If you've fallen in love with Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, Gertie, and little Charlie, chances are you're curious about the author of these compelling characters. And Sydney Taylor wrote from experience—basically mirroring her own childhood in Sarah's character.
But that childhood wasn't as bright and lovely as the children's books present, and this book removes some of the varnish. You'll learn more about Sydney's family—the background of her parents and tantes (aunts), of their financial hardships, actual tensions and occasional sexual transgressions, and attempted (and actual) suicides of certain characters. You'll hear what motivated Sydney, other career paths she pursued, and the difficulties she encountered while writing and publishing these endearing stories.
It's a worthwhile read, but not a particularly easy or happy one.
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