“A thump, thumping and smothered cries took her rushing to the stairway in time to catch Cassie as she rolled onto the narrow landing above the little door. She seized her, shook her, blew in her face, then ran with her to a window to see what bones were broken. The limp little figure dangled over her arms; the head, with the straggling hair slipped as ever from its braids, flopped backward toward the dangling hand-me-down shoes. Gertie, shaking her, whispering in terror, “Cassie honey,” blowing breath into the open sagging mouth, remembered guilty that with all her riches not one new thing had she bought for Cassie, and that in all the hurry to get to the new house before the certain rain promised by the war, windy, reddening sunrise, she had not even combed Cassie’s hair.
“Clytie, git a dipper a cold water—quick!”
Then the limber arms were flung about her neck, the sagging mouth was laughing, while the too big shoes flew to the far corners of the room as Cassie kicked her heels. “Oh, Mom, you looked so funny. I got tired of this sinful Satan-ridden earth and I went up to heaven.” She sighed and slid from her mother’s arms. “I didn’t like it so good—That Callie, she pulled them gold feathers out uf a big angel’s wings and throwed away her crown. It went a bounden an a bouncen down them golden stairs clean down to this Satan-ridden world.”
Clytie, her face white with fury, torn from linoleum, willowware, and curtains, threatened to throw the dipper of water into Cassie’s face. But Gertie was too relieved to do more than slap her bottom not hard enough, as Clytie pointed out in disgust, to squash a fly, and threaten to beat that Callie Lou till she was pieded black and blue from head to toe.”
—The Dollmaker – Harriet Simpson Arnow
I first read The Dollmaker back in about 2016. I couldn’t put it down till I finished it even though the main character Gertie made me so mad I wanted to reach into the book and give her a good shake. It’s masterfully written—good book always make you feel strong emotion. Along with wanting to throttle Gertie I also wanted to hug her neck and tell her to never leave her mountains that I just knew she could make it if she tried.
Other than Gertie, my favorite character in the book is Cassie. I was too backward and rule oriented to be a child like Cassie, but I’ve known several such spirited imaginative children in my lifetime. In fact I raised two of them.
The excerpt I shared is one of my favorite parts of the book. Likely because it shows such a clear picture of Cassie as well as the true loving and worrying nature of Gertie. Cassie’s talk of heaven and the devil really speaks to my heart.
I’ve always found children who speak in religious terms simultaneously inspiring and hilarious.
When Chitter was about three years old she’d tell me “Momma the Lord wants you to be good to me!” Such a thing coming from a tiny little girl who knew that I was always good to her left me in hysterical laughter. Other times she’d say “Momma! I thought the Lord told you to be good to me!”
One day the girls and I walked down the road. We were on our way back home when we saw Uncle Henry in his yard. I guess the girls were about six years old. As we walked up the hill to talk to Henry he asked us where we’d been and how we were. Before I could answer, Chatter with her little face beaming with joy looked up at him and said “Hallelujah and Praise the Lord.” Henry looked at me and said “Did she say Praise the Lord?” I said “She sure did.” 🙂
A friend of ours told the story of a small boy at a church up at Andrews who was cutting up instead of listening during preaching. When his daddy had had enough he picked the little boy up to take him outside for a talking to. Knowing what was coming, on the way down the aisle the little boy yelled out “Yall pray for me!” to the congregation.
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a used copy of “The Dollmaker” written by Harriette Arnow Simpson. Leave a comment on this post to be entered. *Giveaway ends November 8, 2022.
Last night’s video: I Believe Painters (Panthers) Live Here, Do You?? & Packsaddle Stings Hurt!!
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I lost my copy of The Dollmaker before I could even read it! Thanks for sharing it with us.
