Understood Betsy


Read by Lee Ann Howlett

(4.8 stars; 410 reviews)

Understood Betsy is a 1916 novel for children by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. The story tells of Elizabeth Ann, a 9-year-old orphan who goes from a sheltered existence with her father's aunt Harriet and cousin Frances in the city, to living on a Vermont farm with her mother's family, the Putneys, whose child-rearing practices had always seemed suspect to Harriet and her daughter. In her new rural life, Elizabeth Ann comes to be nicknamed "Betsy," and to find that many activities that Frances had always thought too demanding for a little girl are considered, by the Putney family, ordinary expectations for a child: walking to school alone, cooking, and having household duties to perform.

The child thrives in her new environment, learning to make butter, boil maple syrup, and tend the animals. When Frances announces she is to be married and has come to "save" Elizabeth Ann from the dreaded Putney cousins, she is amazed to discover that the little girl is quite content to stay. The story ends after Frances has returned home, with Betsy, her aunt Abigail, uncle Henry, and cousin Ann sitting quietly and happily around the fireplace enjoying the knowledge they will now be a family for good. (Summary from Wikipedia) (4 hr 36 min)

Chapters

01 - Aunt Harriet Has a Cough 26:38 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
02 - Betsy Holds the Reins 25:26 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
03 - A Short Morning 22:36 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
04 - Betsy Goes to School 15:56 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
05 - What Grade is Betsy? 20:51 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
06 - If You Don't Like Conversation in a Book Skip this Chapter! 26:13 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
07 - Elizabeth Ann Fails in an Examination 24:41 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
08 - Betsy Starts a Sewing Society 25:34 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
09 - The New Clothes Fail 16:12 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
10 - Betsy Has a Birthday 33:12 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
11 - "Understood Aunt Frances" 38:43 Read by Lee Ann Howlett

Reviews

Hated to see story end


(4 stars)

Excellent reader and good storyline. Easy to get involved in characters lives.

So Enjoyable!


(5 stars)

My nine year old daughter and I listened to this together and we loved it. If you are a fan of the Little House books, and you like a witty bit of writing mixed in here and there, you will be entertained.


(4.5 stars)

I'm making a book for my mother about this oxox

This is a great book.


(5 stars)

This is a great story, I encourage many people to read or listen to this book, L.A.H. did a great reading with all the characters. A great book by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. Giving this a five star review and you should too! Definitely read this.


(5 stars)

We loved it with my 7 and 6 years old children. At the end of the story my son cried because of Elisabeth Ann had to leave that place 🥲 but at the end she did not, it was a happy end 😍I highly reccomend.


(5 stars)

This a a great book! with the descriptions of both turn of the century and early 1800s America, it would be good for those that like the history part of the Laura Ingels Wilder book. Recommended for those who like stories with a warm heart.


(5 stars)

Even tho this is a kid's book and I happen to be the old age of 29, I shall always love this book. The reader is also very clear and does a great job of reading smoothly.

Amazing. Just amazing.


(5 stars)

This is definitely one one of my favorite books! My mom read it to me when I was six. Now I am 14 and i still listen to it all the time!💗💗