and hardships as they grow up. They must confront illness, loss, and disappointment, and learn to find strength and resilience in the face of adversity. They learn about the importance of family, friendship, and community, and discover that their small town is full of caring and supportive people.

Through it all, Deborah and Dorcas remain resilient and optimistic. They find joy in the simple pleasures of life, from the taste of fresh-baked bread to the sight of a sunset over the hills. They learn to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and to cherish the people and places that make their small town so special.

“The Windy Hill” is a timeless classic that captures the magic and wonder of childhood. Cornelia Meigs’ prose is rich and evocative, and her descriptions of the New England countryside are both beautiful and authentic. The novel is a celebration of the natural world, and an affirmation of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

At its core, “The Windy Hill” is a story about the importance of connection – to nature, to community, and to the people we love. It reminds us that even in the face of hardship and adversity, there is always beauty and joy to be found in the world around us. And it encourages us to cherish the people and places that make our lives meaningful, and to find hope and strength in the power of nature and the human spirit.