I laid aside most of my reading when my cataracts got so bad but now that I’ve had the surgery my eyes are fine and thanks to you I have been reading a lot more. I love to read and I’m so thankful that my granddaughters love to read too. I’ve learned a lot from reading. It’s such a pleasure. Thank you for getting me back in the notion to read! I’ve read several of the books you have recommended about Appalachia and I love reading them and I love the way you share your wonderful experiences while celebrating Appalachia. I look forward to every Friday when you read to us. Your sweet voice can be heard all through my house as you read. I turn up the volume so I won’t miss a word and listen to your readings multiple times. Thanks for your time and dedication to celebrating Appalachia and for reading to us.
I remember seeing the tv movie based on this book. It was so good. I would love to read the book.
I’ve never read this book, this snippet has peaked my interest. Thank you for sharing.
I love the things that children say! I have a best friend whose little girl would baptize her dolls in the puddle of rain when she was little. So cute. I think The Dollmaker is one of the only books I have yet to buy that you recommend. You have never let me down!
I ordered this book from you recommendation a few weeks back, haven’t had a chance read more than a few pages, but it’ll be a good one doubt!
One Christmas at Grandpa Carl & Grandma Marcelina’s house my 3 year was acting up to the point my husband said “Baylor, if you do that again I will spank you!” Baylor said “but why daddy?” Daddy said “I’ve asked you to stop, I warned you to stop and you continued, so next time you will be spanked in hopes you will do as you are told.” Baylor’s reply was “but it hurts daddy!” Needless to say, we did a lot less spanking! The innocence of a child, and oh my, the wisdom of a child!
That book was made into a movie. The main character was played by Jane Fonda. I loved that movie!!!
Watch it if you can find it.
I had to laugh out loud several times while reading today’s story 🙂 Thank you for sharing! I would love a copy of “The Dollmaker”.
My family was great friends with a minister and his family. They had 7 children (all redheads like their parents) and adopted one.
My dad used to tell the story of a Sunday when the minister was in the pulpit preaching and one of his sons kept acting up. Finally the minister said “excuse me” and stepped down from the pulpit, walked over and picked up his son, walked up the aisle and out the church house door. When he came back in, he carried his son back to his mother, stepped up into the pulpit and returned to his sermon.
On the other hand, myself and my 4 siblings were warned before Church that if we acted up in any way we would get the razor strap when we got home. That was never necessary.
I would love to read this book.
Mom had a struggle with me at church about putting my money in “the hat.” I was about 3 yrs old & when the plate was passed around, I wouldn’t put my money in it. Mom scolded me & shook my little tight fist holding the coins over the plate, and I started screaming, “No, I want a Coke & Candy. Well, I got a blistering when Mom got me to the car, & she lectured me on giving in God’s House. I would love to read the Doll Maker Book.
One night i carried one of our granddaughters “outside” of church. Later Sharon told me, I’m glad you did that; if you hadn’t I’da had to.
I ordered a copy of the book on your recommendation. I am only in to the first chapter, but I can tell that Gertie is one strong woman. Thanks for the book. So far I have so enjoyed all the books you have been reading to us
I would love to win this for my youngest grandson. Praise God Tipper he got saved and baptized a month ago. I’m so proud if him. He 9 yrs old.
Great read; an emotional roller coaster ride, tho. H.S. Simpson write several books on life in Appalachia; many were well received by writing critics and she was held in high esteem by many. Harriett was raised in my childhood area of Kentucky just up the road a bit from where we lived; her father was my grandmother’s brother. My grandmother inherited and lived in the old family home place.
The book sounds good!
I took our daughter out of church many times for spankings. Once she said quite loudly, “Daddy, please don’t spank me.” As we got closer to the exit she yelled, “At least don’t pull my pants down this time.”
We had a boy in church that was my daughter’s age. He ha bright red hair and a personality to match. He was always acting up. One day as his dad was taking him out for a spanking, he yelled “Help, help, he’s going to spank me. No, no, don’t spank me.” My daughter sat with silver dollar sized eyes, mouth agape. She knew better than to try anything like that. I’ll have to say, she sat very still and was well “entertained” by him and his misbehaving. This sounds like another wonderful mountain story! You have wet my curiosity to know the rest of the story!
