"Within a few inutes, Mama had us all comfortably seated about the tea table. Mrs. Winford and Miss Grimes drank great, loud draughts of the steaming coffee. The girls and I were just as greedy with the blessedly hot chocolate."
Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes, ISBN 0-15-656377-0, p 69
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. I think it's part of the reason why I love the city of San Francisco so much. The Golden Gate Bridge, the Telegraph Hills, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, Marina, etc. I simply love everything about San Francisco, and someday, I must return and become a proud SF resident.
This book is about an immigrant Norwegian family and their life in San Francisco in the 1920's. Life was difficult at the time as the family faced many challenges and struggled to survive. Mama, and her secret bank account, helped the family through many difficulties. Until one day, Mama finally revealed the secret about the bank account- there was none! Mama simply said: "Is not good for little ones to be afraid- to not feel secure."
I first read the Chinese version of this book when I was very young, perhaps about 10? I can't remember how many times I've read this book under my blanket with a flashlight. The book disappeared as I moved to the US when I was 14 until I found the English copy a few years ago. Then I found out the movie "I remember Mama" was made based on this book in 1948. And surprisingly, during one Christmas holiday, it was featured on TV.
It is hard to discribe with my words of the warmth of this little book. Every charpter is very short and easy to read but has lots of meaning and depth. Every time I read this book, I think of my own mother, who gave me everything I ever needed, tangible or intangible. Today I am a mother myself, and I hope someday, my children will remember me in a way Kathryn Forbes remembered her Mama.
P.S. Here's a really good study guide for this book.
留言列表