It’s been many, many years since I was stung by a packsaddle but I can still remember the pain.
As for “Spirited” children, I’ve known a lot of them. Wait! I was one and may still be. My mother many times threatened to kill me some night when there was no moon and the next day tell God, “I don’t know what happened, When I went to wake him he was dead.”
I told her several years ago I thought God couldn’t see in the dark until I was 16. Our pastor said to the youth group, “God can see what you’re doing in the back seat of that car.” And I exclaimed, “God can see in the dark!!!!”
I talked with a lady today who has 10 month old twins and she was constantly pulling them off of or out of something.
Our daughter was one of those. I enjoyed watching her explore. She caught lizards, climbed trees, destroyed bikes with reckless stunts, etc. My wife thought little girls should be afraid of the world.
What a funny story about the little boy having to walk out of church. Lol
I’ve heard you speak of this book before and id love to read it!
Children are so precious and can be so funny. loved the story of the little boy asking for prayer. To funny.
To sorta goes along with spankings at church. This happen along the at same time the preacher that caught and held me was at our church. He was one of the most beloved preachers we have had and was a character in his own right, he would laugh right along with the rest of us. One of the mothers would pinch her son instead of taking him out. During a morning service her son let out a yell and said “oh mama, you pinched me and it hurt”. It cracked up the church and John the preacher was laughing just as hard as everyone else. I also remember the un air condition church, the raised windows with no screens and those funeral home fans. I like to watch the wasp, and kept thinking how funny it would be if one would be for one to land and sting one of the bald headed men. I know I was a little heathern.
I visited a fellow member this morning and took her some black walnuts. She invited me to come and talk for a little bit. I bet she won’t do that again, I wouldn’t shut up and leave. She was mighty nice.
I read The Dollmaker many years ago. H.S. Arnow was the author of many wonderful books. The movie is on the Roku Channel and also YouTube.
I’ve grown to love Appalachian stories especially of days gone by. You read an excerpt from The Dollmaker a few years back and I loved it. I didn’t know there was a movie.
I love this book! I’ve seen the movie as well but the book is far, far better. It does an excellent job depicting the hardships of people having to uproot their way of life and move to a world that was totally alien to them. I lived that life. My family left Eastern Kentucky in 1964 and landed in Northeast Indiana. It was a difficult adjustment for sure.
I read the book several years ago. I think I would like to see the movie. Such a sad book.
It really is a sad book. The movie is on the Roku Channel and YouTube. The quality of the video is much better on Roku than YouTube.
Tipper, you sure picked a good one!! The story of the little boy made me chuckle and reminded me of a couple of stories I’d like to share. One was in our church. We had one little boy, every Sunday he would get fidgety, and his mama would give him a look and he’d settle down and bless his heart, he had his head leaned against his mama, well she didn’t want him sleeping so she would thump him on the head to wake him up, sounded like thumping to see if a watermelon was ripe, LOL. He couldn’t win either way. Then I have a cousin and he and his wife had taken the grandchildren to visit his family’s church and it was a primitive baptist church with no air conditioning and the middle of the summer. Well, they were all sitting there and in the middle of the sermon, the three year old little girl says, Grandpa, it’s hot as H*** in here. She wasn’t raised to hear or say such but everyone in the church heard it and started laughing, even the preacher. My cousin turned every shade of red there was. Out of the mouths of babes… Needless to say, they didn’t visit that church again for a long time, LOL.
I never was blessed with daughters. However the three sons I bore used to sit in the front pew at church, their daddy sang during the service so was always at the side of the altar. When they started their shenanigans his look could usually stop them. Many a times I’d have to march the main culprit right up the aisle and he yelling I’m sorry. Those three boy are now fathers who followed our example of the front pew…ah the memories you bless my mind with to travel back in time.
I won The Dollmaker last time. I enjoyed reading it and donated it to our local library so that others could get the feelings I felt in reading it.
I read The Dollmaker years ago. Would love to read it again.
I have never read the book but the Movie was suggested for good Appalachian reading over the winter. I meant to watch it but I never did. Maybe I could read the book as I can just read what I have time for and go back where I can’t with a movie.
I’ve seen the movie several times, it’s my mama’s favorite. I currently have the book that I borrowed from her but haven’t read it yet. I’ll tell you one thing…being that my name is Cassie and watching the doll maker from a young age I have always tried my best to steer clear of train tracks! I guess that part traumatized me a bit haha.
Hopefully little Cassie’s imagination is written about many more times.She made me warmly laugh this morning. I’ve read an Einstein quote: Imagination is more important than knowledge as with one, you learn what is already known and with the other, you create what is yet to be learned.
Well, Tipper, you have only yourself to blame for the kids’ personalities, which are in many ways a reflection of yours – the good and the not-so-good, at least in your eyes. They’re like little pack rats, gathering up all the mannerisms and personality traits exhibited by yourself, Matt, Paul, those wonderful grandmas and grandpas and others. They have apparently gathered up a lot of good things that will stand them in good stead throughout the rest of their lives – a real blessing and source of joy (and at times a source of consternation for you as well, I’m sure.) You and Matt are very fortunate to have them still close. By the way, I read The Dollmaker, an excellent read, many years ago and still remember some of the characters. Keep up the good work, and keep those good stories coming our way.
I saw the movie several years ago, which was so good. I would love to read the book!
I’ve never read the book nor seen the movie. It would be a treat to do either one.
Kids can exasperate you and delight you all at the same time.
We watched this movie a while back – very emotional for me. I’ve never read the book, but it would be a pleasure. Your girls are still praising the Lord in their videos!!! Take care and God bless ❣️
I first encountered this book on my grandmother’s bookshelf, but never read it until I was an adult. It’s an emotional wringer, but it does one of the best jobs I’ve ever read at showing how explosively WWII changed the culture in the southern mountains forever.
Every day morning I check my e mails, Tipper, and every morning your blog has something interesting or funny or both. Today is no exception! I think I heard the story of the little boy acting up in church but it’s still funny as all get out! I’ve also heard of The Dollmaker but haven’t gotten around to reading it. I’m going to have to rectify that soon!! Thank you for a fantastically enjoyable read every day!
Had my heart pounding! Sounds like a book I would to read!!
Well, I am very thankful for the Blind Pig & the wonderful books you are reading to us & introducing to us!
I saw the movie on TV years and years ago. I would love to read the book.
Be warned: it’s a good read, but not a happy one.
We love that movie!
When I was young, 70+ years ago, I happened to spot a village doctor walking down to the front with the choir and apparently in a too loud stage whisper, “Oh, there’s Dr. Parker. My mommy says ‘He’s a horse doctor!’
My mother was a tiny woman and she recently received some huge tablets while in to see him, that was large enough to choke a horse.
No, my mother wasn’t present that morning as she worked nights at a hospital. But the story was oft repeated by my uncle over the years.
I think I saw the movie about the Dollmaker years ago, but it’s been so long I don’t really remember much about it. I’ve heard a lot about the book though, and I’d like to read it. I loved the story about the little boy asking for prayer as his Daddy escorted him outside. 🙂 I can really relate to it and some of the comments. I have a lot of good church memories. 🙂
I bet the dad at Andrew’s was taking the boy out for a little more than a “talking to”. So funny.
This sounds like an interesting book. I would love to read it. Thank you for sharing your stories. Today’s stories put a smile on my face!
I watched the movie, “The Dollmaker,” but I bet the book is much better. I enjoyed reading your post.
This sounds like a lovely book. I love the innocence of some children and the mischievousness in others. My twin grandchildren are complete opposites in personality and always managed to keep me entertained with their antics!
Sounds like a good one!
Absolutely one of my most favorite books! When my mama read to me as a tiny girl, and later after I learned to read, it has always felt like I lived somewhere in the pages with the characters. Everything was mapped out in my imagination, and still is. The movie was made in 1984 and is now on Tubi or Roku, I don’t remember which one. No movie is as good as the book, just my opinion 😉
Enjoy your memories and thank you for sharing. The little boy in Andrew’s knew he needed prayer because we all know about those “ talking to’s”.
My mother in law tells a story when her oldest was little. She had to walk him out of the church. During their walk up through long aisle he began wailing, “Jesus, don’t let her beat me!” My MIL has rarely spanked the child let alone “beat” him. I think I would’ve crawled under a pew. Haha!
Kids say the darndest things!
A good book has always been my best friend. I would enjoy reading The Dollmaker.
Two quotes come to mind:
“Suffer the little children to come into me” said the Good Lord.
Out of the mouths of babes!!
When my son, Chance, was about 6 years old, I saw him get a large glass of water and take it across the street to our elderly neighbor. He was cutting his grass on a hot day. I was overwhelmed at my son’s empathy at such a young age.
I just bought the movie for my mom one of the cna’s at my mothers community was telling her about it and she said she thought it sounded like something she would enjoy, I was going to by the book for myself, but maybe I’ll wait I may get lucky! have a good weekend.
Oh my, I’m still chuckling about the little one!! I’ve seen a few removed and brought back in, I will forever hear that little ones voice, y’all pray for me! I would love to read the Dollmaker! You lift my every morning with your blog. I truly appreciate the stories of Appalachia! Thank you. God bless all
love the little boy, so funny and what a perfect thing yo say
The story about the little boy asking the people to pray for him could very well have been me. I was a drug child, I was drug to church ever time the church doors were open for a service. Me and other children especially the boys walked the aisle many times, but to the front door not the altar. A keen hickory switch most often did the talking. Man, I was either hard headed or just plain dumb. It took me a while to realize I didn’t go to church just to get a spanking. I tease a boy that I know from my church. His mother walked him down the aisle and outside it seemed like ever Sunday. When he passed my pew he would be begging his mother not to spank him. He is now a lawyer and I tell him I hope he has better luck pleading for mercy with the judge for his clients than he did with his mother. He will laugh and tell me those judges are not near as tough as his mother was. I think he lost everyone of his cases with her. This don’t happen nowadays at church . Sometimes us older members will stand around after church and will talk about these church spankings and laugh about them and tell things on each other that we had done at church when we were children. I remember running down the aisle from mother and the preacher stopping his sermon, catching me and holding me until mother could get me, boy that was a bad one, not only had I showed out, but I had embarrassed her too. These spankings must have done some good, all of us turned out to be pretty good. It was always our mothers taking us out.
Best story today, Randy.
“Out of the mouths of babes…”
I can just picture that little boy in Andrews! I’ll bet the congregation burst out laughing
Oh, I have never heard of this book, but would love to read it. Thank you for sharing.
I can identify with the little boy in Andrews. It shows that he believed in prayer.
Sam I may have prayed but my prayers were unanswered. I remember telling mother God was going to be mad at her if she kept breaking those switches off his bushes. She told me He would be mad at me for cutting up church. I know of one mother bringing a switch to church with her and leaving it outside by the front door, I guess she knew she would need it for her boys.
A good book is hard to find.
How well I remember those two beautiful, sweet little girls! There was no telling what they would be into next!
This book sounds familiar. Was it made into a movie years ago, maybe a TV movie?
Gail-it was made into a movie but I’ve never seen it 🙂
Haven’t read the book,don’t know if I could finish it. Saw the movie & couldn’t stop crying. Almost broke my heart.
wonderful ♡
Such a great snippet of a story. You are such a great story teller,love the one about the little boy at church telling the congregation to pray for him.